Oscar-Winning Subject Marjoe Gortner, Actor and Preacher, Dies at 82
Marjoe Gortner, the former child evangelical preacher and subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, has died at 82. Gortner transitioned from his controversial religious past to a successful career as an actor and producer of celebrity charity events, raising millions for various causes. He is remembered for his extraordinary life and significant contributions to both entertainment and philanthropy.
Marjoe Gortner, whose extraordinary life journey captivated audiences as a child evangelical preacher, an Oscar-winning documentary subject, and later a prolific actor, passed away on Friday at the age of 82.
His wife, Susan Magestro, confirmed to Variety that he died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after suffering for years from congestive heart failure.
Magestro’s memorial notice celebrated him, stating that "Marjoe lived an extraordinary life, shaped by his imagination and rare gift for bringing people together."
Born in Long Beach, California, into an evangelical family, Marjoe was a name coined from "Mary" and "Joseph."
His parents vigorously pushed him into the spotlight as a child preacher, famously orchestrating a photo opportunity for the press when he performed a marriage ceremony at just four years old.
The family traversed the country, delivering sermons and soliciting donations, and however, this early chapter of his life took a dark turn when, at 16, his father reportedly absconded with a substantial sum of $3 million in donations.
In his twenties, Gortner grew disillusioned with the evangelical movement and harbored aspirations of becoming an actor in New York.
A pivotal moment arrived when documentarians Howard Smith and Sarah Kernochan approached him. He agreed to let them film him on his final revival tour in 1971, partly to generate publicity for his budding acting career.
The resulting documentary, titled "Marjoe," garnered immense critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary. Roger Ebert, who saw it at the Cannes Film Festival, famously wrote, "The real sleeper this year is ‘Marjoe.’ It generated the most electric response of anything at the festival."
Despite its initial impact, the film was later "lost" for many years until Kernochan successfully tracked down its owner and reobtained the rights.
Gortner's career extended beyond the documentary's success, and after releasing a record titled "Bad, but Not Evil," he secured an acting role in the pilot for "Kojak."
He went on to forge a career in B movies and television, often portraying eccentric or intense characters such as crazed drug dealers, outlaws, fake psychics, and even preachers. Notable film appearances include his role as the unhinged grocery store manager turned National Guardsman Sgt. Jody Joad in 1974’s "Earthquake."
He also appeared in Milton Katselas’ 1969 drama "When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?" as a troubled Vietnam veteran, a film that also saw him briefly married to co-star Candy Clark the year of its release.
His other film credits include "Viva Knieval!," "Bobbie Joe and the Outlaw," "The Survivalist," "Starcrash," and Walter Hill’s "Wild Bill."
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Gortner was a familiar face on television, appearing in popular series such as "Police Story," "Airwolf," "T.J. Hooker," "Street Hawk," "Otherworld," "The A Team," and "Fantasy Island."
He also held a recurring role as a corrupt psychic in "Falcon Crest." Beyond his acting, Gortner was fondly remembered by actor Ian Ziering for his significant charity work. Ziering recalled, "Marjoe Gortner was a force of nature. ...
He produced the Marjoe Gortner celebrity sports invitationals that aired on CBS Saturdays for years.
He brought celebrities all over the world to raise money for different charities …This man raised millions and millions of dollars for different charities while providing some of the most incredible celebrity experiences of my lifetime." Marjoe Gortner is survived by his fifth wife, Susan Magestro.