Roger Ewing

Roger Lawrence Ewing, an American actor whose breakout television role as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on the long-running Western "Gunsmoke" helped shape a generation's view of frontier justice, died December 18, 2025. He was 83 years old.

Born January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, Ewing grew up watching the show on which he would later star. While still in high school, he appeared in a satirical variety show version of "Gunsmoke," foreshadowing the role that would later define his career.

Ewing briefly attended college for one year, and he worked as a lifeguard before committing to acting full-time. He made his first screen appearance in 1964 with an uncredited role in the comedy "Ensign Pulver" and soon guest-starred on popular series including "Bewitched," "The Baileys of Balboa," "Rawhide," and "The Bing Crosby Show."

In 1965, he made his initial "Gunsmoke" appearance as Ben Lukens. Later that year, producers cast him as Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, a young deputy marshal in Dodge City. Ewing appeared in more than 50 episodes of the iconic CBS series through 1967, becoming a recognizable face to households who tuned in for classic Western storytelling.

After "Gunsmoke," Ewing continued working in television, with roles on "The Mothers-in-Law" and "Death Valley Days." His final film credits included "Smith!" (1969) and "Play It as It Lays" (1972), after which he retired from acting and pursued new passions.

Outside of entertainment, Ewing cultivated a successful career as a professional photographer, traveling extensively through Europe, Mexico, Russia, and the South Pacific. Later, he became active in community life in Morro Bay, California, even campaigning for a city council seat in 2003.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Photo by Getty Images)