Years Later, Ken Curtis FINALLY CONFESSED The Ugly Truth

Every Ken Curtis fan loves his iconic drawl, but only a few know how this legendary character was shaped. Beneath his charming stance lies a world of startling truths and one of them has now finally surfaced. Ken Curtis, the man behind the beloved character from the iconic Western series ‘Gunsmoke,’ didn’t expect that he would create one of the most enduring personas in the history of television. However, there’s one remarkable rumor that has been following him for years, but the actual truth has long remained hidden. Keep watching as we uncover the real story.
#goldenageofhollywood #1950s #1960s #kencurtis
‪@classicsuntold‬
DISCLAIMER: The content of our videos is provided for entertainment purposes only. It may include factual elements, speculation, rumours, and fictional content. No portion of the content should be considered accurate or relied upon as fact. Viewers should not interpret any part of the content as factual or definitive information. Please enjoy responsibly.We can be reached at this email: [e-mail].
For business opportunities, please contact us at: [e-mail]

[@bobandbally88]

Ken Curtis sang with the Tommy Dorsey band and was Frank Sinatras replacement. Not too shabby

[@odinsson204]

And Sons of the Pioneers. Dude had pipes.

[@dwood4453]

That ole scutter made me laugh especially when him and Doc would get into it.

[@ClydeMorris-wh9vz]

That's big aman!

[@nathangilpin9244]

both fine actors.

[@davef.2329]

His talent was a big contribution to the success and longevity of Gunsmoke.

[@bigo1053]

I'm 65 yo, and I watched Gunsmoke as a kid, I still watch it today on INSP. Never knew KC's life story until now! Thank you! May they all RIP! 🙏 🇺🇸👍

[@neilschauer5080]

TV Land too

[@ArkRed1]

Working with Ken for four years,1974-78 in his musical group, The Dodge City Four was one of the best musical events of my life. We traveled a lot, and saw a lot of two countries, and if I had to do it all over again I'd do it in a heartbeat. So long pardner, happy trails.

[@theresamealer3314]

What an honor!! Great memories too! I have watched Gunsmoke since I was a child.One of the most memorable & funny things Festus said " That man is as crooked as a dog's hind leg!" LOVED them all & still watch now! Thank you for sharing.

[@WJV9]

@@theresamealer3314 - I heard that one many times growing up in NW Missouri in the '40's and '50's.

[@sunnybeaches1331]

You were a lucky man!😅

[@theresamealer3314]

@@WJV9 L♡VE Missouri! Used to live in Eagle Rock about 25 yrs.ago

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

I first saw (Festus), Ken Curtis as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers back when I first watched TV with my dad who was a big fan of the singing group. Many people now don’t know what a great singer and entertainer Curtis was.

[@jimcoulter5877]

Hey, I miss that Good Old Music from the Sons of the Pioneers as well.

[@robertl8481]

Saw them at the exhibition in the early 70's.

[@user-me2ed2by3x]

Too bad we don’t have quality shows to watch like that one anymore.

[@jimcoulter5877]

Yup I enjoy them almost Dayly on Dish! I like the old Western a whole lot better than todays evening TV which I do not watch. All except the Italian ones much, just the old Dust ridden Westerns. I really do miss "FESTUS" "Chester was ok" but Dennis Weaver was no ""FESTUS"! We Miss You Ken CurtIs!

[@acquanellaogbemudia9930]

So do I on INSP and WE TV the Dish

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Truth. The real tragedy? They CAN make more shows like that. They choose to make disgusting trash instead.

[@michaelbooth4998]

CBS has some good stuff

[@goodoldbubba6620]

@@michaelbooth4998 Laughable.

[@boogiemorgan]

Ken Curtis was a key player in the Gunsmike series! He also had a great singing voice! He excelled all his undertaking s. RIP Ken, you had a herd of people that loved snd respected you! God bless his family always! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🤠

[@larry3064]

Festus and Doc were the best part of Gunsmoke.

