Ken Curtis was an American actor and singer (1916-1991). He is best known for his role as Festus Haggen in the series Gunsmoke. He began his career as a singing cowboy in low-budget westerns of the 1940s before joining the Tommy Dorsey band following Frank Sinatra's departure. Curtis later appeared in the documentary The Wings of Eagles. He co-starred with John Wayne in The Alamo and The Horse Soldiers. Curtis also appeared in the film Once Upon a Texas Train with Willie Nelson.