How Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke - Why did festus replace chester on gunsmoke? Actor dennis weaver, who played chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. Production brought in actor ken curtis as. I've been watching the gun smoke episodes on tv land and encore westerns and i wanted to know how did festus hagen's character leave the show gunsmoke? Festus was the lovable deputy to marshal matt dillon and quickly became a fan favorite for his unique personality and humor. When did festus replace chester on gunsmoke? Curtis played festus haggin, sidekick to marshal matt dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. Festus was the lovable deputy to marshal matt dillon and quickly became a fan favorite for his unique personality and humor. However, in 1975, ken curtis made the decision to leave.
Why did festus replace chester on gunsmoke? Actor dennis weaver, who played chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. Production brought in actor ken curtis as. I've been watching the gun smoke episodes on tv land and encore westerns and i wanted to know how did festus hagen's character leave the show gunsmoke? Festus was the lovable deputy to marshal matt dillon and quickly became a fan favorite for his unique personality and humor.