[@Number6_]

Like Spock and macoy,

[@haveanicedave1551]

To me, Matt Dillion was the star. But I do like Fetus and Doc. I did not care for the other guy. Thad was okay.

[@irondoglocal4333]

Don't forget Chester

[@stevegaines-vq3bd]

@@Number6_ or Stewie & Brian on the Family Guy

[@emmittkimbrel2754]

They were great characters 👏 but miss kitty Sam and Marshall matt dillon

[@zingwilder9989]

He was a talented gentleman!

[@Ronin4614]

Ken Curtis had a tremendous singing voice. I really believe Ken as Festus, breathed new life into Gun Smoke. The Festus interplay with Doc Adams, was especially endearing as those two would squabble over must about everything. I did not know Ken was in submarines in WW II, that was a rather elite status. I need to research his Bronze Star Award a bit. Ken Curtis had so much talent. Rest In God’s Own Peace, Ken; and, Thank You So Much.

[@robbysguitars8223]

I met Ken at a rodeo in Florence, Arizona in 1966. He was the honorary marshal and I was 6 years old and competing in the calf riding event. I got to go up to the announcers tower and he signed my riding number. Nice and fun guy.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I met him at a rodeo in Iowa around the same time. He was a talented gentleman.

[@randallanthony1794]

Good story

[@barrygrant2907]

Gunsmoke would not have lasted as long as it did without Festus. It would be like Andy Griffin without Barney.

[@jimwatts4901]

Exactly !! 👍 Spot on 100 %!!!!

[@stevenbalfour6001]

Andy Griffith. And Gunsmoke was better with Chester.

[@barrygrant2907]

@@stevenbalfour6001 We'll have to agree to disagree on that.

[@markrush5013]

you got the last name correct but missed big time on your other point...weaver was good.. but Chester was a weak effort.

[@gregkiyuna6029]

I grew up watching Gunsmoke and I totally agree. Aloha!

[@herberthallum2078]

I loved the character of Festus and I think it was a pivotal role in keeping Gunsmoke around for as long as it did. Without Festus Gunsmoke would have been shortlived.

[@Tonetwisters]

Absolutely. His carrying on with Ole Doc gave a lot of light-hearted character and tension relief to this show, and were brilliantly written, placed and acted.

[@gregsmith1342]

Dennis Weaver character as Chester was just as good, I liked them both but I kinda favored Chester a little bit more, both were exceptional performers and really bought their character to life, fun fact Dennis Weaver directed a episode, I watch gunsmoke daily, they don't make great television like that anymore, I love western movies, the only western show that probably would come close to gunsmoke is Bonanza, but it was so many good western shows on at that time, I don't watch anything new anymore, I have a DVD collection of old TV shows and movies !

[@Litt646]

Where’s the ugly truth?

[@user-ti7yt9vj2f]

Thanks for asking because I read comments before watching on some of the channels like this one

[@RussellBond-dy5dl]

Yep or like Gomer Pyle USMC without Sergeant Carter.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

at 8:05, and it wasn't so ugly

[@itsthatguyphil]

Apparently the character of Festus was gay, and it was hinted at in one episode. The actor himself was straight and married.

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Did you watch the video before you asked this?

[@user-sq4jz9up6g]

He was a great replacement for Dennis Weaver.and a reason the show lasted so long

[@amymaki2918]

Absolutely no ugly truth.

[@yafuker6046]

The ugly truth is....."quieter'n a gagged gopher, Math-ew!"

[@robertwoods3750]

who knew Festus was such a diversly talented man ?.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

Fetus was an original character accidentally created by Curtis. During the filming of The Searchers Curtis had a small role. During a scene setup Curtis was entertaining some cast and crew imitating someone from his past who had a funny way of speaking. Director Ford was listening and instructed Curtis to use that voice for his screen character. Curtis resisted, but agreed. That memorable character immediately was the basis for the later Fetus. I still like his singing better.

