Longtime television actor Roger Ewing, who was recognized for playing Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on the popular Western series “Gunsmoke,” passed away on December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay, California, at the age of 83.
Ewing was born on January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, his lean stature and sincere demeanor on screen made him stand out during a time when television Westerns were the norm. His love for acting began in high school when he played the character Chester in a variety show parody of “Gunsmoke,” a series he watched religiously every Saturday night.
After spending a year in college and working as a lifeguard, Ewing decided to pursue acting professionally. He made his acting debut in 1964 with a minor role in “Ensign Pulver.” He also started appearing in guest roles on popular shows like “Bewitched,” “The Baileys of Balboa,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Rawhide,” and in the movie “None But the Brave.”
Ewing’s first appearance on “Gunsmoke” was in February 1965, playing a character named Ben Lukens. His performance impressed the producers, leading them to cast him as Thad Greenwood in October 1965. Greenwood, a deputy marshal and handyman, became a regular fixture on the CBS series.
At only 23, Ewing brought youthful energy to the established ensemble cast that included James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, and Ken Curtis. His character arrived in Dodge City as the deputy and son of an older Oklahoma sheriff, tracking down four vandals who caused his father’s fatal heart attack. After the capture or death of the criminals, Marshal Dillon invited Thad to stay on as a deputy.
Ewing’s casting coincided with a critical juncture for ‘Gunsmoke.’ He took over from Burt Reynolds, filling the “younger actor” role. His casting was also seen as a potential solution to a brewing dispute over salary and series ownership between lead actor James Arness and CBS that nearly led to the show’s cancellation during a rare dip in ratings. Once the dispute was resolved, the character of Thad Greenwood was phased out. Ewing had a two-season run on the show, appearing in 50 episodes from 1965 to 1967.
Buck Taylor then joined “Gunsmoke” as Newly O’Brien, replacing Ewing’s character. Taylor stayed on the show until its end in 1975 after 20 seasons.
During his time in the limelight, Ewing was considered for the role of Joe Buck in “Midnight Cowboy” in 1969 by director John Schlesinger. However, Jon Voight was ultimately chosen. He also made an appearance as a bachelor on a 1968 episode of “The Dating Game,” where he was not selected by future “Bionic Woman” star Lindsay Wagner.
Post “Gunsmoke,” Ewing continued acting with roles on “The Mothers-in-Law” and “Death Valley Days.” He also appeared in films like “Smith!” in 1969 and “Play It as It Lays” in 1972. Early in his career, Ewing often played characters described as “a gangling misfit who looked tall and dumb.”
After his last movie role in 1972, Ewing switched careers to focus on photography. This new venture led him to travel extensively throughout Europe, Russia, Mexico, and the South Pacific.
In his later years, Ewing became active in the local politics of Morro Bay, California. He ran for a city council seat in the coastal community in 2003, signaling his dedication to civic duties.
Following the announcement of his death, friends remembered Ewing with warmth. Close friend Linda Brady said, “Roger brought many of his own characteristics to the role of Thad Greenwood on the epic western ‘Gunsmoke.’ Shy, quiet, funny, and endearingly optimistic, Roger, as Thad Greenwood, will live on, forever young, in ‘Gunsmoke’ reruns throughout the world.”