Thad Greenwood, played by actor Roger Ewing, was a character on “Gunsmoke” who served as a part-time deputy to Marshal Matt Dillon. He left the show after two seasons, with his character’s departure not being explicitly addressed on-screen.
In the popular TV western series “Gunsmoke,” Thad Greenwood was introduced in the show’s eleventh season, which aired from 1965 to 1967. Roger Ewing portrayed Thad, a young and somewhat inexperienced character who became a deputy under the guidance of the seasoned Marshal Matt Dillon, played by James Arness. Thad was known for his good looks, tall stature, and earnest demeanor, which made him a likable character among fans.
Thad’s role in the series was to provide assistance to Marshal Dillon in maintaining law and order in Dodge City. His character was often involved in various storylines that highlighted his development from a green deputy to a more competent lawman. Despite his growing popularity, Thad was written out of the show after the twelfth season. The series did not provide a narrative explanation for his departure, leaving viewers to speculate about his fate.
Roger Ewing’s departure from “Gunsmoke” was part of a broader shift in the show’s dynamics, as it often refreshed its cast to keep the storylines engaging. After leaving the show, Ewing made a few more television appearances before retiring from acting in the early 1970s. “Gunsmoke” itself continued to be a mainstay of American television, remaining on the air until 1975, becoming one of the longest-running primetime TV series in U.S. history.
