April, Festus Haggen’s girlfriend on “Gunsmoke,” was killed off in the episode titled “Alias Festus Haggen.”
In the long-running television series “Gunsmoke,” which aired from 1955 to 1975, Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, was a beloved character known for his scruffy appearance and thick, slurred speech. He was introduced in the episode “Us Haggens” as a deputy to Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by James Arness.
Festus did have a girlfriend named April who appeared in the episode “Alias Festus Haggen.” In this episode, Festus is mistaken for a robber and murderer who looks like him. April, who is deeply in love with Festus, helps to clear his name. Tragically, during the course of the episode, April is killed by the real criminal, leaving Festus and the audience heartbroken.
The death of April was a poignant moment in the series, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Old West and the personal losses that the characters sometimes had to endure. It also served to deepen the character of Festus, who was often seen as comic relief but also had his own moments of drama and gravity. The episode was a testament to the show’s ability to blend different tones and give its characters multifaceted personalities and experiences.