Gunsmoke star dead at 83

His journey started with his first screen appearance in the 1964 film **Ensign Pulver**, but it was his guest role on *Gunsmoke* in the Season 10 episode *“Song for Dying”* that caught the attention of producers. His performance impressed them enough that, in the next season, he was cast as **Thad Greenwood**, a young deputy and handyman — roles he would play through more than 50 episodes. ([TheWrap][3])

At just **23 years old**, he had landed a part on one of TV’s biggest shows — a rare achievement for any actor, and an especially meaningful one given his longtime admiration for the series.

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## **A Pivotal Role During a Time of Change**