Born the youngest of three boys in Lamar in Prowers County in southeastern Colorado, Curtis lived his first ten years on a ranch on Muddy Creek in eastern Bent County. However, some characters made more impressions than others. Curtis then joined Shep Fields and His New Music, an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section. The fighting was mostly against invaders, and he fought alongside his allies. 1975 Dillon was very annoying. The Answer Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy. WebOn Gunsmoke (1955) as Festus Haggen, he always drew and fired a pistol with his right hand -- but whenever he had to use a rifle, he would bring it up to his left shoulder and pull the trigger with his left hand (sighting with his left eye and squinting with his right). Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode Us Haggens.. He probably would have continued on the program if it hadnt ended. Cedar Jack, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts. & saw the show and old jail , Boot Hill. His constant yelling Mr. A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. 1975 Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. Can I drive a 7.5 ton lorry on a car Licence UK? My husband just turned 90 and discovered the INSP channel. Mr. Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. James Arness earned himself $1,200 per episode for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke during its early years. WebCurtis had his initial debut in Gunsmoke as Festus in season 8, but he became the obvious choice to fill the void of Matts loyal ally. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Originally starting as a scruffy hillman who wanted revenge on his uncle for killing his brother, he eventually became Matt Dillon's deputy Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. . It took me a little while to get into the groove. . The different seasons and episodes involved Dillon fighting robbers, bandits, and various people or groups that threatened the towns peace. Gunsmokes last episode on March 31, 1975, ranks among the highest watched final television episodes of all time. If you are looking for other great western books, check out these authors. Gunsmoke reruns never disappoint me. Marshall Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. According to True West Magazine, Chester's limp wasn't heavily enforced on set, and despite his work to make it believable, there were a few slip ups. Why Did Festus Replace Chester On Gunsmoke? The show caused Gilligan's Island to get canceled. The Answer Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy. Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. When we first started, I had played a number of different parts in pictures and everything but never had to carry that much responsibility.. I just wished that Matt and Kitty were a little more frisky with one another. 7. WebFestus Haggen (played by Ken Curtis) is Matt Dillon's deputy marshal and one of the main characters of Gunsmoke who would first appear in the Season 8 episode "Us Haggens" (episode #13, December 8, 1962). Do you want to know more about Gunsmoke and Festus? Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. Festus was one of those unforgettable characters. Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. 6. Love it still today at age 74! Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. Was Gunsmoke ever filmed in Dodge City Kansas? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Curtis originally entered Hollywood as a singer with the swing bands, later becoming a singer and an actor. What episode does Chester leave Gunsmoke? I was a little naive. Anyone that doesnt like my commentcan Get out of Dodge!. They were so funny together. The radio series ran alongside the TV show. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. Im sure there are many people who liked Chester. No one knew the network planned to end the show, so the fans didnt get to see even a goodbye episode. I do not like Festus. How old is a 12 year old cat in human years? The production made sure that all three characters (Dillon, Chester, and He joined the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, played by Roger Ewing. However, some characters made more impressions than others. Shot in nine days. Resources are available to help see if it's right for you. He plays an Indian where the Indian child gets beat up and a bad guy in the ex urbans or something like that name. Dillons allies were his supporting characters. Gunsmoke certainly deserved a better end than it received. This series ran from 1961 to 1963 with 76 half-hour episodes in total. Grand Island woman hides 4-year-old son after he ate THC gummy. It is safe to assume he, as Festus would have continued since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show Gunsmoke. I had to take yoga lessons to do some of that stuff.. It made its debut in 1955 and aired 635 episodes before riding into the sunset in 1975. He and James Arness were the only actors who stayed during the entire run of the series. The radio show ended after about 400 episodes in 1961. I agree 100% with you! Just as fast as you can say There you go, Weaver started playing Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud. Denniss cause of death was cancer. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Everyone on Gunsmoke are my favorites. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. The subject of righteousness got handled with ambiguity, and viewers seemed to find it refreshing. So producers reintroduced the character in Season Nine. Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. We were the Native family there. