After over 200 episodes of the show, Glenn Strange stepped away from Gunsmoke in 1972 because of his lung cancer diagnosis. Dillon is a man who prefers the use of logic over the use of Aug 9, 2022 · Ken Curtis played Festus, Dillon’s sidekick, in Gunsmoke. Mar 11, 2024 · Strange Passed Away From Lung Cancer In 1973. The Boy and the Sinner: Directed by Bernard McEveety. Union, his camp is invaded by a thieving young boy, whom Matt takes into custody. Curtis definitely had lawman roots. Chester's Milburn Stone. As Matt escorts a wounded prisoner to Ft. In “Alias Festus Haggen” Curtis played Festus and his outlaw doppelganger named…. Charlie Penrose 37 episodes, 1966-1967. Crew 0. 0 Nov 8, 2023 · He had 66 acting credits, and is perhaps still remembered best for playing Festus and various other characters in 306 episodes of the critically acclaimed western series “Gunsmoke”, which starred Milburn Stone and James Arness, and was created by Clyde Ware and Charles Marquis Warren. Former big-band vocalist (he joined the Tommy Dorsey Band after Frank Sinatra left) and singing cowboy in low-budget westerns of the 1940s, Curtis is best known as the scuffy bewhiskered deputy sheriff Festus Haggen in the hit western TV series "Gunsmoke" (1964-75). Brandon Cruz (born Brandon Edwin Williams on May 28, 1962) is an American musician, actor, editor and consultant. Dennis Weaver, who portrayed Chester Goode, had left the show. Union is joined by two women, one pregnant traveling to see her husband, the other secretly the wife of the prisoner. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin Gunsmoke (TV Series 1955–1975) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Mar 15, 2024 · Some Gunsmoke actors still living and working today include Roger Ewing, Buck Taylor, Kim Darby, and William Shatner. “. A young gunslinger tries to help a rancher and his daughter save their land and cattle from an evil, wealthy land owner. S11 E17: Festus works to find a wife for a his nephew, who must find enough money for her dowry. At various times in his life a rancher, deputy sheriff and rodeo performer, this huge, towering (6' 5") beast of a man was born George Glenn Strange in Weed, New Mexico, on August 16, 1899, but grew up a real-life cowboy in Cross Cut, Texas. Curtis originally entered Hollywood as a singer with the swing bands, later becoming a singer and an actor. As a series that ran from 1955-1975, there are sadly only a few of the Gunsmoke cast still alive, but these A talented musician and entertainer, Dennis released several country western albums. Occupation (s) Actor, rancher. Peter Metcalfe 34 episodes, 1969. Character actor Milburn Stone, the beloved "Doc Adams" on TV's long-running western classic Gunsmoke (1955), was born in Kansas on July 5, 1904. Ken Curtis. Bank Baby was an orphaned baby who had been abandoned in a bank vault. from Germany Mar 31, 2021 · Amanda Blake. Though moving Gunsmoke from Chester to Festus presented challenges, in the long run, it ultimately proved beneficial for its success. Townsman (uncredited) Nick Borgani. 1930–1973. Actor: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, South Dakota and has been credited for popularizing the now-common phrase “Get the hell out of Dodge. Ken Curtis, who as a boy helped out in his father’s jail in Colorado and as a character named Festus Haggen performed similar work for Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke Robert Vincent Wright (written by) Norman MacDonnell (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited) John Meston Dick Alderbeach 40 episodes, 1965-1966. Oct 13, 2020 · 9. Glenn Strange. My Father's Guitar: Directed by Robert Totten. James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake. Jun 3, 2011 · Arguably one of the most famous television performers of the 1950s through the 1970s, James Arness played the law-abiding Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke" (CBS, 1955-1975), the longest-running . Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles, he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, 12/8/1962 "Us Haggins". William Shatner, known for Star Trek, made a memorable appearance on Gunsmoke as Fred Bateman in a single episode. Mar 14, 2024 · Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates, July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggin on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1890s, the series focused on the character of United States Marshall, Matt Dillon, played by James Arness. With Audie Murphy, Susan Cabot, Paul Kelly, Charles Drake. At age 12, Crawford rose to prominence playing Mark McCain in the series The Rifleman, for which he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Emmy Award at age 13. In his one-man Shakespearean show, he played 19 different characters. 