How did Festus die on Gunsmoke?

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. He was 74 years old. His death was attributed to natural causes, said A. C. Lyle, a producer at Paramount Studios. Mr.

How did Festus exit Gunsmoke?

Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the show’s run, until it was canceled in 1975.

Did Festus get killed on Gunsmoke?

Curtis died on April 28, 1991, in his sleep of a heart attack in Fresno, California. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Colorado flatlands.

Why did Festus replace Chester on Gunsmoke?

For several seasons Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode) had been unhappy with his role in Gunsmoke. … The Chester character was a bit of a phenomenon back in the 50s and Weaver decided he was meant for starring roles. Festus was his replacement. The merits of each character/actor can be debated forever, both were great.

How was Chester written off of Gunsmoke?

Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. His last episode, titled “Bently,” saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. … Dennis Weaver dressed as his character from ‘McCloud. ‘

What was wrong with Festus eye on Gunsmoke?

Often, Festus would squint with the right eye partially closed as well. This means he is right handed but left eye dominant. … Refused an offer to appear as Festus Haggen in the movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), which reunited James Arness, Amanda Blake, Buck Taylor and Fran Ryan from the original series.

Did Festus ever get married on Gunsmoke?

Was Festus ever married? They were married until his death in 1991 and he had two step-children. Festus was the character name of the 2nd official deputy on the CBS series called Gunsmoke.

What was the name of Festus mule on Gunsmoke?

Festus rode a long-eared mule named “Ruth.” “I watched that show a lot and always thought it would be so much fun to have my own mule,” said Marilyn Stromberg.

Did they drink real beer on Gunsmoke?

The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association.

Did Marshall Dillon ever kiss Kitty?

A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. … (Arness would later say that Matt’s only onscreen kiss was in that episode, “Matt’s Love Story,” but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.)

Where is Dodge City in Gunsmoke?

The setting of Gunsmoke is Dodge City, Kansas during the 1870’s. A replica of the Hollywood set was created just three miles outside of Kanab. This Johnson Canyon movie set, is perhaps the largest movie set constructed in the Kanab area.

What is Festus worth?

Who was the mother of Matt Dillon’s daughter?

Michael Learned, who actually played Dillon’s romantic interest in a “Gunsmoke” episode years ago, plays Dillon’s former love and mother of their daughter, and Richard Kiley is Chalk Brighton, an Army Scout who is Learned’s die-hard suitor.

Did Festus walk with a limp?

The limp is never explained, Chester does, however, mention serving in the army, so I always figured it was probably a war wound. The fact he got into the army suggests the limp came afterwards. … Dennis Weaver left the series in the middle of the ninth season, having appeared in 290 episodes.

Are any of the Gunsmoke cast still alive?

Are they still alive? Sadly, no. James Arness, who played the towering and taciturn Marshal Matt Dillon for all 20 seasons of “Gunsmoke,” died in 2011. … Indeed, the only surviving regular cast member of “Gunsmoke” is Buck Taylor, who played yet another Dillon sidekick, Newly O’Brien.

Was Milburn Stone married?

Are they still alive? Sadly, no. James Arness, who played the towering and taciturn Marshal Matt Dillon for all 20 seasons of “Gunsmoke,” died in 2011. … Indeed, the only surviving regular cast member of “Gunsmoke” is Buck Taylor, who played yet another Dillon sidekick, Newly O’Brien.

How did Festus join Gunsmoke?

In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode “Us Haggens.” But it wasn’t until season nine that actor Ken Curtis became a regular part of the cast.

Is Festus alive?

In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode “Us Haggens.” But it wasn’t until season nine that actor Ken Curtis became a regular part of the cast.

Who did James Arness marry in real life?

In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode “Us Haggens.” But it wasn’t until season nine that actor Ken Curtis became a regular part of the cast.

Where is Curtis buried?

Why was Festus mule named Ruth?

Here’s why: As a mule skinner in the Confederate Army, he took a mule named Ruth on a dangerous mission. When the mule died, Festus made a solemn promise that henceforth all of his mules would be named Ruth.

Was Festus mule male or female?

Famous Americans who have ridden mules include Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill Cody, Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan and Ken Curtis in his character as Festus on the television show Gunsmoke. That mule, named Ruth, was actually a male. Mules have served in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

What was Festus Hagen’s real name?

Ken Curtis (1916-1991) – Find A Grave Memorial

Actor. Best known for his long-running role as Festus, the cantankerous deputy in the long-running TV series Gunsmoke. Born Curtis Wane Gates in Lamar, Colorado to Dan Gates and Millie Sneed Gates. His father was Sheriff of Las Animas, Colorado.

How many times was James Arness shot in Gunsmoke?

Answer: According to several “Gunsmoke” references online, Matt Dillon — the marshal that James Arness played — was shot more than 50 times during the series’ 20-year episodic run and its reunion movies. (I am including only TV shootings, not ones from the radio version, where William Conrad gave voice to Dillon.)

