GUNSMOKE DEPUTY is a term used to refer to two characters from the long-running American television series, Gunsmoke. CHESTER, with 7 letters, was the deputy to Marshal Matt Dillon and was played by Dennis Weaver. He was a loyal friend to Matt and often provided comic relief. Festus, with 6 letters, was another deputy to Matt Dillon and was played by Ken Curtis. He was a rough-around-the-edges character who was often seen as a bumbling fool, but was also a loyal friend to Matt.