Ken Curtis was an American actor and singer, he was born on July 2nd 1916. He has played several characters in his career but he is admired the most as Festus Haggen, a character he played on the Western television series Gunsmoke.
Who was Ken Curtis’ Twin Brother?
Contrary to popular conceptions, Ken Curtis did have a twin brother, he was the youngest of the three brothers who were Carl (born 1909) and Chester (born 1912).
In the Season 8 of Gunsmoke in episode “Us Haggens” (1962), Festus mentions a twin named Fergus Haggen who was unfortunately killed during a robbery fallout. This was a fictional detail which appeared for many people as rumour for Ken Curtis having a twin brother. This is a confusion between actor and character.
People believe Chester Curtis was Ken’s twin brother but parents confirm this is not true.
Ken Curtis Life
You should be surprised to know that Curtis began his career as a singer but not an actor. Both the Curtis parents came from the entertainment industry. When Ken left his Colorado College , he joined Tommy Dorsey’s band replacing Frank Sinatra; later on he received the privilege of being a part of the famous Western musical group, the Sons of the Pioneers, where he recorded hits like “Room Full of Roses” and “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.”
Ken had a strong voice and it was his entry ticket to fame, he kept singing even after his acting career took off.
Ken was surrounded by people who worked in the entertainment industry which also gave him a big push. Apart from his remarkable presence on the screen, he remained in touch with his father in law, John Ford, who was a director.
Ken has acted alongside John Wayne in films like:
- The Searchers (1956)
- The Horse Soldiers (1959)
- Rio Grande (1950)
Often played supporting roles — cowboys, soldiers, or sidekicks — and sometimes comic characters.
Ken remained in television for a long time and he was admired very much after his work in the Gunsmoke, his last acting role was as the aging cattle rancher Seaborn Tay in the television production Conagher (1991).
Ken Custis Marriages
Ken Curtis married 3 times in his lifetime. His first wife was Torrie Ahern Connelly married in 1943, and the couple had two children, Kelly and Jody, although they got a divorce in 1952.
In 1959, Ken married Barbara Ford, and they had a daughter Mindy. Unfortunately, they also got a divorce in 1964. Ken’s final marriage was to Lorraine Page in 1974, and the couple remained together until Ken’s death in 1991.
Curtis died at the age of 74 on April 28th, 1991 during his sleep in California. It was due to a heart attack.
This article covers a small aspect of his grand life and is intended to bring into light the confusing rumours of twin brothers.
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