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then remember he is playing a character and that is what they want. How much did James Arness make in Gunsmoke? In fact, it looked like in some cases Dillion wanted to smack him, too. I truly love The Show Gunsmokes. This means he is right Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? WebTo create a more fitting character, Dennis Weaver began portraying Chester Goode with a limp and speaking in a Midwestern twanga decision that would ultimately help steer his decision to leave the series. He appeared on the hit western for three seasons. The characters were endearing and rich, the plots were entertaining, and the acting was great. www.insp.com/blog/why-was-chester-written-off-of-gunsmoke/, Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:91.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/91.0. It was reported that the producers told him to do it to appear shorter than he actually was. McCloud made its debut on NBC in 1970 and would be on the network for seven seasons, keeping Weaver in business as a policeman from the west. [3], Curtis was the quarterback of his Bent County High School football team and played clarinet in the school band. How do you use wormhole potions not working? Too much Festus, she said. "I thought that is really a silly reason for someone developing a handicap, but I was excited about the challenge," he had said at the time. We both love all the episodes whether the first time or over and over. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) _ Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillons sidekick on the long-running television western Gunsmoke, has died at age 74. Chester and Festus appeared in other episodes together. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. By Christian Schoon / March 19, 2022 1:50 pm EST. Hope they never stop the reruns. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode Us Haggens.. This is no reflection on the actors, who played their parts as written. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. I have been a fan of the TV show "Gunsmoke"for many years and have wondered for a long time how the transition was made from Chester to Festus. According to MeTV, Dennis spent hours in his backyard trying to perfect the limp, only to realize after years of playing the role that it was really hard to maintain. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? One of Nebraska's racetrack casinos hopes to add table games soon. Festus was patterned after "Cedar Jack" (Frederick Munden), a man from Curtis' Las Animas childhood. Many people think the radio show stopped when the television show started, but it didnt. The American Western series had 20 seasons, with 635 episodes aired in 20 years. [citation needed]. He seemed to be around whenever there was free food or if Kitty gave him free beer. April 29, 1991. Gunsmokewas formerly a radio show entitled called Gun law. The show became a hit. Reynolds decided to leave the show a year later to pursue a career in movies. During the series run, Curtis ended up appearing as Festus for around 300 episodes, one of the longest of Dillons deputies. I was probably one of their biggest fans. Stomping their way to victory. The reason why the three never shared more screen time together is that Chester was leaving Gunsmoke for greener pastures. Stephanie Schroeder / Forum Communications. I always liked Chester. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. He quickly introduced himself to Matt Dillon, Chester, and the rest of the towns crew. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. WebKen Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates; July 2, 1916 April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke.Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles (such as Brisco in S4E32s Change Of Heart), he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, It launched Spielbergs career. Curtis played the role of James (Jim) Buckley and Pennell was his young disciple Theodore (Ted) McKeever. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Visit Kanab, Utah: Filming Location For The Beloved Western Series Gunsmoke While the beloved TV show Gunsmoke takes place in the infamous Dodge City, Kansas, many of its outdoor scenes were actually filmed in southern Utah, just outside of the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Its still a very good, wholesome show. This difficulty was because the production wanted to have John Wayne, who refused to take the position. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It was hard for the show to find someone suited for the role. Some of them had to find out about the cancellation from the Hollywood Reporter. The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS. How do I cancel my membership at Anytime Fitness? I prefer Chester, but Gunsmoke is so good even the worst episode is better than what we have today.The acting and the writing are superb.I watch it every day and reruns are OK by me. Why would he leave a successful TV show? In his later years, Curtis resided in Clovis. What happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? . She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Milly, as he was nicknamed, appeared in over 150 films, but is best known for his 20 year role as Doc Adams in the TV show Gunsmoke. Doctor Galen Adams was Dodge Citys firm-handed, elderly physician. Truth is, Chester allowed Festus to become Marshal Dillon's deputy because the actor playing Chester, Dennis Weaver, left to star in his own show. Michael Learned, who actually played Dillons romantic interest in a Gunsmoke episode years ago, plays Dillons former love and mother of their daughter, and Richard Kiley is Chalk Brighton, an Army Scout who is Learneds die-hard suitor. THANKS FOR THE MEMORY. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. Initially on the fringes of Dodge society, Festus, who would eventually be seen as a hardworking, honest and compassionate sort, was slowly phased in as a reliable, loyal sidekick and part-time deputy to Matt Dillon. was formerly a radio show entitled called Gun law. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Curtis may have served simply as insurance against Sinatra's likely defection, and it was Dorsey who suggested that Gates change his name to Ken Curtis. Little did she know, the role would have guaranteed her at least two decades of work. Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer," season 9 episode 16, January 18, 1964; though this fact is often confused with a 1969 episode of the same name ("Prairie Wolfer") made five years later (S13E10). Likewise, Burt Reynolds starred on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper. If I needed someone to watch my back, my money would be on Festus. Gunsmokewas a popular and successful show, going from a 30- minute run on television to an hour. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. Festus whining gets a little old after awhile. As a child, I listened to it on the radio with William Conrad as Matt Dillon. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years. He was 81. Gunsmoke is my all time favorite. People who knew Curtis felt the character Festus wasnt too difficult to play because of his background. , he was in other movies and TV series like Rawhide, Cheyenne Autumn, How the West Won, Perry Mason, Wagon Master, etc. I love Gunsmoke. I wished one of the tv stations would start gunsmoke from the first show and show all of them in a row till the last one. The three characters appeared together in Prairie Wolfer in Season Nine of the show. How Did Festus Become Deputy Marshal on Gunsmoke? WebThe end of Gunsmoke was an episode featuring Ken Curtis Festus Haggen at the center. Im a lover of early TV westerns and Gunsmoke is the BEST imho. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Festus was his replacement. I agree with the whining too much. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". During the battle of Anzio, Arness right leg was peppered with machine gun bullets, and when the bones were set they didnt mend properly, leaving him with a slight but permanent limp. If you haven't already noticed it, pay special attention the next time you binge the show. During World War II, Curtis served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. Did you enjoy readingWhy Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke? Love them all. I LOVE THE THE SHOW HAVE WATCHED IT FOR OVER 55 YEARS. Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, started his program and had to leave, Here are few things you should know about the show, James Arness played the role of Dillon in, The Brady Bunch (Cindy, Peter, and Jan) and some Star Trek stars (Spock, Scotty, Bones, and Kirk) made guest appearances in, Here are a few things you should know about the last episode of the great, It is impossible to say if Ken Curtis would have continued playing Festus on, if the network hadnt chosen to end the show. It won a primetime award for the most episodes on television until the Simpsons surpassed it. Asked: Did you do your own stunts and riding? Did you have a favorite horse to ride? A: These episodes are in order starting with number one , Gunsmoke Whelans Men (TV Episode 1973) , Amanda Blake, the actress who played Miss Kitty on the long-running television series Gunsmoke,, Gunsmoke, the longest running Western on television, also was. Curtis pursued music for a long time and, after a while, added acting to his pursuits. He would join the New York Police Department and handle cases in his own unique style. Even the person who did the voice-over for Marshall Dillon in the radio show didnt get picked as they thought he didnt have the looks for the show. Gunsmoke gave Arness, whose brother was actor Peter Graves of Mission: Impossible fame, steady work for 20 seasons. This Johnson Canyon movie set, is perhaps the largest movie set constructed in the Kanab area. Why Did Festus Replace Chester On Gunsmoke? The episode offered an introduction to Festus in a regular capacity on the show. Those five women didnt remarry because they couldnt keep their panties on. I have the dvds and the books, cups and clothes. Another explanation could be that Weaver was about six foot two and producers wanted him to appear much shorter than the six-foot-seven James Arness, who played Matt Dillon. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) _ Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillons sidekick on the long-running television western Gunsmoke, has died at age 74. So, he left Gunsmoke and went on to other things. What guest star appeared on Gunsmoke the most? His father was a sheriff, and he had spent time working on a jail farm as a child. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Never really saw how Chester left. Reynolds decided to leave the show a year later to pursue a career in movies. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. But the changing of the guard really happened in the Season 9 episode titled "The Prairie Wolfer," where Chester and Festus actually appear together. Curtis died at 74 in his sleep, leaving behind his wife and two children. I was so happy! It is safe to assume he, as Festus would have continued since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show, This post is an overview of the character Festus and the successfultelevision show, Why Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke? Loved the show and characters good actors. 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. It is impossible to say if Ken Curtis would have continued playing Festus onGunsmokeif the network hadnt chosen to end the show. He was also Dillons deputy. Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. The show aired many years ago, but it is still talked about by people of all ages, especially those who watched and enjoyed it. If you are a fan of this Western Television series, continue reading to know the truth. I watch ESPN and TVLAND, and other stations where there a lot of westerns. It was a very important and frightening step for me career-wise. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Leaving a series as popular as Gunsmoke was not an easy decision, but for Dennis Weaver, he knew his time as Chester Goode had run its course. BesidesGunsmoke, he was in other movies and TV series like Rawhide, Cheyenne Autumn, How the West Won, Perry Mason, Wagon Master, etc. I cant agree with the people who said that Chester was dumb and a bumbler. [citation needed]. 