Roger Ewing, “Gunsmoke” Star, Dies at 83

Roger Ewing, who gained fame for portraying Deputy Sheriff Thad Greenwood on “Gunsmoke,” has passed away.

He was 83 years old.

His girlfriend announced that he died on December 18, 2025, in Morro Bay, California. Details surrounding the cause of death haven’t been shared.

A close friend of Ewing, Mark Ashworth, expressed his sorrow in a message, noting, “Roger was a kind and respectful man who never forgot his reputation or position in life. Surely, he is in heaven, because if anyone should be there, it’s him.”

Linda Brady, a friend of Ewing, remembered him as a “good, kind man” whose life and work “touched so many people in so many different ways.” She mentioned how Ewing brought personal traits into the role of Thad Greenwood, describing him as “shy, quiet, funny, and endearingly optimistic,” ensuring he would remain “forever young in Gunsmoke reruns around the world.”

Born on January 12, 1942, in Los Angeles, Ewing began acting during his senior year of high school when he appeared in a satirical film related to “Gunsmoke.” He recalled always watching the show on Saturday nights, admiring the iconic performances of James Arness and Ken Curtis.

However, his official acting career commenced a few years later with an uncredited part in the 1964 film “Ensign Pulver.” Ewing made guest appearances on several classic shows, including “Enchanted,” “The Bing Crosby Show,” and “Rawhide,” before joining “Gunsmoke” in 1965 as Ben Lukens.

Later that same year, he transitioned to the role of Thad Greenwood, stepping in for Burt Reynolds after his departure from the series.

Ewing debuted as Thad Greenwood in the third episode of Season 11, appearing in 50 episodes until he left the series in 1967. He once said, “It was like Thad’s family was gone and Matt, Kitty, Doc, and Festus adopted him. Whatever needed to be done, Thad was always there when we needed him.”

After “Gunsmoke,” Ewing continued to work on other shows, including “Stepmothers” in 1967 and “Death Valley Days” in 1970.

His final film role came in Glenn Ford’s “The Smiths!” in 1969, followed by “Play It As It Lays,” directed by Anthony Perkins, released in 1972.

Eventually, Ewing shifted away from acting to focus on photography, which took him to Europe, Russia, and Mexico. He later engaged in local politics in Morro Bay, even running for a seat on the Morro Bay City Council in 2003.

In the wake of his passing, Ewing’s friend Patrick Hall shared, “We were all so proud of his success in the acting world. He will be truly missed by everyone.”