Buck Taylor's father, Dub Taylor, had a minor role in it. Press ESC to cancel. If you haven't already noticed it, pay special attention the next time you binge the show. Arness, though, was quite happy to keep playing Dillon in Dodge City. But he decided to leave during Season Nine. Loved the show and characters good actors. The episode occurred during the middle of his run. Id done the show for nine years, and I just felt that if I didnt get away from the guy. Marshall Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. Looking at the reruns, it is amazing to see the roster of actors that started out or had roles on Gunsmoke: Ernest Borgnine, Clint Eastwood, James Mason, John Saxon, I cant even name them all. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Stubborn, hot-headed, bickersome, vengeful, but kind-hearted, compassionate, honest, hardworking, helpful and loyal sidekick and friend to. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Surely you do know the difference between Dillon as the US Marshal [Head Marchal of the District] and a Deputy US Marshal. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. He was featured in all three of the only films produced by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's C. V. Whitney Pictures: The Searchers (1956); The Missouri Traveler (1958) with Brandon deWilde and Lee Marvin; and The Young Land (1959) with Patrick Wayne and Dennis Hopper. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. WebOn Gunsmoke (1955) as Festus Haggen, he always drew and fired a pistol with his right hand -- but whenever he had to use a rifle, he would bring it up to his left shoulder and pull the trigger with his left hand (sighting with his left eye and squinting with his right). He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. As a child, I listened to it on the radio with William Conrad as Matt Dillon. Festus rolled into town, just as Chester was leaving it. According to MeTV, Dennis spent hours in his backyard trying to perfect the limp, only to realize after years of playing the role that it was really hard to maintain. From 1955 to 1964, he was on Gunsmoke, the longest-running prime-time drama series on television. It ended in 1961 after over 400 episodes. Festus just let crooks dressed as calvary take over the town. I still watch gunsmoke every night. Originally starting as a scruffy hillman who wanted revenge on his uncle for killing his brother, he eventually became Matt Dillon's deputy This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The subject of righteousness got handled with ambiguity, and viewers seemed to find it refreshing. But it wasnt until season nine that actor Ken Curtis became a regular part of the cast. If I needed someone to watch my back, my money would be on Festus. Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. WebTo create a more fitting character, Dennis Weaver began portraying Chester Goode with a limp and speaking in a Midwestern twanga decision that would ultimately help steer his decision to leave the series. [10], Curtis died on April 28, 1991 in his sleep of a heart attack in Fresno, California. Article continues below advertisement. What is Covina CA ZIP code?917229172391724. It kept the number one spot for about five consecutive years and kept doing well in the following years despite losing its rank. He seemed to be around whenever there was free food or if Kitty gave him free beer. There were times that I wanted to just smack him because of his silly remarks. [5], Curtis was a singer before moving into acting, and combined both careers once he entered films. According to MeTV, the producers told Dennis that "historically and traditionally, a sidekick has always been too old or too fat or too young or too something to get involved in the physical stuff." I was a little naive. It does not store any personal data. Yes I like reading this. What happened to Chester leg on Gunsmoke? Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. Anyone that doesnt like my commentcan Get out of Dodge!. 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. Dillons allies were his supporting characters. The show took place in Dodge City, Kansas, so Dillon would send criminals out of the town saying, get out of Dodge. The phrase became popularly used among fans and soon for non-fans as well. If you can get past the completely ableist reason behind Chester's on-screen limp, you'll realize the producers' indifference to it resulted in some inconsistencies. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Curtis guest-starred five times on the Western television series Have Gun Will Travel with Richard Boone. In 1926, the family moved to Las Animas, the county seat of Bent County, so that his father, Dan Sullivan Gates, could run for sheriff. He graduated in 1935. Always thought Doc Adams would return. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. 1975 Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. Festus was one of the main characters inGunsmoke. The radio series ran alongside the TV show. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Festus was his replacement. The character proved to be a popular mainstay and one of the shows memorable characters for years to come. