Roger Ewing, the American actor best known for his memorable role as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on the classic Western television series Gunsmoke, has died at the age of 83. His family announced in an obituary that Ewing passed away on December 18, 2025 in Morro Bay, California. No cause of death was disclosed in the family statement.See More…
Ewing’s career in entertainment began in the mid-1960s after he appeared in a high school satirical production of Gunsmoke, sparking his interest in acting. He made his onscreen debut in the 1964 film Ensign Pulver before transitioning to television, where he earned guest roles on popular series including Bewitched, The Bing Crosby Show, and Rawhide.
In 1965, Ewing joined the cast of Gunsmoke in a small part, but his performance quickly led to a full-time role as Thad Greenwood, a young deputy marshal and handyman in Dodge City. Over the next two seasons he appeared in more than 50 episodes, becoming a recognizable face to audiences throughout the show’s storied run.
Beyond Gunsmoke, Ewing’s screen résumé included roles in films such as None but the Brave (1965) and Smith! (1969), as well as one of his last appearances in the 1972 drama Play It as It Lays. After retiring from acting in the early 1970s, he pursued his interest in photography, traveling extensively through Europe, Russia, Mexico, and other regions.
Later in life, Ewing became active in his local community, including involvement in politics; he even ran for a seat on the Morro Bay City Council in 2003. Those who knew him personally remember him as a gentle, modest man who maintained close friendships and continued his creative pursuits long after leaving Hollywood.
Ewing’s passing has prompted tributes from fans and entertainment commentators alike, celebrating his contributions to one of television’s most beloved Westerns and honoring the legacy he built both on and off the screen.
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