Roger Ewing

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Roger Ewing
Born
Roger Lawrence Ewing[1]

(1942-01-12) January 12, 1942 (age 80)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationFilm and television actor
Years active1964–1972

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]

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, 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, whilst attending, Los Angeles High School in Los Angeles, California.[5] He watched the show every Saturday night.[5] Ewing played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon's trusty partner, Chester Goode, in his senior year of high school, later turning into a riot.[5] When Ewing joined the cast of Gunsmoke, there were serious disagreements between star James Arness and CBS about the salary and part-ownership of the television series. Ewing's character was created with a view to replacing Arness.[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] but retired in 1972, last appearing in the film Play It as It Lays.[4]

Personal life[]

After retiring, 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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. ^ a b c 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

External links[]

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