Gunsmoke was more than a TV show for millions of Americans, and fans are now mourning the loss of one of its familiar faces. Roger Ewing, who played deputy marshal Thad Greenwood in the 1960s, died on December 18 at his home in Morro Bay, California. He was 83.
Standing 6-foot-4, Ewing first appeared on Gunsmoke in 1965 and soon became a comforting presence as Thad Greenwood, a young deputy taken in by Marshal Matt Dillon and the Dodge City family. He appeared in about 50 episodes before his role was phased out as the show’s ratings recovered.
Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Ewing had been a longtime Gunsmoke fan before joining the cast. He went on to appear in several TV shows and films, though he was often typecast due to his height. After leaving acting, he became a photographer, traveled widely, and later took part in local politics, even running for city council in Morro Bay.
His legacy remains tied to Gunsmoke, where he left a lasting mark on one of television’s most iconic westerns.