Ken Curtis was an American actor who is best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the television series Gunsmoke, as well as his appearances in films like The Searchers and The Alamo. He was born on July 2, 1916, in Lamar, Colorado, and passed away on April 28, 1991, in Fresno, California.
Personal and Family Life
Ken Curtis was born Curtis Wain Gates in a small town called Las Animas, Colorado. His father was the town sheriff, giving him a unique upbringing. He was married twice: first to Barbara Ford from 1952 to 1964, and then to Torrie Ahern Connelly from 1966 until his death in 1991. Curtis did not have any children.
Career
Before becoming famous for his role on Gunsmoke, Ken Curtis was a singer in the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra during the big-band era. He began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing in low-budget Western films. After transitioning to television, he gained widespread recognition for playing the scruffy deputy Festus Hagen on Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years.
Death and Legacy
Ken Curtis died in his sleep from a heart attack on April 28, 1991, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy as a beloved television star known for his distinctive hillbilly accent and high-pitched voice. Curtis’s portrayal of Festus is still fondly remembered by fans of classic Westerns.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Searchers | 1956-05-16 | Charlie McCorry |
| The Alamo | 1960-10-23 | Capt. Almeron Dickinson |
| Robin Hood | 1973-11-08 | Nutsy – A Vulture (voice) |
| Cheyenne Autumn | 1964-10-15 | Joe |
| The Killer Shrews | 1959-06-25 | Jerry Farrell |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Festus |
| Conagher | 1991-07-01 | Seaborn Tay, Cattle Rancher |
| Airwolf | 1984-01-22 | Cecil Carnes Sr. |
| Have Gun, Will Travel | 1957-09-14 | Various |
| The Young Land | 1959-05-01 | Lee Hearn |