[@WJV9]

Yes, this story makes it sound like Ken created the character for Gunsmoke but actually he created the character for the movie, 'The Searchers' with John Wayne and John Ford as Director. So Festus was a repeat of a character he had already created for John Ford as a joke for the cast/crew of the movie 'The Searchers'. You can read about it in the book by Harry Carey Jr. that he wrote about his and his dad's life in the western movie business.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

@@WJV9 I have that book and collect Harry Carey movies. My original comment correctly states the sequence of events. Please, simply read the original comment above for your clarification.

[@Jbennyho]

Gunsmoke has always been my favorite TV show. Thanks for this additional information.

[@not1au]

Seen Festus in Colfax Louisiana when I was about ten years old and got his autograph. My grandfather(papaw) and I watched Gunsmoke every Saturday afternoon in my younger years. I remember the excitement of showing my grandfather Festus autograph.

[@brookswilson1072]

I loved him as Festus in Gunsmoke. He was the guest of honor at one of our local Marine Corps birthday balls back in the early 70's in Fresno, CA. I spoke to him there and commented that I preferred him to Dennis Weaver who never wore a gun on Gunsmoke. He just smiled. There is a statue of him in my town Clovis, CA.

[@mayormerq08-23]

Awesome story about Festus and, of course, Ken Curtis! I only wish he had been on GUNSMOKE a little longer! Chester was okay, but Festus was, by far, my favorite! Would love to see him more on the 30 minute episodes like Chester was! Thank you so much for bringing this story forward!

[@alph8654]

I like Chester also. Real name Dennis Weave I really liked him as Sam McCloud on McCloud. But Festus was a good addition after Chester left.

[@mmagnusol]

I think he was on the early episodes pre Festus as a singing and womanizing con artist who preyed on women and then as Prairie Wolfer. I was somewhat stunned by the earlier character who was handsome with a very good voice and the later characters.

[@catfish24]

Festus was one of the best characters on Gun Smoke and one of the best actors.

[@michaelbooth4998]

Festus played an inspirational part of my life. I've always admired his natural talent for entertaining. He was a very talented singer & actor. His impact was & is immeasurable.

[@michaelbooth4998]

Really nice work ClassicsUntold. My Dad was a WWII Bomber Pilot played with Bob Wills & Lionel Hampton. He knew alot of those like Son's of the Pioneers, Audrey, Leslie Paul Chet & many actor musicians. Thanks for paying their work forward.

[@thurnock13]

I had met his brother 30+ yrs ago. Very nice man. Sounded just like him.

[@AbqRealDeals]

I grew up watching Gunsmoke. Festus was my favorite character.

[@bradbahler5581]

This leads us to believe that Ken Curtis was auditioning for Gunsmoke when John Ford asked him to do the accent. Ford had nothing to do with Gunsmoke, but requested the voice for a movie role years earlier

[@WJV9]

Yes, a mistake, the character was created as a joke while entertaining the cast/crew of the movie, 'The Searchers' with John Wayne and Director John Ford. So rent the movie and you will hear the 'Festus' voice years before he was ever in Gunsmoke.

[@anim8torfiddler871]

Remembering Ken Curtis in that show so many years back, It strikes me that he seemed to have an authenticity that matched that of the other actors. But while they were mostly Earnest and rarely joked, Festus had a disarming ability to seem harmless while he could spot the Charming Cheaters and Shysters. And his banter made the Bad Guys UNDERestimate his wit and cunning.

[@chuckwilson2301]

Ken was a great actor and singer. Always loved his character and personality on Gunsmoke. I can relate to him as I am from the same region of Colorado that he was. Always think of him when I drive through his home town. It would have been great to meet him in person.

[@SSJIndy]

His folded-down ear on Gunsmoke always cracked me up.

[@jimdevalder4868]

Festus had toe fungus on his folded f..cked up ear😂 Bend over Matt,my banana needs your dirty crack!💩🤪🤯

[@mmagnusol]

About the ear - good point, you are right. My lawyer stepfather used to call James Arness "Satchel Ass" referring to the showdown at the first of each episode. Marshall Dillon always faced away from us and if you think about it had no roundness to his butt at all. In the back his profile went nearly straight down from his waist belt to his knees - flat as the side of a satchel. When Dad got irritated he would call Mom the same thing. He never did have much if a personality. Got on with animals but rarely humans.

