Nevertheless, the comparisons to Dennis Weaver’s Chester Goode were inevitable. Curtis once explained why he thought Festus was always a better character than Chester on Gunsmoke. ‘Gunsmoke ...

Both men were Chester Hall of Fame inductees-Chaney in 2009 and Hood in 2013 ... He was a man of impeccable character and integrity,” Smith said. “They just don’t make them like Don anymore.” Hood was ...