Marjoe Gortner, Actor and Former Child Evangelist, Dies at 82

Marjoe Gortner, an actor recognized for his roles in the 1974 film "Earthquake" and the popular 1980s television series "Falcon Crest," passed away on Friday, October 2, due to complications from heart failure. He was 82 years old. His family confirmed his death, which occurred in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gortner's career was marked by a unique and often controversial trajectory, beginning with his early life as a child evangelist. He gained notoriety for his fervent preaching at a young age, a period later documented in the 1972 film "Marjoe," which explored the business and personal aspects of his ministry.

Born Marjoe Wallace Smith in Long Beach, California, Gortner was married into a family of evangelists and began preaching at the age of four. By 14, he was a licensed minister. His early success as an evangelist was accompanied by a growing disillusionment with the religious circuit, which he perceived as exploitative. This disillusionment led him to publicly renounce his ministry and embark on a career in entertainment. His transition was not without controversy, as his candid revelations about the practices within evangelism, particularly in the documentary "Marjoe," challenged public perceptions and generated significant debate.

In his acting career, Gortner carved out a niche in Hollywood, appearing in a variety of film and television productions. His role as a motorcycle-riding cult leader in "Earthquake," a disaster film starring Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner, brought him significant screen time and exposure. He later joined the cast of "Falcon Crest," a highly successful primetime soap opera that aired on CBS from 1981 to 1990. In "Falcon Crest," Gortner portrayed the character of Lance Cumson, a role that further solidified his presence in popular culture during the 1980s. His acting work also included appearances in other films such as "The Brown Bunny" (2003) and television shows like "Adam-12" and "The Virginian."

Beyond his acting and evangelist past, Gortner also ventured into other creative pursuits, including writing and directing. He remained a figure of interest for his multifaceted life story, which spanned religious fervor, Hollywood stardom, and personal introspection. His passing marks the end of a distinctive career that defied easy categorization, leaving behind a legacy that includes both cinematic performances and a complex personal narrative rooted in his experiences with faith and fame. Gortner's life story was a testament to reinvention and navigating the often-turbulent waters between public persona and private reality.