[@mesaeddie]

That old scudder sure could sing.

[@MrRickB61-2]

Festus wouldn't have been Festus without That THERE Drawl⁉️😶

[@TheRealDrJoey]

And he had his own rules of syntax, which he never varied from.

[@kennethhamilton5633]

​@@TheRealDrJoeywell I guarn dang tee ye Festus was always ready fer akshun

[@user-ru5vn5gu8p]

I still watch the reruns love Festus

[@brendanaderifar2462]

I grew up with Gunsmoke in my home thanks to my Daddy. Now at 72, I watch reruns nightly and all the actors were the best. Must say that the Fetus character I appreciate now more than ever. Being from Tennessee, l was once thinking that my home was being mocked but now, l find it endearing.

[@centexan]

Festus was created for Gunsmoke. However, Curtis used the persona in other shows like Rawhide. The same look, the same twang/accent. It wasn't unique to Festus.

[@fredbarkerbarker9245]

Dont move narry a warble

[@User39.]

best show ever

[@mmagnusol]

Behind only James Arness, Ken Curtis was a major component of Gunsmoke. I loved all the characters he played, and he did it so well he became one of the top ten all time American Western actors in my opinion. Who ever saw an actor stretch a character role quite so far as he did Festus? Gunsmoke was without a doubt the very top Western series of all time. Between its start as Marshal Dillon that morphed into Gunsmoke it ran about 550 episodes and 4-5 movies. Nothing has ever equalled it.

[@beaumorris5289]

One of my dear friends sounds and looks like Festus Naturally. That's why the Character Feels Real To Me...

[@CraigerAce]

I remember as a kid watching Gunsmoke with mom and dad, and we all loved Festus. I especially remember one episode when someone had part of their ear shot off, and Festus kept referring to it as “that little hangin’ down part”, we laughed about that one. A fine character actor he was.

[@patriot9455]

It is amazing how often careful planning does not work, but humor and spontaneity does what careful plans would derail. It is wonderful that he went with it instead of objecting because he wanted top do it his own way. In life, how many people have lost everything doing a simple thing in their own ( unsuccessful) way.

[@paulbrungardt9823]

At first, I only knew him as comedic Festus---I was pleasantly surprised when I later heard him sing.

[@geobhamms5201]

My mother spoke of a concert of some type,at the Vigo county fair, which involved him... She was absolutely blown away at his performance... She recalled completely being amortized by this man...

[@WJV9]

Amortized???

[@tamaralyke4247]

In the early episodes there is so much life in his characters eyes. Towards the middle to the end of gun smoke that sparkle is gone Hollywood kills everyone

[@maryhoover3210]

Very great actor! Festus there is no other. His last role in Conagher is fantastic, really loved his character.

[@WestCoastProf]

I loved watching Gunsmoke as a kid, and Festus was my favorite character. I remember my father trying to tell me that the actor was this big deal, a well-known singer.

[@rc1564]

I'm 71, and watch Gunsmoke almost everyday. I really like the early episodes that wre only 30 minutes long. 😊

[@edziuhersthey2313]

I watched Gunsmoke as a child. I never realized how handsome Ken Curtis was. Dang.

[@randyhebbebusche3644]

I was fortunate to have seen him at a county fair here in Wisconsin. He was a good singer too. I remember the episode on Have Gun Will Travel too.

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Gunsmoke was cancelled far too soon. The fact that there were so many Gunsmoke movies afterward more than proves that. I miss those days when good stories were produced rather than propaganda.

[@davidchrisman855]

He was also in The Quiet Man. And I like him even more now knowing he was a conservative!!!

[@thegolfnut812]

I'm glad to know that about him.

[@WJV9]

I like him in spite of him being a Reagan fan.

[@thegolfnut812]

@@WJV9 I like him even better.

