Roger Ewing, known for his role as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood in the enduring TV 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 6’4″, he brought a unique presence to the screen, making his mark in a time when television was dominated by classic Westerns. His love for acting started in an unexpected place: in high school, where he portrayed Chester in a parody of “Gunsmoke” for a school variety show, a series he avidly watched every Saturday night.
After a year in college and a stint as a lifeguard, Ewing turned to acting professionally. He debuted on screen in 1964 with an uncredited role in “Ensign Pulver,” and started appearing in guest roles on popular TV shows like “Bewitched,” “The Baileys of Balboa,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Rawhide.” He also featured in the film “None But the Brave.”
His first appearance on “Gunsmoke” was in February 1965 as a character named Ben Lukens. His performance impressed the producers, leading to his return in a different role. In October of the same year, during the third episode of season 11, he was introduced as Thad Greenwood, a character who became a regular on the CBS series.
At 23, Ewing brought a youthful energy to the mature ensemble that included James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, and Ken Curtis. His character, Thad, arrived in Dodge City as a deputy and the son of an elderly Oklahoma sheriff, chasing four vandals who had induced a fatal heart attack in his father. After the criminals were apprehended or killed, Marshal Dillon invited Thad to stay as a deputy.
Ewing’s casting was a critical point for “Gunsmoke.” He took over from Burt Reynolds, filling the ‘younger actor’ position. At the time, a dispute between James Arness and CBS over salary and ownership of the series put its future in doubt. Producers saw Ewing as a potential replacement for Arness if the disagreement remained unresolved.
The contract dispute nearly led to the cancellation of “Gunsmoke” during a rare dip in ratings. When Arness and CBS finally reached an agreement, Thad Greenwood’s character was phased out. Ewing starred in 50 episodes from 1965 to 1967, spending two seasons as a regular cast member.
After Ewing’s character was replaced, Buck Taylor joined the series as Newly O’Brien. Taylor stayed with “Gunsmoke” until its end in 1975 after a 20 season run.
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. Ewing also appeared on a 1968 episode of “The Dating Game,” but was not selected by future “Bionic Woman” star Lindsay Wagner.
After his departure from “Gunsmoke,” Ewing continued to act, showing up on “The Mothers-in-Law” and “Death Valley Days.” He acted in the films “Smith!” in 1969, and “Play It as It Lays” in 1972. Ewing once mentioned that early in his career, he often played “a gangling misfit who looked tall and dumb.”
After his last film role in 1972, Ewing shifted his career focus to photography. This newfound passion led him on extensive journeys through Europe, Russia, Mexico, and the South Pacific.
Ewing settled in Morro Bay, California, where he was an active participant in local politics. In 2003, he ran for a position on the city council, demonstrating his dedication to public service in his later life.
Following his passing, Ewing’s friends paid tribute to him. Linda Brady, a close friend, stated, “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.”
Thad Greenwood’s character symbolized a key period in ‘Gunsmoke’s” history, a time of change and uncertainty. Thanks to reruns and streaming platforms, Ewing’s work continues to entertain new generations, preserving his contribution to television history.