Roger Ewing
American actor (1942–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roger Lawrence Ewing (January 12, 1942 – December 18, 2025) was an American film and television actor.[1][2] He is perhaps best known for playing Thad Greenwood in the American western television series Gunsmoke.[3]
January 12, 1942
Roger Ewing | |
|---|---|
Ewing in 1967 | |
| Born | Roger Lawrence Ewing January 12, 1942 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | December 18, 2025 (aged 83) Morro Bay, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1964–1972 |
Life and career
Roger Lawrence Ewing was born in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 1942.[4][5]
Ewing's first screen appearance was in 1964, in the film Ensign Pulver.[3]
In 1965, Ewing guest-starred in the western television series Gunsmoke, appearing in the episode "Song for Dying".[3] Ewing's performance impressed the producers, who offered him the role of Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, and he joined the regular cast.[4] At the time, there was a contract dispute between star James Arness and CBS, and Ewing's character was created by CBS with a view to replacing Arness should they deem it necessary. By 1967, the disagreement had been resolved, and Ewing's character was written out of the show.[4] Ewing had been a Gunsmoke fan while in high school, where he had appeared in a parody of the show.[6][7]
He also guest-starred in television programs including Rawhide, The Farmer's Daughter, Bewitched, The Eleventh Hour and Room 222.[3]
Ewing retired from acting in 1972, last appearing in the film Play It as It Lays,[3] and became a professional photographer.[4]
Ewing died in Morro Bay, California on December 18, 2025, at the age of 83.[5]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Ensign Pulver | Jackson | Uncredited |
| 1965 | None but the Brave | Pvt. Swensholm | |
| 1969 | Smith! | Donald Maxwell | |
| 1972 | Play It as It Lays | Nelson |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Bewitched | Marvin "Monster" Grogan | Episode: "The Girl Reporter" |
| 1964 | The Baileys of Balboa | Norman | Episode: "Look Who's a Sailor" |
| 1964 | The Bing Crosby Show | Eddie Fox | 2 episodes |
| 1965 | Rawhide | Billy Wallace | Episode: "The Calf Women" |
| 1965–1967 | Gunsmoke | Various roles | 65 episodes |
| 1967 | The Mothers-in-Law | Carter Case | Episode: "Divorce: Mother-in-Law Style" |
| 1970 | Death Valley Days | Frank Harris | Episode: "Pioneer Pluck" |