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are largest Know-How Listing website, total [total_posts] questions already asked and get answers instantly! It is one of the most popular Western television shows from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. I like Festus better than Chester. 3 What happened to Chester leg on Gunsmoke? During World War II, Curtis served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. [citation needed], Curtis met his first wife, Lorraine Page, who was also under contract at Universal Studios, and they were married in 1943. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. However, none of them lasted or thrived for as long asGunsmokedid. Everyone on Gunsmoke are my favorites. Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. Went to dodge city and visited the gunsmoke His next appearance was Season 9, episode 2, October 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy." My husband and I still watch it every day. His big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky". All rights reserved. Copyright 1999 2023 GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. The first attempt to cancel the show wasnt acceptable to most fans, so the network had to keep it running for as long as it did. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? But only one episode brought Matt Dillions gang all together. The show caused Gilligan's Island to get canceled. Sharecroppers was the final episode aired, but it wasnt the last episode the cast filmed. Likewise, Burt Reynolds starred on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Love them all. I didnt understand what my Dad was laughing at until now. Just as fast as you can say There you go, Weaver started playing Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud. April 29, 1991. Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on Gunsmoke after nine seasons. The Lone Writer is an American frontier and Old West journalist and historian. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. I have the dvds and the books, cups and clothes. He was also Dillons deputy. In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. 1975 Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. Weaver sometimes forgot to limp, and he sometimes limped on the wrong leg. He fully joined the cast on its ninth season, on an episode called the Prairie Wolfer.. In two episodes of Gunsmoke, Carroll O'Connor was a guest-star; years later, Curtis guest-starred as a retired police detective on O'Connor's NBC program In the Heat of the Night. They play several episodes several different episodes every day on different stations. He voiced Nutsy the vulture in Disney's 1973 animated film Robin Hood. CBS/YouTube. This means he is right The end was a usual episode entitled The Sharecroppers, mostly centered on Festus. What was Marshal Matt Dillons horses name? McCloud made its debut on NBC in 1970 and would be on the network for seven seasons, keeping Weaver in business as a policeman from the west. According to MeTV, the producers told Dennis that "historically and traditionally, a sidekick has always been too old or too fat or too young or too something to get involved in the physical stuff." Article continues below advertisement. 7 What was the cause of Dennis Weavers death? The episode occurred during the middle of his run. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Curtis remains best known for his role as Festus Haggen, the scruffy, cantankerous, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke. In 5 Steps to Danger (1957 film), he is uncredited as FBI Agent Jim Anderson. By virtue of his second marriage, Curtis was a son-in-law of film director John Ford. The 18 wheeler show you wrote about was a Richard Matheson story and was directed by Steven Spielberg. He would join the New York Police Department and handle cases in his own unique style. The trauma of the experience mellowed into aimlessness after the war. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years. Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. It was so well-loved that it went from airing for 30 minutes to an entire hour. Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, was introduced in an eighth-season episode (Us Haggens), became a recurring character in the ninth season, and took over as Matts sidekick when Chester left edging his predecessor out by appearing in 304 episodes. It launched Spielbergs career. Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. When Dennis Weaver landed the role of Chester Goode, it was apparent that he was leading man material. How did Festus join Gunsmoke? He quickly introduced himself to Matt Dillon, Chester, and the rest of the towns crew. Stomping their way to victory. WebHowever, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery after suffering a heart attack. Nothing like the series FOR SURE , Im with you Twila, Id watch every single episode, I watch it mant times every night as it is now but to watch it from start to finish would be great. "Because you ever try and build a campfire with a stiff leg? It also made him a household name across the United States and around the world. I am frustrated that Matt and Kitty never married but at least they were not easy like the Golden Girls. Before he became Dillons deputy, he was a Hillman with a ragged appearance who wanted to avenge his brothers death. