Marjoe Gortner, Child Preacher Turned ‘Falcon Crest’ Actor, Dies at 82
Marjoe Gortner, the former child evangelist whose extraordinary life inspired the Oscar-winning documentary Marjoe before he built a career in film and television, has died at 82.
Gortner died on October 2, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His wife, Susan Magestro, confirmed that his death resulted from complications of congestive heart failure, according to reporting cited by TV Insider. Legacy.com
Fame Began at Just Four Years Old
Born on January 14, 1944, in Long Beach, California, Gortner entered public life at an unusually young age. His parents ordained him as a Pentecostal preacher when he was four, and his confident delivery soon attracted national attention.
Billed in newsreels as the world’s youngest minister, he traveled across the country addressing congregations. His childhood fame would later become the foundation of a documentary that examined the methods behind his preaching career. Legacy.com
The Documentary That Changed His Life
In 1971, Gortner allowed filmmakers to document his final revival tour. Released in 1972, Marjoe revealed how performance and persuasion could be used to encourage donations on the evangelical circuit.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Its success brought Gortner to a new audience and helped him move into acting after leaving the ministry. tvinsider.com
A Career Across Film and Television
Gortner’s screen credits included the disaster film Earthquake, alongside Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw, The Food of the Gods and Starcrash. He later appeared in the Western Wild Bill.
Television audiences knew him as Vince Karlotti in the CBS drama Falcon Crest, a role he played across 17 episodes between 1986 and 1987. His other television appearances included Fantasy Island, The A-Team and Airwolf. Legacy.com
Charity Work and Family Life
Beyond entertainment, Gortner organized celebrity sporting events that supported charitable causes. His obituary credits his work with benefiting organizations including the Dream Foundation and Waterkeeper Alliance.
His family remembered his humor, adventurous spirit and ability to bring people together. He enjoyed motorcycling, rafting, hiking and traveling with his wife.
Gortner is survived by Susan, his daughter Gigi, his son Dylan Becker, his sister Starlo Gortner-Padilla, and members of his extended family. Legacy.com
