<P> Ken Curtis ( July 2 , 1916 -- 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 featured Noah Beery Jr. , as a villain . </P>
<P> Ken Curtis ( July 2 , 1916 -- 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 featured Noah Beery Jr. , as a villain . </P>
name of actor who played festus on gunsmoke
name of actor who played festus on gunsmoke
Ken Curtis
Ken Curtis