Marjoe Gortner, Preacher and Actor Who Was Subject of Oscar-Winning Doc and Appeared in ‘Earthquake,’ ‘Falcon Crest,’ Dies at 82

Marjoe Gortner, a former child evangelical preacher who transitioned into a career as an actor, died Friday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the age of 82. His death was confirmed to Variety by his wife, Susan Magestro.

Gortner gained widespread notoriety as the subject of the 1972 Oscar-winning documentary titled "Marjoe," which exposed the inner workings of his upbringing and career in revival preaching. Following the documentary, he built an acting career that included film and television appearances, notably in the movie "Earthquake" and the television series "Falcon Crest."