[@scottwhitcher265]

I'd forgotten that he was one of the Sons of the Pioneers. I love to hear them and loved Festus.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

There is a full size statue of Festus on the main street (Pollasky) in Clovis, California where he had retired. He was well liked around town and died just days after being the Grand Marshall at the annual Rodeo in Clovis. Not sure what he "ugly" truth was here. We all still recognize him daily.

[@janbuikema8941]

my childhood hero! a good friend R.I.P. gave me the nickname Festus ..im proud to care!

[@markholloway9638]

Ken Curtis was and is my favorite cowboy! My Daddy and me watched Gunsmoke every episode, without fail!

[@Shield.148]

I wish they would have let Ken sing during Gunsmoke. He had a great voice!

[@scottnovak8903]

His my favorite Gun Smoke when festus he chasing his uncle and kill him and before hire as deputy. Miss holmsom series, like Rifleman, Pondera. Good ole times.

[@user-qj3co2jd7f]

Wow what an UGLY TRUTH ! May God help Ken Curtis

[@timedwards8944]

Gun smoke should have had festus from the start

[@alph8654]

Dennis Weaver did good as Chester. Glad he put in a few years. I really liked Weaver as Sam McCloud in the tv show McCloud. "There you go."

[@jawjaboy1234]

I think John Ford was sharp enough to see talent when others, like Curtis himself, couldn't imagine that it would lead to a 14 year run on Gunsmoke. Ford made it work on the Searchers and it made him real star in Gunsmoke. I really liked Festus Hagin. I imitate him a lot when I'm cutting up. "Well, that remains to be saw".

[@johnny56g]

I don’t recall seeing him in The Heat of The Night, the person shown in the clip was Warren Oates.

[@joecoffee968]

Of course I'm a fan of Marshall Dillon but I have to be honest and say my favorite characters on Gunsmoke were Festus and the Doc. I never even knew he could sing until I saw him in a KZbin video on a stage dressed as Festus but imagine my shock when a crooning nightclub type voice came out of his mouth his mouth his mouth. I so seriously miss actors like this. I wish he were still here today.

[@davep153]

If western shows were still around, I would love to be a character as great as Festus.

[@travhammer]

He was a top fast draw with 4/58 1873 Colt. My favorite shootist.

[@HenryWeems-kr9wr]

Festus was why I watched.

[@HenryWeems-kr9wr]

Character actors make movies and TV shows worthwhile. Ken Curtis was fantastic.

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Classics Untold.

[@Harpo.jr70]

Ken was a great guy, actor , singer and athletic skills to play quarterback .

[@oldhomeguy8214]

Fetus and Doc used to fish near Grand Rapids Minnesota years ago each summer

[@MCOult]

So . . . what was "ugly" about it?

[@pattieprophet7987]

I love him !!! ❤

[@reginasvoice9569]

I watch the reruns of gunsmoke and being a Christian it is such a wholesome program to watch. I love the character festus and I love the fact that he is a Republican. I love the character Matt Dillon also Kitty and doc. They have no idea the blessing they left us as Christian people today something good to watch because today's programs are so distasteful and it's not something that I want to watch or have my kids look at. It would also be an inheritance for my children clean and wholesome entertainment. Thank you gunsmoke!!!!!!

[@jeffadams9807]

He Was In John Wayne's, "The Alamo" & "The Horse Soldiers"...

[@56Truex]

I never heard the ugly truth. Festus, whether creating the accent or not, was a beloved character with a lot of folks who grew up on Gunsmoke.

[@bermudaguy5003]

You bet Festus was my favorite. He brought a lot of laughs to the show with his country style. All of us boys had to have those toy six shooters because of these shows to play Cowboys & Indians. 😊 Those were the days ya all!

[@allendaoust5844]

Thank the Good Lord that Festus was Conservative, that piece of information made me appreciate him even more, along with him being a WW2 Veteran.

