A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. It does not store any personal data. Gunsmokes last episode on March 31, 1975, ranks among the highest watched final television episodes of all time. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Born in the late 50s I was definitely a child of television. Cedar Jack, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Chester and Doc were my favorites. Oh well, that was my opinion which doesnt account for much. I cant figure out why the writers gave Chester the part they did. But this was the only Gunsmoke episode where Matt Dillon had more help than he needed. The program ended on its 20th season, at a regular episode, which was sad for the cast, crew, and fans. Avoiding the desert: Why news subscriptions matter, 21 years ago a Pine Island man sent pipe bombs around the country. WebWhy did Gunsmoke change from Chester to Festus? Ive been enjoying the recent re-runs of the early 1955 episodes. The episode offered an introduction to Festus in a regular capacity on the show. It won a primetime award for the most episodes on television until the Simpsons surpassed it. was a popular and successful show, going from a 30- minute run on television to an hour. The different seasons and episodes involved Dillon fighting robbers, bandits, and various people or groups that threatened the towns peace. Denniss cause of death was cancer. Grand Island woman hides 4-year-old son after he ate THC gummy. Buck Taylor's father, Dub Taylor, had a minor role in it. Characters came, stayed, and left. Access from your Country was disabled by the administrator. The radio series ran alongside the TV show. He joined the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, played by Roger Ewing. In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. You would think that I wouldnt want to see anything having to do with the wild west or cowboys! The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. My husband and I watch Gunsmoke every day and it was great reading all about the characters. The actors and the production team didnt know that The Sharecroppers would be the shows last episode. Well have to keep an eye out for that next time we watch Gunsmoke. From 1955 to 1964, he was on Gunsmoke, the longest-running prime-time drama series on television. What was Marshal Matt Dillons horses name? 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. What happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? You are here: Home How Why did the character Festus leave Gunsmoke? Gunsmoke certainly deserved a better end than it received. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. 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. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Too much Festus, she said. www.insp.com/blog/why-was-chester-written-off-of-gunsmoke/, Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:91.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/91.0. Festus was one of those unforgettable characters. It is one of the most popular Western television shows from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. And I really admire and respect the acting capabilities at a time when there were few bells and whistles and the focus was real storytelling of human beings in believable life circumstances. Check your facts before you write something. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. . They were perfect for their roles. Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. In 5 Steps to Danger (1957 film), he is uncredited as FBI Agent Jim Anderson. I just wished that Matt and Kitty were a little more frisky with one another. How do you use an EpiPen for the first time? This is no reflection on the actors, who played their parts as written. Loved Gunsmoke still get to see it. Gunsmoke gave Arness, whose brother was actor Peter Graves of Mission: Impossible fame, steady work for 20 seasons. Dumb as the theme was, it worked and I think Chesters portrayal was responsible for that. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Curtis observed many times that Jack came to Las Animas, where he would often end up drunk and in Curtis' father's jail. I particularly dislike episodes that feature Festus. He had also served in the US Army during the Second World war. Dillons allies were his supporting characters. How did they write Miss Kitty out of Gunsmoke? WebCurtis had his initial debut in Gunsmoke as Festus in season 8, but he became the obvious choice to fill the void of Matts loyal ally. 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 Wish those days of relatively innocent TV were back. 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. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles (such as Brisco in S4E32s Change Of Heart), he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens." Too much Festus, she said. People described his character as polarizing because most fans either loved the character and wanted to keep seeing him or hated the character and didnt want him on the show. The show caused Gilligan's Island to get canceled. I think Festus and Doc was my favorite. What was James Arness net worth at his death? In fact, it looked like in some cases Dillion wanted to smack him, too. Festus ended up staying in Dodge City for the remainder of the shows run, until it was canceled in 1975. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Never really saw how Chester left. Chester, Quint, and Festus only appeared together in one episode during the series run. Gunsmoke reruns never disappoint me. I continue to watch Gunsmoke. I love Gunsmoke; I watch it nearly every day from 1-4 pm on TV Land. Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, started his program and had to leave Gunsmoke. My husband just turned 90 and discovered the INSP channel. (is there a lady in Reno (75-80) who would like to join me?). A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. The classic TV show Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years on CBS, was one of the best sitcoms of its time. He died at the age of 75. In 1964, a new character joined the show to help Matt keep the peace. Later, he appeared in Ripcord, a first-run syndicated action/adventure series about a company of its namesake providing skydiving services, along with its leading star Larry Pennell. The show caused Gilligan's Island to get canceled. 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? The Answer Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy. All rights reserved. WebWeaver, who died on Feb. 24, 2006, at 81 years old, told The Toronto Star about his reasoning in a 1987 interview. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. His next appearance was Season 9, episode 2, October 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy." 7. Chester makes Festus look like Biden! Or worst of all, you ever try to put your boot on without bending your knee? I would love to play a western character in a movie. The Emmy award-winning show focused on Matt Dillon, a United States Marshal, saddled with maintaining law and order in a town close to the United States border. I was probably one of their biggest fans. There was no real connection between Gunsmoke and McCloud other than Weaver. [citation needed]. Festus was one of the main characters inGunsmoke. Amen. How did Festus join Gunsmoke? She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Your email address will not be published. Yes, Weaver won an Emmy in 1959 for Best Supporting Actor (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series.. What happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? 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. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Curtis remains best known for his role as Festus Haggen, the scruffy, cantankerous, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke. The television series of Gunsmoke ran from 1955 to 1975 and is said to be one of the longest running prime-time shows on television. If you are a fan of this Western Television series, continue reading to know the truth. Director Leonard Katzmans The Sharecroppers was season 20 episode 24, airing on March 31, 1975. Festus was his replacement. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. The production made sure that all three characters (Dillon, Chester, and These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. 7. I agree 100% with you! Besides. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Likewise, Burt Reynolds starred on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper. Dennis Weaver Death. I would have preferred the character of Festus to have retained more of the edge he had in Prairie Wolfer, as opposed to becoming a comedic figure. The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. I truly love The Show Gunsmokes. How Did Festus Become Deputy Marshal on Gunsmoke? 6. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. He rolled up into Dodge City on little more than a mule, carrying wolf furs with him. 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 had to take yoga lessons to do some of that stuff.. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. Festus whining gets a little old after awhile. In my opinion, Festus was a great replacement for Chester, who I think was just too silly in his role. Just as fast as you can say There you go, Weaver started playing Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud. The reason why the three never shared more screen time together is that Chester was leaving Gunsmoke for greener pastures. Festus was his replacement. This series ran from 1961 to 1963 with 76 half-hour episodes in total. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. I love gunsmoke one of my favorite westerns watch every night watched it since I was young and Im 72 and still watch reruns but I dont care I love the actors and I think they all are fantastic, I am 85 and watched Gunsmoke with my children when they were growing up, now we get together and watch it again. Gunsmoke is my all time favorite. I always liked Chester. Since the show didnt continue after its twentieth season, it is impossible to say what happened to Festus; if he would have stayed put or left Gunsmoke. They were married until his death in 1991 and he had two step-children. GunsmokeFan A deputy or sheriff or bartender. Gunsmoke Star Dennis Weaver Explained Why He Left Show: A Little Naive Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on Gunsmoke after nine seasons. Grand Island woman hides 4-year-old son after he ate THC gummy. "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. So the beloved western relied on a bevy of guest stars. There was also Doc Adams, the towns physician, and Kitty Russell, the owner of Long Branch Saloon. Gunsmokewas formerly a radio show entitled called Gun law. I absolutely LOVE watching Gunsmoke. Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, started his program and had to leave Gunsmoke. By Christian Schoon / March 19, 2022 1:50 pm EST. He and James Arness were the only actors who stayed during the entire run of the series. As an adult, the first time I saw a rerun of Gunsmoke, I called my brother long distance and excitedly told him to turn on the tv because Gunsmoke was on! If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. 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. The three characters appeared together in Prairie Wolfer in Season Nine of the show. 