Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates; [1] July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) [2] was an American actor and singer best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the Western television series Gunsmoke.

Ken Curtis. Actor: Gunsmoke. 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 …

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”, …

Jun 15, 2023 · Ken Curtis was an American singer, film producer, and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the popular TV series Gunsmoke. As of 2023, Ken Curtis's net worth is estimated …

Sep 21, 2025 · Played by Ken Curtis, a former vocalist with Big Band icon Tommy Dorsey and an early lead singer of country music legends the Sons of the Pioneers, Festus was a backwoods guy …

Jun 8, 2025 · One of his most recognizable trademarks, however, would be that of the infamous scruff that he'd always be scratching. As it turns out, Curtis would have to keep his bristle in order to play...

Dec 7, 2025 · Ken Curtis was an American singer and actor, probably best known for playing Festus Haggen in the long-running television series “Gunsmoke” (1964-1975), among several other notable …

Apr 28, 1991 · Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates; July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American actor and singer best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the Western television series Gunsmoke.

Aug 6, 2025 · While singing with the band, Curtis changed his birth name to Ken Curtis at Dorsey’s suggestion. He appeared in a number of Western musicals, and off and on from 1949 to 1957, Curtis …

Feb 1, 2025 · Ken Curtis, born Curtis Wain Gates on July 2, 1916, in Lamar, Colorado, was an American actor and singer best known for his portrayal of Festus Haggen on the long-running television series …