[@elultimo102]

I forgot about "Rip Cord." I now recall his name announced in the opening : "Starring Larry Pernell and Ken Curtiss." Gee, Matthew, who would expect an old scudder like me to jump out of some kind of flyin' contraption?😄😄😄

[@marianlincoln9008]

As a Child I had my own Festus type character in the persons of 2 Uncles and 1 Grandfather. Their kindness and curious sences of humor made even a childs small tragedies soothed and healing ... Grandpa had the Drawl and on occasion ket us wondering what he was talking about. 1 trip home after a visit to the local swimming hole, with us riding in the back of his pickup truck.. Grandpa hollered back.. "look at that tar' truck up ahead"... We being citi kids were looking fir something hauling Asphalt, .... he was talking about a truck hauling used TIRES!!!... love Grandpas twang. MY only regrett is that he didnt teach us his woodcraft and natural herb .edicine knowledge.

[@rogerdale5451]

(That ain't Bent County) it's as flat and grassy as western Kansas.

[@marilynpomponio8335]

I have always liked Ken Curtis. However I didn’t know he was Festis on Gun Smoke. I was imitated of the character he played and didn’t like him. I was shocked when I found out who played that part. He was fantastic singer and a very believable actor.

[@false-flagburner4184]

The bickering between Festus and Doc Adams on many of the episodes carries on in my head like Spock and Bones did on Star Trek - best comical duos of all time on a TV series

[@Phillip-on3ce]

Ken Curtis was the son in law of the great director John Ford for about 10 years. While the marriage didn't last, Curtis appeared in several Ford movies (The Searchers.& Rio Grande were particularly memorable). Curtis had previously sang in the western singing group "The Sons of the Pioneers" after Roy Rogers left to enter the movies. Curtis sang with his old group "the Sons of the Pioneers" as the regimental singers who sang for John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in Rio Grande. Ken Curtis had more talent as a singer and an actor than he was recognized for. Gunsmoke never allowed Curtis to sing on the show, as I suppose that they thought that the character Festus shouldn't be talented or skilled at anything, just a good-hearted bumpkin.

[@rod462]

And what a voice he had. Just Googl song: "tumbleweed" by Ken Curtis....WOW

[@davep153]

I love those old western ties and decorative shirts those bands had.

[@guyfaux3978]

Ken Curtis shows up in the film The Last Hurrah (a John Ford film) as a Catholic priest, of all roles. Minus the twang, of course.

[@leondillon8723]

1:35)Curtis once claimed that his mother's cooking was the reason people got themselves arrested. 2:15)There was only ONE way to get the Bronze Star before Viet Nam. THE HARD WAY.

[@davidwhitaker7412]

Never missed a show

[@johndoe43]

I'm gonna keep an eyeball skunt back on this one 😊😊

[@karengordon6610]

There’s only one left from Gunsmoke - Buck Taylor unless he’s gone now too.

[@showaltermicro]

We love him !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GodsPerfect]

"Matthew, I'm so mad I could smoke a pickle!"

[@rmcfete]

He replaced Sinatra when Dorsey fired him

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I loved the Kyle Kelly episode. He was so handsome.

[@mobilegoat1]

Festus should have had his own show , he was a very talented man .

[@jchapman8248]

I believe Ken Curtis was in the movie MR. ROBERTS with Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell and Jack Lemon.

[@scottnovak8903]

Let alone he's a patriot. Culture now sniveling, Snowflake can't even know ethic's, principles and discipline. Now kid's raised by a computer, cell phone's and scream victim abuse. Bible scripture about spareing the rod. My G-ma had 13 kid's, 11 boy's and 2 girl's, her first boy when hanging laundry on line, having a broke water, went in , cut it embilican cord, tide a knot and finished hanging. R.I.P. MY SWEETHEART. She also lived through with 3 passing away husband's. True grit.

[@wesleybarton3871]

Good writing and going to an hour long show was good television.

[@RichardTClark396]

Loved festus!! Was very thoughty of him to take that role!

[@nealbennett4950]

He was doing that voice in 1955 or 56 in the Searchers .

[@sunnybeaches1331]

What was that medal? It was NOT a US issued Bronze Star! I loved old Festus, tho. An actual HERO, both on and off the screen! God Bless!