Ken Curtis was born July 2, 1916, in Southeastern Colorado (read more about his childhood here), and he started his entertainment career as a singer in New York before coming to Hollywood in the early/mid 1940s. He starred in a string of Western movies for Columbia studios before joining the distinguished singing group, the Sons of the Pioneers, in 1949 as their lead singer.
He went back to straight acting in 1953, and became part of the John Ford stock company, appearing in many of Ford's films (such as Rio Grande, The Searchers, and The Horse Soldiers) between 1950 and 1964.
And in 1964, Ken took on a regular role on television's Gunsmoke and became "Festus" to people all over the world. With clinking spurs, a backwoods drawl, and memorable sayings, Ken made the character come alive, and the character became part of him.
Ken went out of his way to be kind to his family, friends, co-workers, and fans alike, and it his kindness that draws many people to his films, even now, twenty-seven years since he passed away.
Here Ken's fans of today say what they like about him:
Ken went out of his way to be kind to his family, friends, co-workers, and fans alike, and it his kindness that draws many people to his films, even now, twenty-seven years since he passed away.
Here Ken's fans of today say what they like about him:
He's an honest actor. It's in the eyes.
~ Sylvia
Ken had a heart as big as the earth. He loved people. He cared for his fans and realized if it wasn’t for them he wouldn’t be what he was. He loved his family, and he loved his country. If you had him as a friend you had a treasure.
~ Pam
I believe he was a wonderful person.
~ Marie
An honest, kind man. . . . We were so blessed with his presence.
~ Sue
For me, his personality and work ethic, plus his voice. As Bob Nolan said, Ken had a voice like a pitch-pipe. He blended so well. He truly enjoyed his time in the Pioneers and considered it one of his career highlights.
~ John
His acting was believable, and his voice was soothing; it brought serenity to the heart.
~ Judy
He was a very caring and generous man. He loved people and being around those he loved. Folks loved him and enjoyed being in his company. He was an honest and sincere man. Last but not least he had an awesome singing voice, and when he sang you could tell it was coming from his heart.
~Ginn
Very good actor. Good looking too. :-)
~ Christine
He was such a caring person. A great actor and singer. He made Gunsmoke better by being on the show!!
~ Allene
~ Allene
Ken was such a talented man. He had so many facets to his personality. He was the epitome of kindness, compassion, and loved life.
Ken was Ken! I never got the pleasure of meeting him, but I get to enjoy watching him in action displaying all of his wonderful talents.
We need more people like Ken!
~ Jeanette
You know he was a great person...he loved mules.
~ Leila
~ Leila
Ken reminds me of my late husband so laid back; they even favor each other. I miss both of them.
~ Patricia
He was a lovable person who loved children.
~ Rita
He’s a very kind and beautiful person he puts others before himself even his fans he would go out of his way to help anybody. He even let his fans hug him and talk to him; he’s just the sweetest guy with the most angelic smile and gorgeous voice of all time. Ken we love you now and always.
~ Elizabeth
~ Elizabeth
Ken was one of those rare talents who had it all. He was an amazing singer. A fine actor who could play anything from intense drama to comic character roles. Had a great voice for radio. He was good-looking and athletic. Great sense of humor. Plus he was a humble, down-to-earth person. Wish there were more like him.
~ Sharon
Read last year's birthday post for Ken here, and see his filmography here.