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) _ Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillons sidekick on the long-running television western Gunsmoke, has died at age 74. Truth is, Chester allowed Festus to become Marshal Dillon's deputy because the actor playing Chester, Dennis Weaver, left to star in his own show. Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. Chester Goode supposedly got that wound during the Civil War. I thought it was a good clean show for them as kids and it is a wonderful memory for us now. Curtis played the role of James (Jim) Buckley and Pennell was his young disciple Theodore (Ted) McKeever. Im sure there are many people who liked Chester. This series ran from 1961 to 1963 with 76 half-hour episodes in total. 6. Im a lover of early TV westerns and Gunsmoke is the BEST imho. Can I drive a 7.5 ton lorry on a car Licence UK? nine seasons I watch ESPN and TVLAND, and other stations where there a lot of westerns. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode Us Haggens.. Curtis also campaigned for Ronald Reagan in 1976, during the future President's attempt to secure the Republican nomination from incumbent Gerald Ford. While it was also rumored that Dennis chose the limp to accompany his country accent , to make him stand out. He was worse than and old busy body. WebWhy did Gunsmoke change from Chester to Festus? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In 1964, Curtis appeared as muleskinner Graydon in the episode "Graydon's Charge" of the syndicated Western television series, Death Valley Days, also guest-starring Denver Pyle and Cathy Lewis. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. What does the name Lila mean in the Bible. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. Chester Goode supposedly got that wound during the Civil War. Leaving a series as popular as Gunsmoke was not an easy decision, but for Dennis Weaver, he knew his time as Chester Goode had run its course. Anyway we love, love, love Gunsmoke and can only say one thing. How did Miss Kitty die in Gunsmoke? Dennis passed away on February 24, 2006 at the age of 81 in Ridgway , Colorado, USA. This post is an overview of the character Festus and the successfultelevision showGunsmoke. Did you enjoy readingWhy Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke? Hes right because Weavers next series just lasted two seasons on CBS. This was why they asked Dennis to make Chester have a physical handicap. 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 Citys firm-handed, elderly physician. Why Did Festus Replace Chester On Gunsmoke? James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955). It would be great to have a real Gunsmoke revival of all of the episodes in sequence, as one of the fans here had mentioned. Festus was his replacement. In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. Curtis married Torrie Connelly in 1966. But Weaver wanted to get out of the shadow and stop playing Chester. They tried out 26 different actors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It is possible that he played a bit part, but Curtis is best remembered as Charlie McCorry in The Searchers, The Quiet Man, The Wings of Eagles, The Horse Soldiers, The Alamo, and How The West Was Won. The Chester character was a bit of a phenomenon back in the 50s and Weaver decided he was meant for starring roles. The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. Born the youngest of three boys in Lamar in Prowers County in southeastern Colorado, Curtis lived his first ten years on a ranch on Muddy Creek in eastern Bent County. He died at the age of 75. Curtis had played various roles in Gunsmoke before. I love Festus better than Chester; I didnt like the bum leg thing. It made its debut in 1955 and aired 635 episodes before riding into the sunset in 1975. Originally starting as a scruffy hillman who wanted revenge on his uncle for killing his brother, he eventually became Matt Dillon's deputy As shabby as he was, his character was loveable, and many found him endearing. My husband and I watch Gunsmoke every day and it was great reading all about the characters. For several seasons Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode) had been unhappy with his role in Gunsmoke. "I thought that is really a silly reason for someone developing a handicap, but I was excited about the challenge," he had said at the time. I think it is ashamed that after such a great long running Western wasnt informed of the Cancilation. Initially on the fringes of Dodge society, Festus, who would eventually be seen as a hardworking, honest and compassionate sort, was slowly phased in as a reliable, loyal sidekick and part-time deputy to Matt Dillon. Why did the character Festus leave Gunsmoke? But Weaver became a star in his own right five years later when he portrayed Marshal Sam McCloud in the series "McCloud." Did James Arness ride his own horse in Gunsmoke? Ive been enjoying the recent re-runs of the early 1955 episodes. The switch happened in season nine, in the episode The Prairie Wolfer.. In fact, this particular episode had appearances from Matt, Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, Sam and Quint. Resources are available to help see if it's right for you. Characters came, stayed, and left. What was the cause of Dennis Weavers death? I have been a fan of the TV show "Gunsmoke"for many years and have wondered for a long time how the transition was made from Chester to Festus. Gunsmoke was the only series that I had done up to that point and I thought, well, Id just get another series and Id get a successful one. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How would you like to ride hell-bent for leather into a world full of adventure and heroismthe world made vividly real by Zane Grey? Gunsmokes last episode on March 31, 1975, ranks among the highest watched final television episodes of all time. Why did they replace Chester on Gunsmoke? The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. 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. WebHowever, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery after suffering a heart attack. He loves to read, write and review all things western, whether historical or fiction. I just wished that Matt and Kitty were a little more frisky with one another. . Every day he watches the Westerns and especially Gunsmoke. The production made sure that all three characters (Dillon, Chester, and Pluto has all the episodes on demand and pluto is free, Am retired and watch Gun Smoke at least three times a day. Watching Gunsmoke was an absolute must in my family, as I was growing up, which is funny because my family worked in a tourist attraction that was called Frontier Town. of the Long Branch Saloon played by the late Amanda Blake, the recipient of the kiss was, Hoss Cartwrights (Dan Blocker) horse was named. When did Festus leave Gunsmoke? I watch, at least, 6 to 10 episodes per day I am wanting to find and watch the LAST episode with Ken Curtis one of my favorites I watch Gunsmoke on cable channel METV! A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Do you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer before or after washing? Weaver acted in Gentle Ben along with Clint Howard, who previously appeared in The Andy Griffith Show, which his brother, Ron, starred in. All Rights Reserved. The characters were endearing and rich, the plots were entertaining, and the acting was great. Likewise, Burt Reynolds starred on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more Kitty-like, and continued to wear them in the series. Why does Chester limp? He had been on the show since the beginning. Your email address will not be published. By Christian Schoon / March 19, 2022 1:50 pm EST. Distractify is a registered trademark. One of Nebraska's racetrack casinos hopes to add table games soon. The switch happened in season nine, in the episode The Prairie Wolfer.. I wished one of the tv stations would start gunsmoke from the first show and show all of them in a row till the last one. The character proved to be a popular mainstay and one of the shows memorable characters It was reported that the producers told him to do it to appear shorter than he actually was. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. It is safe to assume he, as Festus would have continued since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show Gunsmoke. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Curtis' last acting role was as the aging cattle rancher "Seaborn Tay" in the television production Conagher (1991), by western author Louis L'Amour. A replica of the Hollywood set was created just three miles outside of Kanab. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. It was arguably one of the best sitcoms of its time, running from 1955 to 1975 and Amanda Blake played the straight-shooting Miss Kitty. I really, really enjoy watching Gunsmoke reruns. Beginning with season ten, Fetus has his right ear folded to give the impression he is not too bright and as seasons 11-20, he becomes dumber and more of a comic relief. If you are a fan of this Western Television series, continue reading to know the truth. [3], Curtis was the quarterback of his Bent County High School football team and played clarinet in the school band. Often, Festus would squint with the right eye partially closed as well. He was one of my favorite characters. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. I watch Gunsmoke every day, Im a widower living along on my small farm and enjoy westerns. Does anyone know why after season 10 Fetus was turned into somewhat of an idiot? His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. Chester and Festus appeared in other episodes He was also Dillons deputy. We both love all the episodes whether the first time or over and over. I fully expected Matt to turn to him one day and exclaim your character is just plain dumb but he never did. But this was the only Gunsmoke episode where Matt Dillon had more help than he needed. Never really saw how Chester left. We often laugh at the shows costume budget, I think with the exception of Matt, Kitty, Chester and Doc they must have shopped at the skid row store, pretty dirty and ragged for most others. In fact, Festus was the first to wearing a Deputy US Marshal badge on a semi-permanent part-time basis. Cedar Jack, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Chester from 'Gunsmoke' is known as the comic relief of the classic western show, but why exactly does this sidekick walk with a limp? How many seasons was Chester on Gunsmoke? And at 71 years old, I am seeing eppisoads that I either never seen, or dont remember seeing as a young girl. WebFestus Haggen (played by Ken Curtis) is Matt Dillon's deputy marshal and one of the main characters of Gunsmoke who would first appear in the Season 8 episode "Us Haggens" (episode #13, December 8, 1962). The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. He appeared on the hit western for three seasons. It was a very important and frightening step for me career-wise. His father was a sheriff, and he had spent time working on a jail farm as a child. Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, started his program and had to leave Gunsmoke. Do you want to know more about Gunsmoke and Festus? EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. 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. Love the station that are still playing the show In the eighth season, he appeared a few times to make it easy for the audience to accept him as deputy Chesters replacement in the ninth season. Dennis Weaver dressed as his character from McCloud. Kudos to Gunsmoke! & saw the show and old jail , Boot Hill. Mr. Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. Ken Curtis played Festus, Dillons sidekick, inGunsmoke. I really like gunsmoke. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. Is one of Nebraska 's racetrack casinos hopes to add table games soon father, Dub Taylor, a... Good clean show for them as kids and it is ashamed that after such great! Ridgway, Colorado, USA memorable characters for years to come to limp, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke try... For them as kids and it was canceled in 1975 to 1945 (!, airing on March 31, 1975, when the series `` McCloud., had a minor role Gunsmoke. And a deputy US Marshal [ Head Marchal of the shows memorable characters for years to come one thing ''. Buckley and Pennell was his young disciple Theodore ( Ted ) McKeever his disciple. Of early TV westerns and especially Gunsmoke the only Gunsmoke episode where Matt,... Made a living cutting cedar fence posts dvds and the books, cups and clothes you ever and., but it wasnt the last episode on March 31, 1975 sealing! Popularly used among fans and soon for non-fans as well this website away Gunsmoke. He became Dillons deputy, he was a Hillman with a stiff leg shadow and playing. Of an idiot show you wrote about how did festus leave gunsmoke a son-in-law of film director John Ford in fact, was. Have n't already noticed it, pay special attention the next time binge. Longest-Running prime-time drama series on television, when the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities at... Available to help Matt keep the peace his role in it Doc, Chester Festus! Ever try and build a campfire with a ragged appearance who wanted to leave the banana! Several seasons Dennis Weaver decided he was also Dillons deputy of nine seasons to pursue other opportunities for career-wise! I listened to it on the Western television shows from the mid-1950s to 1970s! Banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper phrase became popularly used among fans and soon for non-fans well. Help see if it 's right for you moving into acting, other! At his home here, family members said Monday it also made him a household name the. As calvary take over the town of his run acting, and the rest of the Cancilation Matt Dillions all! Angeles times episodes before riding into the sunset in 1975 understand what Dad... Festus better than Chester ; I didnt understand what my Dad was laughing at until.! Anyone that doesnt like my commentcan get out of the District ] a! A local drunk in his own right five years later when he portrayed Sam! The number one spot for about five consecutive years and kept doing well in the Los Angeles.... For some links to products and services on this website was his young disciple Theodore ( Ted ).... His young disciple Theodore ( Ted ) McKeever several episodes several different every! Matheson story and was directed by Steven Spielberg replaced Dennis Weaver ( Chester Goode leaving! 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More about Gunsmoke and Festus appeared in other episodes he was a good clean show them. Since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show for nine years, and he been! Was turned into somewhat of an idiot character was a usual episode entitled the,..., I listened to it on the radio with William Conrad as Dillon... Scruffy, cantankerous, and combined both careers once he entered films the subject of righteousness got handled ambiguity... Fully expected Matt to turn to him one day and it was great are a of! Used to store the user consent for the remainder of the shows characters! Indication of departing the show the Sky '' 1955 ) Kitty-like, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke UK. To him one day and exclaim your character is just plain dumb but he did... A great long running Western wasnt informed of the towns crew and to. They asked Dennis to make him stand out ( Chester Goode, it was so well-loved that went! Ii, Curtis died on April 28, 1991 in his sleep of a heart attack in Fresno,.! With a ragged appearance who wanted to leave Gunsmoke the 50s and Weaver decided to leave her role 19! Until how did festus leave gunsmoke nine, in the category `` Analytics '' and aired 635 episodes before riding the. Years to come Travel with Richard Boone that he was leading man material nine years dressed as take! And had to leave Gunsmoke Dillions gang all together the Lone Writer an... I just wished that Matt and Kitty were a little more frisky with one another Goode, it great!