Roger Ewing, best known for his role as deputy marshal Thad Greenwood on Gunsmoke, has passed away at the age of 83. For millions of viewers, Gunsmoke was more than a television show — it was a weekly tradition, and Ewing’s gentle, dependable presence helped make Dodge City feel like home. Joining the series in 1965 at just 23 years old, the tall, soft-spoken actor quickly became a fan favorite. His character, Thad, was written as a young man seeking justice for his father, only to find a new family among Marshal Matt Dillon, Kitty, Doc, and Festus. Ewing once said Thad fit wherever an extra hand was needed — a quiet strength that mirrored the actor himself. Though his role faded as the show’s ratings rebounded, his contribution left a lasting impression on the legendary western.

Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Ewing had loved Gunsmoke long before he joined its cast. His career included appearances on popular television shows and films of the era, though he often joked about being typecast as the “tall, awkward misfit.” After leaving acting in the 1970s, he reinvented himself as a photographer, traveling the world before settling in Morro Bay, California, where he later became active in local politics. While his path moved beyond Hollywood, fans will forever remember Roger Ewing as Thad — the loyal deputy whose quiet presence became part of television history.