Roger Lawrence Ewing (January 12, 1942 – December 18, 2025) was an American actor. He was best known for playing Thad Greenwood in the American western television series Gunsmoke.
Life and career Roger Lawrence Ewing was born in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 1942. He had been a fan of the CBS western television series Gunsmoke while in high school, where he had appeared in a parody of the television series. He began his screen career in 1964, appearing in the film Ensign Pulver.
In 1965, Ewing guest-starred in Gunsmoke, appearing in the episode "Song for Dying". Ewing's performance impressed the producers, who offered him the role of Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, joining the main cast. 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 televisions eries. He guest-starred in television programs including Rawhide, The Farmer's Daughter, Bewitched, The Eleventh Hour and Room 222.
Ewing retired from acting in 1972, last appearing in the film Play It as It Lays. After retiring from acting, he worked as a professional photographer.
Death Ewing died in Morro Bay, California on December 18, 2025, at the age of 83.
Filmography
Film + Year Title Role Notes1964Ensign PulverJacksonUncredited1965None but the BravePvt. Swensholm1969Smith!Donald Maxwell1972Play It as It LaysNelson
Television Year Title Role Notes1964BewitchedMarvin "Monster" GroganEpisode: "The Girl Reporter"1964The Baileys of BalboaNormanEpisode: "Look Who's a Sailor"1964The Bing Crosby ShowEddie Fox2 episodes1965RawhideBilly WallaceEpisode: "The Calf Women"1965–1967GunsmokeVarious roles65 episodes1967The Mothers-in-LawCarter CaseEpisode: "Divorce: Mother-in-Law Style"1970Death Valley DaysFrank HarrisEpisode: "Pioneer Pluck"
References
External links
Rotten Tomatoes profile