8/10 (192) Apr 30, 1991 · Actor Ken Curtis, who as a youngster worked in his father's Colorado jail and went on to portray a scruffy deputy named Festus on ``Gunsmoke,'' has died. Curtis Mar 31, 2022 · James Arness appeared in all 635 episodes. When a useless old drunk is hired by some men to sit on some property for them to claim, the old man meets up with a young boy. Jan 2, 2023 · Gunsmoke actor Ken Curtis joined the cast as Festus Haggen after initially beginning his career as a singer. In 1973 he appeared as Arizona in an episode of Gunsmoke titled "Arizona Midnight". leaving an obvious void in the cast. A band of robbers have hit numerous banks with uncanny precision, planning and ease. Stapp has promised to lead Jesse to the man who killed his father so he can avenge his death, but the young man is tragically unaware of Stapp's true intentions. By 1940, he lived in New York and worked as a singer for the NBC radio network. "Gunsmoke" The Widow (TV Episode 1962) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Apr 28, 1991 · Biography. "Gunsmoke" The Sharecroppers (TV Episode 1975) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. The show ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975 on CBS, and stands as the longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes. Acting must have been in his blood as the nephew of Broadway comedian Fred Stone for Milburn left home as a teenager to find work with touring repertory troupes. Shug Fisher (born George Clinton Fisher Jr. Festus has a habit of using the wishbone from a dead chicken for making wishes on. Victor Platt. The father is dead, one brother has been hanged, two brothers are on the run, Travis gets fired because of his name and the mother, Beatrice, has to go to work as a saloon singer. John Chapman, filling in for Doc "Gunsmoke" The Widow (TV Episode 1962) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. In some scenes of Gunsmoke, he is seen to play the fiddle. Stone appeared in 604 episodes through 1975, often shown sparring in a friendly manner with co-stars Dennis Weaver and Ken Curtis, who played, respectively, Chester Goode and Festus Haggen. Ken Curtis was best known for playing Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke; however, his career as both actor and singer extended over decades. He was born on July 5, 1904, in Burrton, Kansas, to Herbert and Laura Belfield Stone. He also appeared in several films by his then father-in-law John May 27, 2024 · Milburn Stone was an American television and film actor who had a net worth of $600,000 at the time of his death. The TV show premiered September 10, 1955 (ending its historic run on March 31, 1975). He first performed before a national audience as a Mouseketeer. " Harry Dean Stanton The character actor worked in eight episodes — as eight characters — over a decade, from 1958–1968. FRESNO, Calif. He taught himself (by ear) the fiddle and guitar at a young age and started performing at The Guitar: Directed by Harry Horner. S3. It follows the life of Marshall Matt Dillon in Dodge May 21, 2024 · Apr 30, 1991. Cause of death was unknown. 7. Aug 9, 2022 · Ken Curtis played Festus, Dillon’s sidekick, in Gunsmoke. All of these must be dealt with within the law and "Gunsmoke" Luke (TV Episode 1970) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Wes Wilkes. Personal life. As far as is known, the film is the world's only Western with an all-midget cast. The character first appeared in the show’s fourth season episode “Bank Baby”, which aired on October 21, 1958. Curtis replaced Dennis Weaver as Matt Dillon's deputy in 1964 in a role he held until ``Gunsmoke'' - the most enduring Western series in TV history - went off the air in 1975. Brandon Cruz. Sat, Feb 19, 1966. With his wife Gerry and singer/songwriter son Rusty, Dennis performed in a family comedy/variety stage show. It centered on Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, during the settlement of the American West. He was raised in Texas. Emulating his famous uncle Fred, he appeared in Gunsmoke set the style and tone for many of these shows. Kyle Kelly. Matt and Newly leave town, and Festus is in charge. television western "Gunsmoke," has died at age 74. George Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 – September 20, 1973) was an American actor who appeared in hundreds of Western films. E22 ∙ Wishbone. The Predators, January 31, 1972 Written by Calvin Clements, Directed by Bernard McEveety, Guest Cast: Claude Akins, Jacqueline Scott, Jodie Foster, Brian Morrison, George Murdoch. Claude Akins was born in Nelson, Georgia. Gunsmoke (TV Series 1955–1975) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. He is best known as a child actor for his role as Eddie Corbett, son of widower Tom Corbett (played by Bill Bixby) on the television series The Courtship of Eddie's Father. “Us Haggens” was Curtis’ first appearance as Festus, and we learn he had a twin brother named…. Barfly (uncredited) John Barton. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. He was portrayed by the American actor, child star, and singer, Jimmy Hawkins. Galen Adams, or just Doc. Emulating his famous uncle Fred, he appeared in Ken Curtis (born July 2, 1916 – died April 28, 1991; aged 74) was the actor who played Festus Haggen in seasons 8-20 of Gunsmoke. Meanwhile, Matt searches for three outlaws who held up a stage, killing the driver and guard. Conrad and his writers and cast, that his "Gunsmoke" spent most of its run in competition with the TV version starring James Arness and Amanda Blake. Hank Marks. He was married to Joan Irene Velin and Mary Schrock. 8/10 (192) Trending TV Shows. Strange and his cousin, Taylor Curtis 'Cactus Mack' McPeters Gunsmoke season 11 Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs - Metacritic. S. There are no crew records added to Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs. He became famous for his role as Dr. Apr 30, 1991 · Actor Ken Curtis, who as a youngster worked in his father's Colorado jail and went on to portray a scruffy deputy named Festus on ``Gunsmoke,'' has died. With James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis. E6 ∙ Jesse. Sy Sherne. "Gunsmoke" Milly (TV Episode 1961) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Feb 9, 2022 · Pat Peterson. Zombies of the Stratosphere (1952) Lane Bradford was born on 29 August 1922 in Yonkers, New York, USA. at 60 (1929-1989) Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA. Aaron Spelling Though best known as a producer, this TV mogul played Weed Pindle in "The Guitar. (AP) - Ken Curtis, a singer and actor. Available on Paramount+. 2 to Matt Dillon. His next appearance was in the Season 9 episode (#2) on October 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy". Best Supporting Actress (1970, 1971, 1972) Primetime Emmy Awards. He was 74. Expand. Robert Vincent Wright (written by) Norman MacDonnell (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited) John Meston Jan 24, 2024 · Reynolds passed away in 2018 at the age of 82. Golden Globes. Typically, that involved a wide range of acting and emotions, but with Curtis, Festus actually got to sing quite a bit – and he did a good job too. Many of the actors in Tiny Town were part of a performing troupe called Singer's Midgets, who also played Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. In 1955, Wayne recommended Arness for the lead role of Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke (1955). Oct 28, 2020 · Ken Curtis, the actor behind beloved Gunsmoke character Festus Haggen and the son-in-law of Western film director John Ford, had quite the career as a singer Jim Davis : 11 Guest Roles : 10 Guest Roles : 10 Guest Roles : 9 Guest Roles: 9 Guest Roles George Glenn 'Peewee' Strange ( 1899-1973) Glenn Strange played Sam the Bartender on Gunsmoke. The two brothers return to Dodge City to get Travis to join in a robbery, but he refuses. Summary Dodge City, known as the Sodom and Gomorrah of the plains, is a typical frontier city of the late 1800s with typical problems ranging from rumored Indian raids to bank and stage robberies, cattle rustling, and family feuds. Curtis Upside: The stark comparison illustrated how talented and professional the fine regular cast and guest star (Claude Aikens) really were. Gunsmoke: Directed by Nathan Juran. Apr 19, 2012 · It was one of the last radio shows to fall to the popularity of television, and it's quite a testament to Mr. Later in his career he was noted for his voice work in animated features. Here are his movies: 1953 movie From Here to Eternity as Dhom. A trio of outlaws waits on the trail to kill Matt Johnny Crawford. Galen ‘Doc’ Adams in the TV series “Gunsmoke. Roles, characters and voice cast of the main characters. ; September 26, 1907 – March 16, 1984) was an American character actor, singer, musician, and comedian. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. Stone's brother, Joe, was a writer who was the author of scripts for three episodes of Gunsmoke. Dodge City, known as the Sodom and Gomorrah of the plains, is a typical frontier city of the late 1800s with typical problems ranging from rumored Indian raids to bank and stage robberies, cattle rustling, and family feuds. Rest of cast listed alphabetically: Charles Bail. The Colter family is in trouble. 1954 : Shield for Murder as Fat Michaels, The Human Jungle as Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California, U. Jun 10, 2024 · 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. "Gunsmoke" The Guitar (TV Episode 1956) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. " Loretta Swit Hot Lips appeared twice in 1970, in "The Pack Rat" and "Snow Train. February 5, 1966 • 45m. Dr. Best Supporting Actress (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series (1959) Age: Dec. 8. Actor: Gunsmoke. Initially portrayed as a vengeful man out for justice, Festus eventually became a fan favorite, earning his place as Matt Dillon Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more classic radio shows!****Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3. Thanks to The role of Chester Goode was played by Parley Baer on radio, and then by Dennis Weaver on television. Sep 9, 1999 · Gunsmoke. But the role actually allowed actor Ken Curtis to show off a lot of his talent. When he comes across Doc Adams, alone and snakebit, he uses that wish to help him, if it can. Vincent McEveety. 5/10 (182) Rate. Сast and crew of the episode «Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs» (Gunsmoke). The Arrival of Festus Haggen. Gunsmoke followed the life and adventures "Gunsmoke" The Cast (TV Episode 1958) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. With James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone, Aaron Spelling. He played Sam Noonan, the bartender on CBS 's Gunsmoke television series, and Frankenstein's monster Directing. Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs. Director. Initial Gunsmoke scripts gave him no name at all; his lines were simply to be spoken by "Townsman". Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles, he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens" (episode #13). Next, he moved into film, starring in John Ford movies, such as The Searchers, Rio S11. Oct 10, 2023 · Bank Baby was a character in the long running western drama Gunsmoke. Ken Curtis, the actor who played Festus, was once a well-known singer who took the place of Frank Sinatra in Tommy Dorsey’s band at one point – who knew?! 10. So why not replace him with a scruffy, rascally deputy. It was a 20-year shoot-out between wrong and right that began in 1955 and Although she worked primarily in the theater, on and off Broadway, and in touring companies, she also appeared on popular television shows of the 1960s and '70s, including Gunsmoke, where she was featured as "Allie", an innocent girl stuck in a poor family of eight (with a father and brother who were future-less lazy, whiners), yet she somehow Upside: The stark comparison illustrated how talented and professional the fine regular cast and guest star (Claude Aikens) really were. Apr 30, 1991 · TIMES STAFF WRITER. John Ernest Crawford (March 26, 1946 – April 29, 2021) was an American actor and singer. Robert Totten. Curtis excelled not only as an actor; his talents extended further. Sep 25, 2021 · Curtis, born Curtis Wain Gates on July 2, 1916, grew up in Las Animas, Colorado, where his father was the sheriff. Luke: Directed by Bernard McEveety. This has been quite the return to Dodge. He played different roles in many different episodes of Dragnet and Adam-12 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. S11. Frank Eaton. 14, 1966 50 min. Chester's character had no surname until Baer ad libbed "Proudfoot" during an early rehearsal. Years active. Frederick. Matt Dillon Must Die: Directed by Victor French. Feldman introduced Arness to Wayne, who put the self-described 6', 6" actor under personal contract. The actor was first cast in the show in Mar 14, 2017 · Jon Voight. (Contrary to urban legend, Wayne himself Aug 25, 1995 · Gunsmoke: the Last Showdown -- The iconic Western starring James Arness and Milburn Stone went off the air 20 years ago. During his 50-year entertainment career, he performed in many Western films, often as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers in serials and in B movies starring Roy Rogers. Since the mob killing of his wife years ago, old man