RiffBlog

Lance Kerwin, a former child actor who starred in several TV shows and movies in the 1970s, passed away on January 24, 2023 at the age of 62. His daughter Savanah announced his death on Facebook, but did not reveal the cause of his death. According to Distractify, Kerwin had suffered from various health issues and had an autopsy done to determine the cause of his death.

A Prolific Career in Television and Film

Kerwin was born on November 6, 1960 in Newport Beach, California. His father was an acting coach and his mother was a performer and later a talent agent. He had four older brothers, one of whom, Shane, often served as his stand-in. He started acting at a young age and appeared in a number of TV shows and movies in the 1970s. He was praised for his sensitivity and versatility as an actor.

Some of his notable roles include:

• Ramey Holvak in The Family Holvak, a TV series about a reverend and his family during the Great Depression.
• James Hunter in James at 15 (later James at 16), a TV series about a teenager dealing with various issues such as sexuality, drugs, and peer pressure.
• John Curtis in The Loneliest Runner, a TV movie based on the childhood of Michael Landon, who also directed and produced it.
• Mark Petrie in Salem’s Lot, a TV miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel, directed by Tobe Hooper. Kerwin played a young boy who helps fight against vampires that invade his town.
• Kai in The Snow Queen, an episode of Faerie Tale Theatre, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story.

Kerwin also appeared in other shows such as Little House on the Prairie, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, Shazam!, Cannon, Emergency!, and ABC Afterschool Specials.

A Turbulent Life Off Screen

Kerwin’s acting career declined in the 1980s and he only had a few roles in movies such as Enemy Mine and Outbreak. He gave up acting in the mid-1990s and returned to the screen only once more in 2022 for The Wind & the Reckoning, filmed in Hawaii.

Kerwin struggled with drug addiction since he was a child. He said he started smoking pot before age 10 and did crack cocaine in his 20s. He only became clean and sober in the 90s through his religious beliefs. He became a pastor at Calvary Chapel in Kapaa, Hawaii and a program leader at U-Turn for Christ, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation organization.

However, he also faced legal troubles. In 2010, he and his wife Yvonne pled guilty to falsifying documents to obtain state medical assistance and food stamps in Hawaii, neglecting to mention that he owned three properties on the mainland. He was sentenced to five years probation and 300 hours of community service. He publicly apologized for his actions.

A Legacy Remembered by Fans and Friends

Kerwin had five children: Savanah with his first wife Kristen Lansdale, and Fox, Terah, Kailani, and Justus with his second wife Yvonne. He loved his children and thanked God for them. He also had many friends and fans who admired his work and supported him throughout his life.

His death was mourned by many people who expressed their condolences and shared their memories of him on social media. Some of his former co-stars also paid tribute to him, such as David Soul who played Ben Mears in Salem’s Lot. He tweeted: “Lance Kerwin was one of the finest young actors I ever worked with. He brought intelligence, sensitivity & courage to every role he played. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends.”

Kerwin will be remembered as a talented actor who touched many hearts with his performances. He will also be remembered as a man who faced many challenges and tried to overcome them with faith and love. Rest in peace, Lance Kerwin.

ncG1vNJzZmikmZh6rrHRnJ%2BapqRjsLC5jpuss7JflrC1u9Fmo5qmk5p6rLHRsKCnZZOWwrSxjKidZpyVlsGpecWoqaadomKwqbXLnWSsrJGneqW1xKxkmqxda39w