In a poignant farewell to one of television’s enduring icons, Roger Ewing, the actor immortalized as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on the legendary western Gunsmoke, has passed away at the age of 83.
Ewing’s family confirmed his death on December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay, California, leaving behind a legacy defined by charisma, versatility, and an indelible mark on the golden era of television.
Born on January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, Ewing’s onscreen journey began in 1964 with an uncredited role in the Joshua Logan-directed film Ensign Pulver.
That same year, he made guest appearances on acclaimed television series including Bewitched, The Baileys of Balboa, and The Bing Crosby Show, swiftly establishing himself as a rising talent with a magnetic presence.
Ewing first appeared on Gunsmoke in a Season 10 episode as Ben Lukens. The producers, impressed by his performance, created the character of Thad Greenwood the affable deputy marshal and handyman which he portrayed from 1965 to 1967.
Deputy Marshal Thad’s combination of charm, integrity, and relatability quickly earned Ewing a devoted fan base, securing his place in television history.
Beyond the frontier town of Dodge City, Ewing’s versatility shone through guest roles in Rawhide, The Mothers-In-Law, and Death Valley Days, as well as in films such as None But the Brave (1965), Smith! (1969), and Play It As It Lays (1972), highlighting his dynamic range across genres.
In the early 1970s, Ewing transitioned from acting to pursue photography, traversing Mexico, Russia, Europe, and the South Pacific, capturing the world through a lens that reflected his artistic vision and adventurous spirit.
Later, he extended his dedication to the community by running for city council in his hometown of Morro Bay, blending creativity with civic engagement.
Never married and without children, Ewing is survived by his extended family. Yet his enduring legacy is inseparable from Gunsmoke, where his portrayal of Thad Greenwood continues to resonate with audiences, symbolizing a golden era of television storytelling, resilience, and authenticity.
