Roger Ewing, best known for his role on the iconic western series Gunsmoke, has died at the age of 83.
Ewing’s family confirmed that the actor passed away on December 18. He had been living in Morro Bay, California, in recent years.
Ewing first appeared on Gunsmoke in February 1965 in a one-episode role as Ben Lukens. Just months later, he returned to the long-running CBS series in a much bigger way, landing the recurring role of Thad Greenwood — a deputy marshal and all-around handyman in Dodge City. Over the next two years, Ewing appeared in roughly 50 episodes, becoming a familiar face to fans of the classic western.
His time on the show came to an end in September 1967, when the Thad Greenwood character was written out and replaced by Buck Taylor’s gunsmith-turned-deputy, Newly O’Brien. Taylor would go on to become one of the most recognizable figures in the later years of the series.
Before joining Gunsmoke, Ewing had already built a solid television résumé, appearing on popular shows of the era including Bewitched, The Bing Crosby Show, and Rawhide. After leaving Gunsmoke, he continued acting briefly, with roles on series such as Death Valley Days and The Mothers-In-Law.
Ultimately, Ewing stepped away from Hollywood altogether. He left acting behind to pursue a quieter life centered on photography and world travel, passions that took him far from the soundstages where he once worked.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Ewing also became involved in local civic life. In 2003, he ran for a seat on the Morro Bay City Council, reflecting his deep connection to his hometown.