How did they keep beer cold in the 1800s?

Patrons had to knock back the brew in a hurry, before it got too warm or flat. … Before then, brewers cut ice from frozen rivers in the winter and stored it underground during the summer to keep the brew cool.

How many times was Matt Dillon shot in the TV series Gunsmoke?

In 2013, Marshall Trimble, the board president of the Arizona Historical Society and vice president of the Wild West History Association, documented that Matt Dillon’s TV character was shot at least 56 times, knocked unconscious 29 times, stabbed three times, and poisoned once.

Why was Festus not in Return to Dodge?

According to reports, Ken Curtis held out for too much money and subsequently did not reprise his role as Festus, what remains of his part is filled in by character actor Mickey Jones as Oakum. Too bad, it would have been great to see him don the spurs one more time.

When did Matt Dillon have a daughter?

Years later, this little tryst gained more significance when Marshal Dillon found out he had a daughter in the 1990 TV movie Gunsmoke: The Last Apache. Any Gunsmoke fan knows that Matt and Kitty were clearly in love — it was just never explicitly shown.

Who was the fastest gun on Gunsmoke?

Mannon, arguably the fastest gun in the West, terrorizes Dodge City while he waits for Matt Dillon to return.

Who owns the rights to Gunsmoke?

Premium movie outlet Encore has acquired the rights to air several classic Western series from CBS TV Distribution, including “Gunsmoke” and “Rawhide.” Premium movie outlet Encore has acquired the rights to air several classic Western series from CBS TV Distribution, including “Gunsmoke” and “Rawhide.”

Where does Matt Dillon live on Gunsmoke?

Its cast included James Arness as Matt Dillon, Ken Curtis as Festus, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty, and Milburn Stone as Doc. The beloved characters of the show lived in Dodge City, Kansas, but many scenes from the show were actually filmed just three miles from Kanab, Utah.

What is Doc from Gunsmoke worth?

Jul 30, 2017 – Cast of Gunsmoke at Milburn Stone (Doc) funeral. Milburn Stone Net Worth is $1.3 Million Mini Biography. Stone left New York and got together with Jay Strain. [1] There, he graduated from Burrton High School, where he was active in the drama club, played basketball, and sang in a barbershop quartet.

How old was Milburn Stone?

Jul 30, 2017 – Cast of Gunsmoke at Milburn Stone (Doc) funeral. Milburn Stone Net Worth is $1.3 Million Mini Biography. Stone left New York and got together with Jay Strain. [1] There, he graduated from Burrton High School, where he was active in the drama club, played basketball, and sang in a barbershop quartet.

Did Peter Graves and James Arness get along?

Although they were both very active in movies and television at the same time, they never acted together.

Was there a real Matt Dillon?

The character Marshall Matt Dillon was modeled after the real lawmen such as Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) who tamed Dodge City. … Gunsmoke includes the talented actors of Howard McNear (Doc), Parley Baer (Chester) Georgia Ellis (Kitty) along with Dillon who makes up the cast of four main characters.

How did Chester’s leg get stiff?

Chester Goode supposedly got that wound during the Civil War. Weaver sometimes forgot to limp, and he sometimes limped on the wrong leg. … We’ll have to keep an eye out for that next time we watch Gunsmoke.

Was Chester ever a deputy Gunsmoke?

Festus was given the job of deputy, to make him different from Weaver’s character of Chester Goode (who was never a Deputy).

Who was first Chester or Festus?

Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years.

How much did James Arness make per episode on Gunsmoke?

During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. As the seasons went on, and the show became more popular, the actor renegotiated his contract. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness’ new contract reflected that.

Is Milburn Stone still alive?

During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. As the seasons went on, and the show became more popular, the actor renegotiated his contract. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness’ new contract reflected that.

Was Milburn Stone a singer?

‘Gunsmoke’ Singing Trio

According to IMDb, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone, and Amanda Blake formed a singing trio in 1958. The three went on to perform at the Albuquerque Arena during the New Mexico State Fair. … While they weren’t playing Miss Kitty, Doc, and Chester, the three had some other attention-worthy talents.

What happened to Milburn Stone on Gunsmoke?

No, Milburn, unfortunately, passed away 40 years ago. Despite getting the bypass surgery in 1971 (the time when he had to exit Gunsmoke for a bit), nine years later in 1980, he died of a heart attack at age 75. His death came just five years after Gunsmoke ended.

How tall is Milburn?

No, Milburn, unfortunately, passed away 40 years ago. Despite getting the bypass surgery in 1971 (the time when he had to exit Gunsmoke for a bit), nine years later in 1980, he died of a heart attack at age 75. His death came just five years after Gunsmoke ended.

What does the G stand for in Doc Adams of Gunsmoke?

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 City’s firm-handed, elderly physician.

Did James Arness and Dennis Weaver get along?

Weaver and actor James Arness were close friends since their 1955 screen test for “Gunsmoke.”

Is Festus dead on Gunsmoke?

Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillon’s sidekick on the long-running television western “Gunsmoke,’ has died at age 74. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday.

Why does Chester on Gunsmoke limp?

Dennis Weaver came up with Chester’s limp

He was told to distinguish his character from Dillon, so he decided that a limp would be a unique character trait to make Chester stand out.

What happened Jenny Arness?

daughter, Jenny, took her own life in May 1975 with an overdose of sleeping pills.

Is Virginia Arness related to James Arness?

Virginia Arness, wife of James Arness, made her final acting appearance on Perry Mason.

Did James Arness have a daughter?

Virginia Arness, wife of James Arness, made her final acting appearance on Perry Mason.

Did Festus on Gunsmoke have a glass eye?

Often, Festus would squint with the right eye partially closed as well. This means he is right handed but left eye dominant. … Refused an offer to appear as Festus Haggen in the movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), which reunited James Arness, Amanda Blake, Buck Taylor and Fran Ryan from the original series.

Did Curtis leave Gunsmoke?

He had been on the show since the beginning. But he decided to leave during Season Nine. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. Curtis had played various roles in “Gunsmoke” before.

Who was Ken Curtis brother?

He had been on the show since the beginning. But he decided to leave during Season Nine. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. Curtis had played various roles in “Gunsmoke” before.

What kind of horse did Festus ride?

Ode to a Mule

Ever wonder why Festus rode a john mule and “he” was named “Ruth” in Gunsmoke? Here Ken Curtis tells the story in Festus’ own words.

What was Festus last name?

What did Festus call his mule?

Ever wonder why Festus rode a john mule and “he” was named “Ruth” in Gunsmoke? Here Ken Curtis tells the story in Festus’ own words. The majority of photos u… I loved the size and shape of this mule.

Did Festus on Gunsmoke have a girlfriend?

Elizabeth MacRae was perfectly suited for the part. … MacRae had experience playing a main squeeze with a twang. Over the span of a few seasons, in a handful of episodes, she had portrayed April, the girlfriend of Festus on Gunsmoke. It’s hard to picture a better Lou-Ann.

How did the last Gunsmoke end?

Answer: The last episode of “Gunsmoke” was not designed to be a series finale. The episode, “The Sharecroppers,” aired in 1975 and revolved around Deputy Festus Haggen, who accidentally shoots a man in the leg and then helps out at the man’s family farm.

What is a john mule?

Despite their sterility, mules have male and female anatomy, thus, a female mule is often called a “molly mule” and a male, a “john mule.”

Was Milburn Stone married?

Despite their sterility, mules have male and female anatomy, thus, a female mule is often called a “molly mule” and a male, a “john mule.”

How tall was Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke?

Despite their sterility, mules have male and female anatomy, thus, a female mule is often called a “molly mule” and a male, a “john mule.”

What did Ken Curtis do after Gunsmoke?

Following his time with Tommy Dorsey, Curtis transitioned into cowboy music. In 1949, he joined the trailblazing country band Sons of the Pioneers.

Was James Arness really a fast draw?

“There’s no one faster with a gun,” Arness, who received fast-draw pointers from Ojala, said in a 1959 Times story. “He was the top gun, you might say,” Hardin, who played western adventurer Bronco Layne for four seasons, told The Times last week.

Who does Matt Dillon shot in the beginning of Gunsmoke?

One can’t speak of fast draw shooting without mentioning Arvo Ojala. The Hollywood gun coach, actor, stuntman and quick draw artist appeared most famously in the opening sequence of television’s long-running “Gunsmoke.” Ojala, the “man in black,” is gunned down by Marshall Matt Dillon, played by James Arness.

Did they drink real beer on Gunsmoke?

The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association.

What did a saloon girl do?

A saloon or dancehall girl’s job was to brighten the evenings of the many lonely men of the western towns. … Starved for female companionship, the saloon girl would sing for the men, dance with them, and talk to them – inducing them to remain in the bar, buying drinks and patronizing the games.

How did they keep meat cold in the old days?

Into the 1930s, households used large blocks of ice to keep food cold in “iceboxes.” This photo is from the 1920s. … By the end of the 1800s, many American households stored their perishable food in an insulated “icebox” that was usually made of wood and lined with tin or zinc.

What was Whisky like in the Old West?

The simple ingredients included raw alcohol, sugar burnt, and a little pouch chewing tobacco. Whiskey with terrible names like “Coffin Varnish,” “Tarantula Juice,” “Red Eye,” and others was common among the early saloons. Later the word “Firewater” would be used to describe Whiskey.

Where is Matt Dillon now?

Now Dillon is in Albuquerque shooting Land of Dreams, directed by Neshat and her collaborator Shoja Azari, and co-written by Jean-Claude Carrière, the legendary co-author of several Luis Buñuel classics.

How was Chester written out of Gunsmoke?

Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. His last episode, titled “Bently,” saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. … Dennis Weaver dressed as his character from ‘McCloud. ‘