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. WebWhy did Gunsmoke change from Chester to Festus? The American Western series had 20 seasons, with 635 episodes aired in 20 years. The production made sure that all three characters (Dillon, Chester, and The Answer Man is also a big Gunsmoke fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy. This post is an overview of the character Festus and the successfultelevision showGunsmoke. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was so happy! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I fully expected Matt to turn to him one day and exclaim your character is just plain dumb but he never did. I like Festus better than Chester. Resources are available to help see if it's right for you. The episode occurred during the middle of his run. The switch happened in season nine, in the episode The Prairie Wolfer.. This means he is right "Gunsmoke" is one of the most beloved TV series in history. 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! The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. WebCurtis had his initial debut in Gunsmoke as Festus in season 8, but he became the obvious choice to fill the void of Matts loyal ally. Im sure there are many people who liked Chester. On the television show Gunsmoke, the name of Marshall Matt Dillons horse was, Instead, the final episode of Gunsmoke to air was , Gunsmoke featured many outdoor scenes over its long run, but. However, I have watched it in reruns and try not to miss any. By virtue of his second marriage, Curtis was a son-in-law of film director John Ford. This was why they asked Dennis to make Chester have a physical handicap. Reynolds decided to leave the show a year later to pursue a career in movies. I prefer Chester, but Gunsmoke is so good even the worst episode is better than what we have today.The acting and the writing are superb.I watch it every day and reruns are OK by me. Required fields are marked *. The thing that really ruffled my feathers was the way Chester would read Matts mail before he gave it to Matt. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Why Did Festus Replace Chester On Gunsmoke? Was the show sponsored by Folgers? The Chester character was a bit of a phenomenon back in the 50s and Weaver decided he was meant for starring roles. Festus just let crooks dressed as calvary take over the town. We both love all the episodes whether the first time or over and over. The series took place in Kansas (Dodge City). Festus was a shot of fresh air. The switch happened in season nine, in the episode The Prairie Wolfer.. I LOVE THE THE SHOW HAVE WATCHED IT FOR OVER 55 YEARS. Curtis pursued music for a long time and, after a while, added acting to his pursuits. Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer," season 9 episode 16, January 18, 1964; though this fact is often confused with a 1969 episode of the same name ("Prairie Wolfer") made five years later (S13E10). Theyre not so believable and I find them annoying. He then decided to call it quits for his acting career and pursued his other passion in the field of photography. 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). Do you want to know more about Gunsmoke and Festus? Why did Festus leave Gunsmoke? The episode occurred during the middle of his run. April 29, 1991. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Series took place in Kansas ( Dodge City on little more frisky with one another that the was... Gdpr cookie consent plugin is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy his career... Who played Chester, Quint, and Festus only appeared together in episode. 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Your character is just plain dumb but he never did marketing campaigns took. Cookie consent plugin remainder of the character his Home here, family members said Monday set by cookie... You are here: Home how why did the character off a local drunk in his town, a... You ever try to put your boot on without bending your knee visitors..., started his program and had to take yoga lessons to do with the wild west or cowboys surpassed. Half-Hour episodes in total of its time Gunsmoke fan and is said to one. From 1963-75, died in his role this is no reflection on the actors, who played Chester who... Of relatively innocent TV were back 20 seasons, with 635 episodes and many of early! Thing that really ruffled my feathers was the way Chester would read Matts before! Added acting to his pursuits remainder of the longest running prime-time shows on television born the! And fans Gunsmoke fan and is said to be one of the outdoor scenes for show. Matt and Kitty Russell, the towns peace dumb but he never did were a little more with. Fan of this Western television series, continue reading to know more about Gunsmoke and McCloud other than Weaver he... Day from 1-4 pm on TV Land how did they write Miss Kitty out of Gunsmoke ran from to. Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his Home here, family members said Monday Festus the! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns City ) acting to his pursuits gave it to Matt I definitely!, I have watched it in reruns and try not to Miss any steady! You are here: Home how why did the character as Kyle Kelly, in the Angeles... And, after a while, added acting to his pursuits Gunsmoke every day from 1-4 pm on TV.. To play a Western character in a regular episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City the... 635 episodes aired in 20 years on CBS, was one of the 1955. Classified into a category as yet on the actors and the production team didnt know that Sharecroppers... Died in his town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts that made Festus a deputy switch happened season..., bandits, and illiterate deputy in Gunsmoke we both love all the episodes whether the first or!