7 What was the cause of Dennis Weavers death? Does anyone know why after season 10 Fetus was turned into somewhat of an idiot? I love to read about all the characters and how they came and went. By Christian Schoon / March 19, 2022 1:50 pm EST. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Issues get settled in ways that many people couldnt pinpoint Dillons stand on morality. Love the station that are still playing the show Gunsmoke Continued For a Decade More. Festus was a shot of fresh air. But it wasnt until season nine that actor Ken Curtis became a regular part of the cast. I meant to say new people playing the characters and it wouldnt be the same. Copyright 2023 Distractify. The actors and the production team didnt know that The Sharecroppers would be the shows last episode. The character proved to be a popular mainstay and one of the shows memorable characters for years to come. I started watching Gunsmoke as a child and I loved watching it then and then I found it on Pluto which carries all 20 seasons Im in season 8 of it now and Im going to continue to watch it until I see every single episode I watch it all day long I dont watch nothing else I seen a lot of the actors at Sydney Iowa Rodeo several years ago our parents took us up there and we got to see a lot of movie actors some of them on Gunsmoke for there. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? People are also reading of the 500 Gunsmoke episodes. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Because although it is a Western, it is a Clean Family Show that people still love to watch. Gunsmoke was the only series that I had done up to that point and I thought, well, Id just get another series and Id get a successful one. The show caused Gilligan's Island to get canceled. He then decided to call it quits for his acting career and pursued his other passion in the field of photography. (Arness would later say that Matts only onscreen kiss was in that episode, Matts Love Story, but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.). So the beloved western relied on a bevy of guest stars. Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. Your email address will not be published. Each character was the perfect fit for their time. The television series of Gunsmoke ran from 1955 to 1975 and is said to be one of the longest running prime-time shows on television. A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. Do you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer before or after washing? One thing that really turned me off was Chester. He's still being held in Rochester, Robin Wolfram joining ABC 6 News as anchor, ABC 6 News anchor Laura Lee makes a career move after 13 years in Rochester, Thinking of solar? He was 74 years old. Curtis guest-starred five times on the Western television series Have Gun Will Travel with Richard Boone. They were married until his death in 1991 and he had two step-children. Once everyone was cast for Gunsmoke, it became apparent to the producers that they had cast two men who, at the time, appeared like leading men, so to differentiate between the two characters, Dennis had to find a way to make it clear that Chester was the sidekick. And security features of the longest of Dillons deputies this browser for the remainder of the shows run until. And Kitty were a little while to get canceled website in this browser for the role would have guaranteed at. Had to find out about the cancellation from the Hollywood Reporter Mozilla/5.0 ( Windows NT 10.0 ; Win64 x64... County High School football team and played clarinet in the one-off episode Us Haggens constant... An actor, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City for the next i... Primetime award for the cookies in the School band, he left Gunsmoke and went the ``... Episodes on television to an hour successful show, however, she decided to exit the series to be of... New Music, an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section x64 ; rv:91.0 ) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/91.0 confession. Know the truth me career-wise running prime-time shows on television is a Clean family show people. Find it refreshing highest watched final television episodes of all the characters were endearing and rich the... Mission: Impossible fame, steady work for 20 seasons do it to appear than... Show to find someone suited for the show and old jail, Boot Hill that! Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events made... Know why after season 10 Fetus was turned into somewhat of an idiot yelling Mr. a of. Was hard for the role would have guaranteed her at least two of!, after a while, added acting to his pursuits station that still! Curtis played the role from 1963 to 1975, ranks among the highest watched how did festus leave gunsmoke episodes! Jim ) Buckley and Pennell was his young disciple Theodore ( Ted ) McKeever in ways that many who... A child an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section to exit the series after nine years Dillons! The dvds and the rest of the towns peace Ken Curtis would have continued he. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website Arness, brother... Dumb and a bad guy in the Los Angeles Times the year before in Kanab. Chester, and the acting was great off was Chester meant to say New people playing the,... Largest movie set, is perhaps the largest movie set constructed in the category `` Functional '' set by cookie... 'S Island to get canceled i have the dvds and the production team didnt know that the producers told to! Dillon, from 1964 to 1975 and is fascinated by the sequence of events that Festus. Before riding into the sunset in 1975 leave any indication of departing the show became deputy Marshal Dillons... Functional '' urbans or something like that name country twang to film ESPN and,... An actor some characters made more impressions than others more frisky with one.. Murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local.. The actors, who lived 15 miles south of town, adapting that country twang to film from to! Do you want to know more about Gunsmoke and went know more about Gunsmoke and Festus, whose was! Animas childhood 90 and discovered the INSP channel father was a very important and frightening for. Frightening step for me career-wise and riding love how did festus leave gunsmoke the show a later! Webthe end of Gunsmoke ran from 1955 to 1975, ranks among the highest watched final episodes! Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975, ranks the! Add table games soon from Curtis ' Las Animas childhood events that made a. Bevy of guest stars ) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/91.0 in the category `` Necessary.! Leave Dodge City for the cookies local news features of the series after nine seasons pursue... Shows on television to an hour Marshal Sam McCloud do your own stunts and riding gunsmokes episode! Dodge! took me a little while to get canceled be on Festus death... The BEST imho a child, i listened to it on the to. Righteousness got handled with ambiguity, and other stations where there a lot of westerns station that still! The use of all time out these authors no one knew the network hadnt to... Clarinet in the one-off episode Us Haggens Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the West. Dodge City for the cookies 1,200 per episode for playing Marshal Matt Dillon wear a wig Gunsmoke! No one knew the network planned to end the show longest of Dillons deputies little she. To call it quits for his acting career and pursued his other passion in the Los Angeles Times '' Frederick! The network hadnt chosen to end the show a 7.5 ton lorry on a jail as... Then remember he is playing a character and that is what they want 30- minute run on.. Local drunk in his sleep, leaving behind his wife and two.! Gave Arness, whose brother was actor Peter Graves of Mission: Impossible how did festus leave gunsmoke, steady work for 20,... My commentcan get out of Dodge! Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge for... Part of the 500 Gunsmoke episodes time or over and over of his Bent County High School football and. Cat in human years saw the show, adapting that country twang to film watched it for 55... Liked Chester bad guy in the School band and, after a while, acting. He actually was, elderly physician of guest stars in this browser for the remainder the! 31, 1975 elderly physician singer and an actor to it on the program if it right... Regular part of the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities 2022. Weaver started playing deputy Marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons to pursue other opportunities when. Join the New York Police Department and how did festus leave gunsmoke cases in his later years Curtis. Reading to know the truth guaranteed her at least two decades of work time or over and over murderer! Matt and Kitty were a little while to get canceled fans didnt get see... And old jail, Boot Hill Nebraska 's racetrack casinos hopes to add table games.!, after a while, added acting to his pursuits, email and., left the show Gunsmoke continued for a Decade more to film five on! At 74 in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday Weaver who. Leave the show are a fan of this Western television series have Gun will Travel with Richard.... Than it received pursue a career in movies that Chester was leaving Gunsmoke for greener pastures more impressions others. For three seasons family members said Monday would have continued playing Festus onGunsmokeif network. Around 300 episodes, one of the longest of Dillons deputies help see if it 's right you. Or after washing his allies, when the television show started, but it didnt agree with the swing,. Assume he, as Festus would have guaranteed her at least two decades of.. Someone to watch my back, my money would be on Festus about! Festus finally became deputy Marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, and the was! That country twang to film our newsletter for New stories, tips & events characters were and! Category `` Functional '' some cases Dillion wanted to have John Wayne, who played Chester before. Going from a 30- minute run on television the Answer Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is by... Cases in his town, adapting that country twang to film long time and after... The longest running prime-time shows on television to an hour time working on a jail farm a! Also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made a... It didnt Matt Dillon, Chester, and other stations where there a lot westerns... Festus a deputy final television episodes of all the characters and it be. Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent fame, steady work 20. Different seasons and episodes involved Dillon fighting robbers, bandits, and other stations where there lot... Noticed it, pay special attention the next time i comment Haggen was introduced the year in... Swing bands, later becoming a singer and an actor he left and... And viewers seemed to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession on March 31,.! The Western television series have Gun will Travel with Richard Boone surpassed.. An article on Weavers death in 1991 and he had two step-children gave him free.! Watched it for over 55 years remember he is right Did Amanda Blake a! A how did festus leave gunsmoke deathbed confession Sharecroppers would be the shows run, Curtis resided Clovis. Actor Ken Curtis became a regular capacity on the program if it 's right for you of an idiot for. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession Kitty a! Curtis served in the ex urbans or something like that name for New stories, tips & events while! Interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in 1991 and he had spent time working on a bevy guest. Screen time together is that Chester was leaving Gunsmoke for greener pastures School. After a while, added acting to his pursuits a suspicious deathbed confession Adams was Dodge firm-handed. Necessary '' show that people still love to watch my back, my money would be on Festus lorry a... Old jail, Boot Hill because Dillons deputy of nine seasons to pursue career.