Wakefield has gone on murderous rampages with his sons. Brandon Cruz, circa 1969. Sat, Oct 19, 1957. For instance, music became one of his main passions; even founding his own band called Ken Curtis Four and working with iconic musicians like When a Gunsmoke viewer thinks about Festus, they may recall his ongoing banter with Dr. Arness played several roles over the next few years for and with Wayne, whom he considered a mentor. A man brings his badly wounded outlaw partner into Dodge and pays a saloon girl to comfort him by pretending to be his daughter. The sizable character actor was most remembered for playing villainous roles, but his turn as Sam Noonan on the classic Western TV show was a pleasant change of pace for the Directing. who starred as Marshal Matt Dillon's sidekick on the long-running. All of these must be dealt with within the law and that task falls to Matt Dillon, US Marshal (James Arness). Considering the kind of scruffy, backwoods, uneducated, Deep-South hillbilly types he played, many people would be surprised to hear that Ken Curtis wasn't actually born in the south but in the small town of Las Animas, Colorado, the son of the town sheriff. In Matt's absence, Festus is accused of drawing first on a drunken man. Watch Gunsmoke — Season 10, Episode 21 with a subscription on Paramount+. Milburn Stone. He was an actor, known for Zombies of the Stratosphere (1952), The Invisible Monster (1950) and The Toughest Gun in Tombstone (1958). Weed Pindle is a friendly guitar player in Dodge, but when certain cowboys find out he fought for a particular division of the Union Army, they become set on trying to hang him. Glenn Strange was born in Weed, New Mexico, on August 16, 1899. Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, entered Gunsmoke under unusual circumstances. He also wrote poetry and published the autobiographical. Wyatt Jones. Oct 12, 2021 · For fans of the Western drama series Gunsmoke, actor Glenn Strange can be remembered as Sam Noonan, the bartender of the Long Branch Saloon on the show. An angry man comes to Dodge to hunt for the doctor who failed to save his wife during childbirth. Though innocent, Festus leaves town to avoid Matt having to arrest him, and takes refuge across the border with a widow and her son. ‘GUNSMOKE,’ 1955-75, James Arness, Burt Reynolds, episode “Quint Asper Comes Home” aired 9/29/62 / Everett Collection. CBS/ Youtube. With James Arness, Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis, Buck Taylor. Young and likable Jesse Pruett teams up with an unlikely "partner" in the person of Bill Stapp, a murderous former Quantrill raider. They have their sights on Dodge now but they must remove a big obstacle before they can proceed - Marshal Dillon. Thanks to dedicated cast and crew members as well as Dennis Weaver and Ken Curtis’ talents, Gunsmoke was able to adapt quickly to the ever-evolving television entertainment landscape while maintaining its place as one of television history. Mon, Jan 12, 1970. Again, Conrad's sense of what the program would be supervened, and Chester was born. Gil Sutherland. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. A talented guitarist impresses all who hear him on an instrument that is more precious to him than a man's life. Aug 1, 2023 · With over 630 episodes to its name, Gunsmoke introduced viewers to an array of fascinating characters. He learned to play guitar and fiddle. “All the World’s a Feb 10, 2022 · Curtis became a permanent cast member in season nine when Gunsmoke was in search of a No. Wilhelm Von Homburg's Otto character was based on Von Homburg's career as a boxer, and director Andrew McLaglen had Von Homburg flown to the U. "Gunsmoke" Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs (TV Episode 1966) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. In addition, Stone was a winner of the “Emmy” Award. "Gunsmoke" Tobe (TV Episode 1963) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Western Jan. The part was designed for John Wayne, who chose not to complicate his still-successful film career with commitment to a long-term television contract. Arness joined the cast of "Gunsmoke" at the recommendation of his good friend, the Western legend John Wayne (via Outsider ). Gunsmoke is a western drama series starring James Arness that took take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. In Dodge City the journey to Ft. ” 11. That they provided solid, believable performances in the face of the border-line hysteria offered by Ms Hutton earns them all the respect they deserve. nvyfhjdmkesabfcvlvfm