Where To Watch
Ken Curtis had this clever trick to keep Festus looking filthy on Gunsmoke
A little effort went a long way in building an authentic wardrobe for a well-worn character.
Ken Curtis played the scraggly, lovable Festus Haggen for a total of 20 seasons on Gunsmoke. Despite his tough, weathered appearance, Festus was truly the heart and soul of the long-running Western series.
While many actors might shy away from portraying a dirty, disheveled character in baggy pants and tattered clothing, Curtis embraced the image wholeheartedly and even identified with it.
In a 1973 interview with The Kalamazoo Gazette, Curtis was entering his 11th season on Gunsmoke. He was genuinely happy to be well employed, and although his character looked poor, the role made him rich.
"I love playing Festus," Curtis said. "I don’t care if you tattoo it across my forehead."
Part of the reason the role came so natural to him was because of his own background. A native of Colorado, Curtis grew up on a ranch in a small town and even served as a backup deputy at the local sheriff’s office.
That rural upbringing gave him an edge in authenticity. As his time playing Festus went on, the line between actor and character began to blur.
One key feature of Festus's look—the scruffy beard—wasn’t something Curtis always had. But it quickly became his trademark.
"After all, this is my bread and butter," Curtis said. "You have to get used to something like the beard."
Talking like Festus was no chore. Looking like him was even easier. While most actors worried about wardrobe and dressing up, Curtis made a living off dressing down... and dirty.
"I’ve worn the same clothes for 11 years," Curtis said. "I have a couple of changes, but the clothes are alike. Now it’s getting kind of difficult to find Festus-like clothes."
"If we do come across something like that old vest I wear, we have to beat it up," Curtis continued. "We’ll get it and sandpaper it real good, especially around the pockets, so it looks old."
According to the interview, it was clear the vest had been intentionally worn down: buttons missing, frayed threads, rips in just the right places. But that was the point. Every detail reflected the care and dedication that went into bringing Festus to life.
"You know, my mother is around 90," Curtis said. "She used to be real proud of me when I wore those fancy jumpsuits on Ripcord. Now, after she sees me on Gunsmoke, she always calls and tells me to clean up."
Related
