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 | |
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Born | Roger Lawrence Ewing[1] (1942-01-12) January 12, 1942 (age 80) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Occupation | Film and television actor |
Years active | 1964–1972 |
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, Chester Goode, 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 Gunsmoke, 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, 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 |
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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" |
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National libraries | |
Art research institutes |