Roger Ewing, who played Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on the beloved Western series *Gunsmoke*, has died at the age of 83. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ewing passed away on December 18 at his longtime home in Morro Bay, California.
For millions of viewers, *Gunsmoke* was more than just a television show—it was a weekly ritual. Ewing became part of that tradition when he joined the cast in 1965 during the show's 11th season. Standing an imposing 6-foot-4, the young actor was just 23 years old when he first appeared as Thad Greenwood, quickly establishing himself as a steady presence in the fictional Dodge City.
His character, the son of an Oklahoma sheriff, arrived in town seeking justice for his father's murder and ultimately remained as Marshal Matt Dillon's deputy. Ewing later reflected that Thad was seamlessly absorbed into the show's ensemble. "Matt, Kitty, Doc and Festus sort of adopted him," he recalled. "He fit in whenever necessary."
Over the course of two seasons, Ewing appeared in 50 episodes before his role was gradually written out as ratings recovered and cast dynamics evolved.
Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Ewing grew up watching *Gunsmoke* before eventually joining its cast. Following early guest spots on series like *Bewitched* and *Rawhide*, his role on *Gunsmoke* became his breakout performance. He went on to appear in films such as *Smith!* and *Play It as It Lays*, and came close to landing a major part in the Oscar-winning *Midnight Cowboy*.
After leaving acting behind, Ewing reinvented himself as a photographer and later became involved in local politics. But for generations of Western fans, he will always be remembered as Thad Greenwood—the dependable young deputy who helped make Dodge City feel like home.
