Roger Ewing | |
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Born | Roger Lawrence Ewing
[1] January 12, 1942 Los Angeles, California |
Occupation(s) | Film and television actor |
Years active | 1964–1972 |
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]
Ewing was born in Los Angeles, California in 1942. [1]
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]
After retiring from acting, Ewing became a photographer, for which he had a passion. [4] Ewing resided in Morro Bay, California. [1]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1964 | Ensign Pulver | Jackson | Uncredited |
1965 | None but the Brave | Pvt. Swensholm | |
1969 | Smith! | Donald Maxwell | |
1972 | Play It as It Lays | Nelson |
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" |