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When and why did Chester leave Gunsmoke?

By Laura S. Harris
Dec 24, 2020

Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. His last episode, titled "Bently," saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession.

Why did Doc Adams leave Gunsmoke?

Doc Adams didn't leave Gunsmoke by choice despite the stereotypes that actors leave shows over drama behind the scenes. ... However, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery after suffering a heart attack.

Why did Chester have a stiff leg on Gunsmoke?

How did Chester Goode, Matt Dillon's assistant on Gunsmoke, get his limp? Chester Goode supposedly got that wound during the Civil War. ... Another explanation could be that Weaver was about six foot two and producers wanted him to appear much shorter than the six-foot-seven James Arness, who played Matt Dillon.

Who took Chester's place on Gunsmoke?

Festus Haggen. Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, was introduced in an eighth-season episode (“Us Haggens”), became a recurring character in the ninth season, and took over as Matt's sidekick when Chester left –edging his predecessor out by appearing in 304 episodes.

Who replaced Chester on Gunsmoke?

Mr. Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years.

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