what season did ken curtis start on gunsmoke
Ken Curtis (July 2, 1916 â April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the long-running CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke in other earlier roles, he was first cast in his iconic role in season 8 episode 13, Us Haggens. His next appearance was with his mule, Ruth, in Prairie Wolfer in season 9 episode 16, which also features Noah Beery Jr., as a villain.
Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, was introduced in an eighth-season episode (âUs Haggensâ), became a recurring character in the ninth season, and took over as Mattâs sidekick when Chester left âedging his predecessor out by appearing in 304 episodes.