Ken Curtiswas 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 episode 13, "Us Haggens". His next appearance was with his mule Ruth in "Prairie Wolfer", season 9 episode 16, also featuring Noah Beery, Jr. as the episode's villain...
(wikipedia)