Ken Curtis

Date of Birth: July 2, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 28, 1991

Biography

Ken Curtis was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the long-running television series “Gunsmoke.” Born as Curtis Wain Gates in Lamar, Colorado, he grew up on a ranch and initially pursued a career in music before transitioning to acting. Curtis’s career began in the music industry, where he was a vocalist with popular swing bands, including those of Tommy Dorsey and Shep Fields. He eventually moved to Hollywood, where he became a member of the Sons of the Pioneers, a renowned Western singing group. Ken Curtis transitioned into acting in the 1940s, appearing in a number of Western films. His big break came when he was cast as Festus Haggen on “Gunsmoke,” a role he played from 1964 to 1975. His portrayal of Festus, the scruffy, loyal deputy, made him a beloved television icon. Curtis’s career spanned over four decades, and he remained active in the entertainment industry until his death. He was also involved in various charitable activities and was known for his down-to-earth nature and dedication to his craft.

5 Interesting Facts about Ken Curtis

1. Ken Curtis served in the United States Army during World War II.

2. He was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers, a famous Western singing group, which helped him gain recognition in the entertainment industry.

3. Curtis played multiple roles in various John Ford Westerns, including the character of Charlie McCorry in “The Searchers” (1956).

4. He was originally a singer and had a successful career as a vocalist before turning to acting.

5. Ken Curtis was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1981.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ken Curtis

1. “Festus is just a simple, honest man who tells it like it is.”

2. “I was always happiest when I was singing, but acting gave me a new challenge.”

3. “Working on ‘Gunsmoke’ was a dream come true. We were like a family.”

4. “The Western genre has always been dear to my heart; it represents a time and spirit that I admire.”

5. “I believe in giving back to the community and helping those in need.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ken Curtis was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death.

Children

Ken Curtis did not have any biological children. However, he was married to Barbara Ford, the daughter of director John Ford, and became a stepfather to her children from a previous marriage.