Ken curtis biography festus haggen

He stood at approximately 6 feet tall and maintained a fit physique throughout his career, thanks to his active lifestyle. His towering presence and charismatic demeanor made him an iconic figure on screen. He married Barbara Ford, the daughter of famed director John Ford, in Although the marriage ended in divorce, it marked an important chapter in his life.

His transition to acting was seamless, thanks to his natural charisma and experience performing in front of audiences. However, his most enduring legacy remains his portrayal of Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke. The confusion arises from Festus frequently mentioning his extended family members in the series, adding depth and humor to his role.

Although his marriage to Barbara Ford ended, he remained a beloved figure in his extended family and among friends. His portrayal of Festus Haggen is a testament to his ability to bring authenticity and warmth to his characters. Beyond his career, Ken Curtis had a rich array of interests. He was passionate about music, often performing Western and folk songs for his fans.

He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as horseback riding and fishing. His steady income from Gunsmokealong with royalties from his music and other acting roles, contributed significantly to his wealth. He was the son of Dan and Nellie Curtis. After graduating from high school inhe attended Colorado State University.

During his time there, he played college football and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. After college, Curtis moved to California and began a career in Hollywood. He was a regular cast member from to and appeared in over episodes. He also appeared in a number of other films and television shows throughout his career. I did not see those two episodes but now I must especially to see how Festus came to be.

Thanks for reading. Monk was a scoundrel and dimwitted so that contrasts with Festus. Wow, who knew!?

Ken curtis biography festus haggen

Ken Curtis was more versatile than he appears and after watching him as Festus for months, I came to appreciate his acting in the role. Thanks for reading! One of the best things about this blogathon is learning more about the folks you recognize, but may not know their names. I was glad to learn more about Ken Curtis — thanks! Thanks for reading, Ruth.

Again, I knew his face but not the name. Through your post, I got to know him. Nothing at all showing Ken Curtis on our stage. Hi Bill, Thanks for your note and for reading the story. Curtis then joined Shep Fields and His New Music, an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section. Curtis met his first wife, Lorraine Page, who was also under contract at Universal Studios, and they were married in For much ofCurtis was a featured ken curtis biography festus haggen and host of the long-running country music radio program WWVA Jamboree.

Ken Curtis joined the Sons of the Pioneers as a lead singer from to and again from to Columbia Pictures signed Curtis to a contract in He starred in a series of musical Westerns [ 7 ] with the Hoosier Hot Shotsplaying singing cowboy romantic leads. By virtue of his second marriage, Curtis was a son-in-law of film director John Ford. 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.

He was featured in all three of the only films produced by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney 's C. Inhe appeared as cowhand Phil Jakes on the Gunsmoke season four episode, "Jayhawkers". This series ran from to with 76 half-hour episodes in total. This television show helped generate interest in sport parachuting. Curtis remains best known for his role as Festus Haggen, the scruffy, cantankerous, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke.

While Marshal Matt Dillon had a total of five deputies over two decades, Festus held the role the longest 11 yearsin episodes. Cedar Jack, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts. Curtis observed many times that Jack came to Las Animas, where he would often end up drunk and in Curtis' father's jail. Festus' character was known, in part, for the nasally, twangy, rural accent which Curtis developed for the role, but which did not reflect Curtis' actual voice.

Besides engaging in the usual personal appearances most television stars undertake to promote their program, Curtis also traveled around the country performing at Western-themed stage shows at fairs, rodeos, and other venues when Gunsmoke was not in production, and even for some years after the show was cancelled. Curtis also campaigned for Ronald Reagan induring the future President's attempt to secure the Republican nomination from incumbent Gerald Ford.

He voiced Nutsy the vulture in Disney's animated film Robin Hood. A decade later, he returned to television in the short-lived Western series The Yellow Rosein which he performed most of his scenes with Noah Beery, Jr. Curtis' last acting role was as the aging cattle rancher "Seaborn Tay" in the television production Conagherby western author Louis L'Amour.