How did festus die on gunsmoke

Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin fromdied in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. They said the cause of death was unknown. Curtis, whose real name was Curtis Gates, was born in Lamar, Colo. He was the son of a sheriff and worked on a jail farm as a boy.

Ken Curtis born Curtis Wain Gates ; [1] July 2, — April 28, [2] was an American actor and singer best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the western television series Gunsmoke. His first appearance as Festus was in season 8, episode 13, "Us Haggens", which debuted December 8, Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer", season 9 episode 16, which debuted January 18, This episode feautures the same title as a episode S13E In , the family moved to Las Animas , the county seat of Bent County, so that his father, Dan Sullivan Gates, could run for sheriff. The campaign was successful, and Gates served from to as Bent County sheriff. Curtis was the quarterback of his Bent County High School football team and played clarinet in the school band.

How did festus die on gunsmoke

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American actor and singer — This television show helped generate interest in sport parachuting.

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Television series frequently undergo casting changes, as evidenced by Gunsmoke. Many viewers were familiar with Chester, a character featured in Gunsmoke from its beginning until A humorous yet loyal sidekick to Marshal Dillon, Chester provided much-needed comic relief while aiding law and order in Dodge City. Unfortunately in , Dennis Weaver decided to depart Gunsmoke to pursue other acting opportunities, leaving an empty spot behind him on screen — leading producers to scramble to cast Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen for Marshal Dillon as soon as they possibly could. But what exactly was behind his replacement and how has Festus contributed to its continued success? Dennis Weaver left Gunsmoke in due to a desire for personal reasons: to broaden his acting portfolio. It marked an end of an era, as Chester had become a beloved character among viewers of Gunsmoke. A casting search began for a new deputy Sheriff; Ken Curtis known for playing Festus Haggen on the predecessor show The Searchers , who was ultimately selected. Noting both actors brought unique traits and charm to their roles is key; Chester was particularly endearing as audiences took delight in his loyal, yet comical antics; Festus provided depth by adding both grit and humor, adding new storylines while keeping viewer interest intact. Festus was introduced into Gunsmoke without much difficulty; adjusting to an already established ensemble and fan base as well as finding an equilibrium of humor and drama was no simple task, however, Ken Curtis used his years of Western entertainment experience along with his impressive acting talents to successfully transition and find that balance, creating a character who resonated with audiences across America.

How did festus die on gunsmoke

Why did Festus leave Gunsmoke? If you are a fan of this Western Television series, continue reading to know the truth. Only a handful of television shows can boast of lasting for 20 seasons, and shockingly, Gunsmoke can! The American Western series had 20 seasons, with episodes aired in 20 years. Gunsmoke was a popular and successful show, going from a minute run on television to an hour. Characters came, stayed, and left. However, some characters made more impressions than others. Festus was one of those unforgettable characters. Festus was a character on Gunsmoke until when the network ended the show. He made his first appearance in the eighth season of the show and stayed on for eleven years.

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Contents move to sidebar hide. Ken Curtis born Curtis Wain Gates ; [1] July 2, — April 28, [2] was an American actor and singer best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the western television series Gunsmoke. Oxford University Press. Retired Smith High principal lands new role with Philadelphia school district Heated seats. Curtis, whose real name was Curtis Gates, was born in Lamar, Colo. Deseret News. Lorraine Page. A decade later, he returned to television in the short-lived Western series The Yellow Rose , in which he performed most of his scenes with Noah Beery, Jr. He was a singer in the movie's fictional band The Regimental Singers that actually consisted of the Sons of the Pioneers ; Curtis is not listed as a member of the principal cast. Barbara Ford. Related to this story. The John Ford Encyclopedia. He made his Hollywood debut in as a singer with swing bands.

Ken Curtis born July 2, — died April 28, ; aged 74 was the actor who played Festus Haggen in seasons of Gunsmoke.

The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Curtis remains best known for his role as Festus Haggen, the scruffy, cantankerous, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke. Curtis died on April 28, , in his sleep of a heart attack in Fresno, California. He was a singer in the movie's fictional band The Regimental Singers that actually consisted of the Sons of the Pioneers ; Curtis is not listed as a member of the principal cast. He made his Hollywood debut in as a singer with swing bands. Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer", season 9 episode 16, which debuted January 18, They were married until his death in and he had two step-children. Curtis then joined Shep Fields and His New Music, an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section. November 13, This section does not cite any sources. Tags Obituaries Obits Deaths. They said the cause of death was unknown. Curtis as Festus Haggen Sign in. Columbia Pictures signed Curtis to a contract in