The Last Deputies: Which Cast Members Of Gunsmoke Are Still Alive In 2025?

The enduring legacy of Gunsmoke, television’s longest-running prime-time Western, continues to fascinate fans across generations. Airing for two decades, from 1955 to 1975, the show created a family of characters in Dodge City that became icons of American television. As of December 2025, over 50 years since the final episode, the question of which cast members are still with us remains a popular point of curiosity and an emotional check-in for millions of viewers.

The unfortunate truth is that the core, original cast members—James Arness, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, and Milburn Stone—have all passed away. However, two beloved actors who joined the cast in the later years and became long-running regulars are still alive and well. This article provides the most up-to-date status on the surviving cast and a tribute to the legends who are gone but certainly not forgotten.

The Surviving Regular Cast Members of Gunsmoke

While many of the guest stars from Gunsmoke’s 20-season run are still active in Hollywood, only two actors who held a regular, multi-season role as a key resident of Dodge City remain alive today. They are Buck Taylor and Roger Ewing.

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Buck Taylor (Newly O'Brien)

• Full Name: Walter Clarence Taylor III
• Role on Gunsmoke: Newly O'Brien (Gunsmith, Deputy U.S. Marshal)
• Seasons on Gunsmoke: Seasons 13–20 (1967–1975)
• Date of Birth: May 13, 1938
• Age as of December 2025: 87 years old
• Post-Gunsmoke Career: Continued acting, but primarily focused on his career as a Western artist.

Buck Taylor, the son of classic Western actor Dub Taylor, stepped into the role of Newly O'Brien in 1967, first as a gunsmith and later as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. His youthful presence helped to revitalize the show for its final eight seasons. Taylor’s involvement with the Western genre did not end with Gunsmoke.

His post-Dodge City acting career includes roles in major Western and non-Western films such as Tombstone, Gettysburg, and the modern Western film Hell or High Water (2016).

Buck Taylor Today: A Life in Art

Today, Buck Taylor is perhaps best known outside of his acting as a celebrated Western artist. He has a successful career painting watercolor and acrylic scenes that capture the American West, often featuring cowboys, horses, and landscapes. His artwork is frequently exhibited at Western art shows and galleries, keeping him deeply connected to the culture that made Gunsmoke a hit. As of December 2025, he remains a lively and active presence in the Western community, often appearing at conventions and fan events.

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Roger Ewing (Thad Greenwood)

• Full Name: Roger Lawrence Ewing
• Role on Gunsmoke: Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood (Deputy U.S. Marshal)
• Seasons on Gunsmoke: Seasons 10–12 (1965–1967)
• Date of Birth: January 12, 1942
• Age as of December 2025: 83 years old
• Post-Gunsmoke Career: Retired from acting shortly after the series to pursue photography and other interests.

Roger Ewing played Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood, a young man who worked as a general handyman for Matt Dillon before becoming a temporary deputy. He appeared in 36 episodes, providing a brief but memorable presence in the mid-1960s before the character was written out to make room for Newly O'Brien.

Clarifying Roger Ewing’s Status in 2025

Despite occasional conflicting reports that surface online, the actor Roger Ewing, who played Thad Greenwood, is confirmed to be alive as of December 2025. Following his run on Gunsmoke, Ewing largely retired from acting, choosing a life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He is known to have pursued a career in photography and has maintained a private life, which is often the reason for the persistent rumors and confusion surrounding his status.

The Core Cast: Gone But Not Forgotten

The heart and soul of Dodge City were the four main characters who anchored the show for most of its run. Their passing marked the end of an era for the classic Western genre. Here is a look at the beloved originals.

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The Dodge City Legends

• James Arness (Marshal Matt Dillon): The towering lawman and moral center of the show. Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. His portrayal of Marshal Dillon across 20 seasons remains one of the most iconic roles in television history.
• Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty Russell): The compassionate and spirited owner of the Long Branch Saloon. Blake died on August 16, 1989, at the age of 60. Her death was a major loss for fans, and her legacy as the fiercely independent Miss Kitty endures.
• Ken Curtis (Festus Haggen): The lovable, cantankerous, and often comedic Deputy. Curtis passed away on April 28, 1991, at the age of 74. Festus, with his distinctive drawl and mule, became one of the most popular characters in the show's history.
• Milburn Stone (Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams): The town's wise, often grumpy, but always dedicated physician. Stone died on June 12, 1980, at the age of 75. He was one of only two actors (the other being Arness) to appear in all 20 seasons of the show.

Other Key Supporting Actors Who Have Passed

• Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode): Marshal Dillon’s limping, loyal deputy from the early years of the show. Weaver passed away on February 24, 2006, at the age of 81.
• Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper): The half-Comanche blacksmith who was a regular cast member for three seasons (1962–1965). Reynolds went on to become a major Hollywood star before his death on September 6, 2018, at the age of 82.
• Glenn Strange (Sam the Bartender): The familiar face behind the bar at the Long Branch Saloon. Strange died during the show's run on October 24, 1973, at the age of 74.

Notable Gunsmoke Guest Stars Still Alive

The longevity of Gunsmoke meant it featured a spectacular array of guest stars, many of whom went on to become Hollywood legends. Several of these guest stars are still alive and active in 2025, adding to the show's impressive list of surviving talent.

These actors appeared in one or a few episodes, but their performances are part of the Gunsmoke canon. Their continued presence in the entertainment world highlights the series' deep connections to Hollywood history.

• William Shatner: Best known as Captain Kirk on Star Trek, Shatner appeared in multiple Gunsmoke episodes, including "The Preacher" and "The Intruders." As of December 2025, the legendary actor is 94 years old and remains active in various projects.
• Ron Howard: The celebrated director, who was a child actor at the time, appeared in the episode "Charlie" in 1968. He is still one of the most prominent figures in filmmaking today.
• Kim Darby: She appeared in several episodes, including "Angel" and "Carrie Neely." Darby, who is perhaps best known for her role in True Grit, is 78 years old in 2025.
• Nick Nolte: The Oscar-nominated actor appeared in the season 17 episode "The Wedding" in 1972. Nolte continues to take on acting roles in his 80s.
• Harrison Ford: Before he was Han Solo or Indiana Jones, Ford appeared in two episodes, "The Sodbusters" and "Whelan's Men." He remains one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

The enduring appeal of Gunsmoke is a testament to the talent of its entire cast, from the core regulars to the famous guest stars. While the main quartet has passed into history, the survival of Buck Taylor and Roger Ewing, along with many notable co-stars, allows fans to maintain a living connection to the iconic Western world of Dodge City.