Roger Ewing | |
|---|---|
| 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]
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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Aaker, Everett (May 16, 2017). Television Western Players, 1960–1975: A Biographical Dictionary. McFarland. p. 161. ISBN 9781476628561 – via Google Books.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "Roger Ewing Fills 'Gunsmoke' Roles". The Sacramento Bee. Sacramento, California. January 2, 1966. p. 134. Retrieved November 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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.
- ↑ "Gunsmoke Fan Hits The Target". The Tennessean. Nashville, Tennessee. June 26, 1966. p. 88. Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 Johnson, Erskine (July 9, 1966). "Ewing is Gunsmoke fan turned actor". Kenosha News. Kenosha, Wisconsin. p. 29. Retrieved November 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.