Marjoe Gortner, former child preacher and actor, dies at 82 in New Mexico

Marjoe Gortner, the former child preacher who became an actor, died on Friday at age 82 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from congestive heart failure. His life was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary 'Marjoe' (1972), which exposed his disillusionment with evangelical preaching. Afterward, he pursued acting, appearing in films like 'Earthquake' and TV shows like 'Falcon Crest.' He was married five times and is survived by his fifth wife, Susan Magestro.

Marjoe Gortner, former child preacher and actor, dies at 82 in New Mexico
Published Oct 4, 2026
Loading opinions...