Roger Ewing Of “Gunsmoke” Fame Dies At Age 83
Actor Roger Ewing, who was most well-known for playing Thad Greenwood in 50 episodes of "Gunsmoke," has died at the age of 83. (Photo Credit: IMDb)
Actor Roger Ewing, Who Played Gunsmoke‘s Thad Greenwood, Has Died
Roger Ewing, the actor known for playing Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood in Gunsmoke, has died. He was 83 years old.
Ewing passed away on December 18, 2025, just a few weeks shy of his 84th birthday (January 12). The news of his death did not reach the media until January 2026, when outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter covered the story. His cause of death has not been released.
Ewing, who was born in Los Angeles, considered himself a fan of Gunsmoke. The Hollywood Reporter references a 1966 interview, during which Ewing said, “I watched [the show] every Saturday night.“
As a high school student, Ewing played Chester in a satirical variety show based on Gunsmoke. Teenage Ewing had no idea he’d one day star in the show itself.
At 23 years old, Ewing made his first appearance in Gunsmoke, but not as Thad Greenwood. Instead, he played a character named Ben Lukens in a single episode in 1965.
Then, during the third installment of the show’s 11th season, Ewing joined the cast to play Thad Greenwood long-term. He portrayed the character in 50 episodes across two seasons.
Roger Ewing’s Other Roles Outside Of Gunsmoke
Prior to playing Thad Greenwood on Gunsmoke, Roger Ewing guest-starred on Bewitched, The Baileys of Balboa, The Bing Crosby Show, and Rawhide. He made his film debut in 1964, appearing in an uncredited role in Ensign Pulver. Then, in 1965, he played Pvt. Swensholm in the movie Nothing but the Brave.
After Gunsmoke, Ewing guest-starred in the TV shows The Mothers-in-Law and Death Valley Days. He also appeared in two films, 1969’s Smith! and 1972’s Play It as It Lays.
The latter film was Ewing’s final project before he retired from acting. The Hollywood Reporter details how he pursued photography and traveled through Europe, Russia, Mexico, and the South Pacific.
Additionally, Ewing maintained an active presence in local politics. He ran for a city council seat in Morro Bay, California, in 2003.
Roger Ewing died in Morro Bay on December 18, 2025, with The Hollywood Reporter calling him “a longtime resident” of the coastal city.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Ewing. May he rest in peace…
