Roger Ewing

Roger Lawrence Ewing (born January 12, 1942)[1] is an American film and television actor.[2][3] He is perhaps best known for playing Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood in the American western television series Gunsmoke.[4]

Roger Ewing
Born
Roger Lawrence Ewing[1]

(1942-01-12) January 12, 1942
Los Angeles, California
Occupation(s)Film and television actor
Years active1964–1972

Early life

Ewing was born in Los Angeles, California in 1942.[1]

Career

Ewing began his career in 1964, appearing in the film Ensign Pulver,[4] playing Jackson. He also guest-starred in television programs including Rawhide, The Farmer's Daughter, Bewitched, The Eleventh Hour and Room 222.[4] In 1965, Ewing guest-starred in the western television series Gunsmoke, first appearing in the episode "Song for Dying".[4]

Ewing's performance in Gunsmoke impressed the producers.[1] They offered him the role of Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood, and he joined the regular cast.[1] His character went by the name Thad Greenwood.[1] Ewing was originally a Gunsmoke fan,[5] whilst attending Los Angeles High School in Los Angeles, California.[6] He watched the show every Saturday night.[6] Ewing played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon's trusty partner, Clayton “Thad” Greenwood, in his senior year of high school.[6] When Ewing joined the cast of Gunsmoke, there were serious disagreements between star James Arness and CBS about Arness' salary and part-ownership of the television series. Ewing's character was created by CBS with a view to replacing Arness should they deem it necessary.[1]

Ewing's first appearance as Greenwood was in the episode "Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood". He portrayed the son of a sheriff from Oklahoma, traveling to Dodge City, to find his father's killers.[4] His final appearance on Gunsmoke was in the episode "The Prodigal".[4][1] He enjoyed his time appearing in Gunsmoke.[4][7] After leaving the show, Ewing was replaced by Buck Taylor who played as gunsmith-turned-deputy Newly O'Brian.[8] Ewing retired in 1972, last appearing in the film Play It as It Lays.[4]

Personal life

After retiring from acting, Ewing became a photographer, for which he had a passion.[4] Ewing resided in Morro Bay, California.[1]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1964 Ensign Pulver Jackson Uncredited
1965 None but the Brave Pvt. Swensholm
1969 Smith! Donald Maxwell
1972 Play It as It Lays Nelson

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1964 Bewitched Marvin Grogan (Monster) Episode: "The Girl Reporter"
1964 The Baileys of Balboa Norman Episode: "Look Who's a Sailor"
1964 The Bing Crosby Show Eddie Fox 2 episodes
1965 Rawhide Billy Wallace Episode: "The Calf Women"
1965–1967 Gunsmoke Various roles 65 episodes
1967 The Mothers-in-Law Carter Case Episode: "Divorce: Mother-in-Law Style"
1970 Death Valley Days Frank Harris Episode: "Pioneer Pluck"

References
  1. Aaker, Everett (May 16, 2017). Television Western Players, 1960–1975: A Biographical Dictionary. McFarland. p. 161. ISBN 9781476628561 – via Google Books.
  2. "Roger Ewing Now Gunsmoke Regular, Fan Long Time". The North Adams Transcript. North Adams, Massachusetts. May 14, 1966. p. 18. Retrieved November 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. closed access
  3. "Roger Ewing Fills 'Gunsmoke' Roles". The Sacramento Bee. Sacramento, California. January 2, 1966. p. 134. Retrieved November 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. closed access
  4. Greenland, David (August 2013). The Gunsmoke Chronicles: A New History of Television's Greatest Western. BearManor Media. pp. 40–41. ISBN 9781593937331 – via Google Books.
  5. "Gunsmoke Fan Hits The Target". The Tennessean. Nashville, Tennessee. June 26, 1966. p. 88. Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  6. Johnson, Erskine (July 9, 1966). "Ewing is Gunsmoke fan turned actor". Kenosha News. Kenosha, Wisconsin. p. 29. Retrieved November 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. closed access
  7. MacMinn, Aleene (May 21, 1967). "He's saying farewell to Gunsmoke". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. p. 75. Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  8. Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present. Ballantine Books. p. 570. ISBN 9780345429230 – via Google Books.
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