Roger Ewing, who portrayed deputy marshal Thad Greenwood on the classic television western “Gunsmoke,” died on December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay, California. He was 83 years old.
Ewing first appeared on the CBS series in February 1965 as a character named Ben Lukens. Later that year, in October 1965, he was introduced as Thad Greenwood, a role that would define his career. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, the actor brought a distinctive physical presence to the deputy marshal and handyman character.
“With Thad’s family gone, Matt, Kitty, Doc and Festus sort of adopted him,” Ewing once said of his character’s place in the “Gunsmoke” ensemble. “Anything that needed to be done, you know, an extra hand here, an extra hand there, Thad was always around. He fit in whenever necessary.”
Ewing appeared in 50 episodes of “Gunsmoke” alongside James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon, as well as Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, and Ken Curtis as Festus. His tenure on the show lasted from 1965 to 1967, bridging the gap between Burt Reynolds’ departure and the arrival of Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien.
Born January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, Ewing’s path to “Gunsmoke” began in an unlikely way.
Ewing made his onscreen debut in the 1964 film “Ensign Pulver.” His early television appearances included episodes of “Bewitched,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Rawhide.” He also appeared in Frank Sinatra’s “None But the Brave.”
The young actor joined “Gunsmoke” during a pivotal moment in the show’s history. When Burt Reynolds departed his role, producers sought an actor to fill the “younger actor” slot. They found Ewing and created the character of Thad Greenwood.
Thad Greenwood was eventually phased out. Taylor’s character, Newly O’Brien, would remain with the series through its final season.
Following his departure from “Gunsmoke,” Ewing continued working in television and film. He appeared in episodes of “The Mothers-in-Law” and “Death Valley Days.” His film work included “Smith!” in 1969, which starred Glenn Ford, and “Play It as It Lays” in 1972, featuring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins.
After completing “Play It as It Lays,” Ewing made a significant career change. He quit acting to pursue photography, a passion that took him on extensive travels throughout Europe, Russia, Mexico, and the South Pacific. This second career allowed him to explore the world through a different creative lens, trading the sound stages of Hollywood for locations around the globe.
In his later years, Ewing became active in local politics in Morro Bay, California, where he had settled. He ran for a city council seat in 2003, demonstrating his commitment to civic engagement in his adopted hometown.
“Gunsmoke” remains one of the longest-running and most beloved western series in television history. The show, which aired on CBS, depicted life in Dodge City through the eyes of Marshal Matt Dillon and the colorful characters who populated the frontier town. Ewing’s portrayal of the earnest young deputy contributed to the show’s success during a period when westerns dominated American television.
The series served as a launching pad for numerous actors who went on to significant careers. Reynolds used his time on “Gunsmoke” as a stepping stone to film stardom, while other cast members became television fixtures. Ewing’s two-season run placed him among the many talented performers who helped define the golden age of television westerns.
Despite his relatively brief time in the spotlight, Ewing left a lasting impression on “Gunsmoke” fans. The show’s continued popularity in syndication has introduced new generations to his portrayal of Thad Greenwood, ensuring that his work remains accessible decades after the original broadcasts.
His involvement in Morro Bay politics demonstrated another facet of his character. Rather than retreating entirely from public life, he chose to engage with his community in meaningful ways.
