who was festus on gunsmoke
The old Bent County jail in Las Animas in southeastern Colorado, where Ken Curtis lived as a boy. 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 roles he first appeared in his iconic role along in season 8 and episode 13, Us Haggens..His next appearance was with his mule Ruth in Prairie Wolfer, season 9 and episode 16, also featuring Noah Beery, Jr. as the episode's villain.lthough he appeared on Gunsmoke in other roles he first appeared in his iconic role along in season 8 and episode 13, Us Haggens.. His next appearance was with his mule Ruth in Prairie Wolfer, season 9 and episode 16, also featuring Noah Beery, Jr. as the episode's villain.