Roger Ewing dead at 83: Gunsmoke actor played deputy marshal Thad Greenwood on the iconic Western drama

Roger Ewing, who played deputy marshal Thad Greenwood on the beloved television series Gunsmoke, has died at age 83.

The actor’s family announced in an obituary that he passed away on December 18.

Ewing initially appeared on the western TV show in February 1965 when he was 23-years-old, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

At that time he portrayed a character named Ben Lukens, but he later returned as Greenwood and remained for 50 episodes, ending in September 1967.

Ewing began performing when he was a high school senior, during which he acted in a satirical variety show featuring Gunsmoke, per THR.

He went on to attend college for a year and worked as a lifeguard before turning his focus to acting.

The Los Angeles-born star passed away less than one month before his January 12 birthday.

His onscreen debut came in 1964, an uncredited role in the film Ensign Pulver.

That same year he earned a role on Bewitched as a college basketball star Monster, due in part to his 6’4″ stature.

During that time he also enjoyed guest appearances on The Baileys of Balboa and The Bing Crosby Show.

1965 saw the star appear in the Frank Sinatra-directed anti-war movie None But the Brave and in the TV series Rawhide as Billy Wallace.

Ewing additionally made a 1967 guest appearance on the TV series Mothers-in-Law. 

Extra reported that in 1969 Ewing appeared on The Dating Game, where he pursued actress Lindsay Wagner. 

His final television job was on Death Valley Days in 1970.

His ultimate film roles were in Smith! in 1969 and Play It as It Lays in 1972. 

Ewing, who never married or had kids, later turned to a career in photography.

As a photographer he traveled to Europe, the South Pacific, Mexico, and Russia, per THR.

It was also reported by the publication that he was active in politics and ran for a city council seat in Morro Bay in 2003.