Roger Ewing

Roger Lawrence Ewing (born January 12, 1942) is an American film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Thad Greenwood in the American western television series Gunsmoke.

Early life
Ewing was born in Los Angeles, California in 1942.

Career
Ewing's first screen appearance was in 1964, in the film Ensign Pulver.

In 1965, Ewing guest-starred in the western television series Gunsmoke, appearing in the episode "Song for Dying". Ewing's performance impressed the producers, who offered him the role of Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, and he joined the regular cast. At the time, there was a contract dispute between star James Arness and CBS, and Ewing's character was created by CBS with a view to replacing Arness should they deem it necessary. By 1967 the disagreement had been resolved, and Ewing's character was written out of the show. Ewing had been a Gunsmoke fan while in high school, where he had appeared in a parody of the show.

He also guest-starred in television programs including Rawhide, The Farmer's Daughter, Bewitched, The Eleventh Hour and Room 222.

Ewing retired from acting in 1972, last appearing in the film Play It as It Lays, and became a professional photographer.