Home / Arts and Entertainment / Child Preacher Turned Actor Marjoe Gortner Dies at 82
Child Preacher Turned Actor Marjoe Gortner Dies at 82
4 Oct
Summary
- Marjoe Gortner, known for acting and a documentary, has died.
- He died Friday from complications of congestive heart failure.
- Gortner gained fame as a child preacher before acting roles.
Marjoe Gortner, who achieved renown as a child evangelist and later transitioned to acting and film subjects, has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed his passing on Friday, attributing it to complications arising from congestive heart failure.
Gortner's early life was marked by his ordination as a preacher at age 4 in Long Beach, California. By his teens, he was a celebrity delivering dramatic sermons. His controversial ministry was later exposed in the 1972 Oscar-winning documentary "Marjoe," where he discussed his methods.
Following his documentary fame, Gortner pursued an acting career, securing a contract with Universal Pictures. He appeared in prominent films like "Earthquake" and "When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?" He also had a notable role on the television series "Falcon Crest," portraying a polygamist psychic.
His other acting credits included "Starcrash" and appearances on various popular television shows. Gortner was married five times, most recently in 2019. He leaves behind a legacy as a complex figure bridging religion, film, and television.
