Roger Ewing, known for his role as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood in the iconic television Western “Gunsmoke,” passed away on December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay, California. He was 83 years old.
Ewing was born on January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. Standing at 6’4″, his earnest, lanky stature made him a standout during the era of classic television Westerns. His acting journey started during his senior year of high school, where he played a character named Chester in a variety show parody of “Gunsmoke,” a show he was a fan of and watched every Saturday night.
After a year in college and a stint as a lifeguard, Ewing turned his focus to acting. His screen debut came in 1964 with a minor role in “Ensign Pulver,” where his character humorously placed a beer bottle in a duck’s mouth. That same year, he started making guest appearances in popular television shows such as “Bewitched,” “The Baileys of Balboa,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Rawhide.” He also featured in the film “None But the Brave.”
Ewing made his first appearance on “Gunsmoke” in February 1965, playing a character named Ben Lukens. His performance was so impressive that later that year, the producers brought him back in a different role. In the third episode of season 11, in October 1965, he was introduced as Thad Greenwood, a deputy marshal and handyman who would become a recurring character on the CBS series.
Being cast at only 23 years old, Ewing added a youthful vigor to the existing cast, which included James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, and Ken Curtis. His character, Thad, arrived in Dodge City as the deputy and son of an elderly Oklahoma sheriff, tracking down four miscreants whose actions had caused his father’s fatal heart attack. However, Thad found that his warrant had no legal standing in Dodge. After the four criminals were either killed or apprehended for cattle theft, Marshal Dillon invited Thad to stay on as a deputy.
Ewing’s casting occurred at a critical time for “Gunsmoke.” He replaced Burt Reynolds, who played Quint Asper on the series, filling the ‘younger actor’ slot. There was ongoing tension between star James Arness and CBS over salary and ownership of the series, casting doubt over the show’s future. Producers thought Ewing could potentially serve as a replacement for Arness if the dispute remained unresolved.
The contract standoff almost led to the cancellation of “Gunsmoke” during an unusual dip in ratings for the Western series. When Arness and the network eventually reached an agreement, the role of Thad Greenwood was phased out. Ewing appeared in 50 episodes from 1965 to 1967, over two seasons as a recurring cast member.
Following Ewing’s exit, Buck Taylor joined the series as Newly O’Brien, taking over Ewing’s character. Taylor stayed with “Gunsmoke” until its cancellation in 1975 after 20 seasons.
During his acting career, Ewing was considered by director John Schlesinger for the role of Joe Buck in “Midnight Cowboy” in 1969, a role that eventually went to Jon Voight. He also made an appearance as a bachelor on a 1968 episode of “The Dating Game,” where future “Bionic Woman” star Lindsay Wagner selected another contestant.
Post “Gunsmoke,” Ewing continued acting with appearances on “The Mothers-in-Law” and “Death Valley Days.” His filmography included “Smith!” in 1969, starring Glenn Ford, and “Play It as It Lays” in 1972, featuring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins. Early in his career, Ewing noted that he was often cast as “a gangling misfit who looked tall and dumb.”
In 1972, after his final film role, Ewing switched careers to pursue photography. This new venture led him on extensive travels throughout Europe, Russia, Mexico, and the South Pacific.
Ewing settled in Morro Bay, California, where he became involved in local politics. In 2003, he ran for a city council seat, showcasing his commitment to civic involvement in his later years.
Following the news of his passing, friends remembered Ewing with affection. Linda Brady, a close friend, 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.”
The role of Thad Greenwood was a significant turning point in ‘Gunsmoke’s” development during a time of change and uncertainty. His work on the show continues to reach new audiences through reruns and streaming platforms, ensuring that his contribution to the world of television is remembered.