Lance Kerwin: A Look at the Career of a Child Star
Lance Kerwin: A Look at the Career of a Child Star
Lance Kerwin Career Overview
Lance Kerwin
“Lance Kerwin: A Look at the Career of a Child Star”
Introduction
In the 1970s, child actor Lance Kerwin made a name for himself with his starring roles in several popular TV shows and movies. From his debut in the film “James at 15” to his iconic role in the series “Salem’s Lot,” Kerwin’s career was marked by both success and controversy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and legacy of this talented young actor.
Early Life and Career
Lance Kerwin was born on November 6, 1960, in Newport Beach, California. He began his acting career at the age of 12 when he was cast as the lead in the 1977 NBC series “James at 15.” The show was a huge hit, and Kerwin quickly became a household name. He followed up his success on “James at 15” with a starring role in the 1978 film “The End,” a comedy about a boy’s attempts to fake his death.
Rise to Fame
After his early success, Kerwin’s career took off. In 1979, he starred in the critically acclaimed film “Salem’s Lot,” a horror movie based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The film was a box office hit and solidified Kerwin’s status as a leading child actor. He also starred in the 1980 film “The Children of An Lac,” a drama about the Vietnam War. Both films were critically acclaimed, and Kerwin received praise for his performances.
Controversy and Later Career
Despite his early success, Kerwin’s career was not without controversy. In 1980, he was arrested for drug possession and spent several months in rehab. He later admitted to struggling with addiction and was open about his journey to recovery. After his rehab, Kerwin returned to acting but never quite regained the level of fame he had earlier in his career. He appeared in a few TV movies and guest-starred on TV shows, but his career never fully recovered.
Conclusion
Lance Kerwin’s career was a rollercoaster ride, marked by both success and controversy. However, his performances in “James at 15,” “Salem’s Lot,” and “The Children of An Lac” have cemented his place in the annals of child actors. Despite the challenges he faced later in his career, Kerwin remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Retirement and Personal Life
After a few years of limited acting roles, Kerwin decided to retire from the entertainment industry in the late 1980s. He focused on his personal life and family and has largely stayed out of the public eye since then. He has been married to his wife, Cindy since 1983 and they have three children together.
Legacy
Despite his relatively short acting career, Lance Kerwin’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. He was one of the most popular child actors of the 1970s and his performances in “James at 15” and “Salem’s Lot” continue to be remembered by audiences today. Kerwin’s struggles with addiction and his decision to retire from acting also serve as an important reminder of the challenges that many child actors face as they grow up in the spotlight.
Conclusion
Lance Kerwin may have had a brief acting career, but it was a memorable one. He will always be remembered for his performances in “James at 15” and “Salem’s Lot.” He has retired from acting but his legacy will remain forever. Kerwin’s struggles with addiction and his decision to retire from acting also serve as an important reminder of the challenges that many child actors face as they grow up in the spotlight.
Beyond Acting
While Lance Kerwin’s acting career may have been relatively short, he has continued to make contributions to the entertainment industry in other ways. After retiring from acting, he turned his attention to writing and directing. He has written and directed several independent films and stage productions and has received positive reviews for his work. Kerwin has also been involved in various charitable organizations, using his fame to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
Reception and Criticism
Kerwin’s performances received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. He was praised for his natural acting style and ability to capture the emotions of his characters. His portrayal of the character of David in “Salem’s Lot” was particularly praised for its realism and intensity. However, some critics have criticized the lack of diversity in the roles he played and the lack of depth in the characters he portrayed.
Conclusion
Lance Kerwin’s acting career may have been short-lived, but his impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come. His performances in “James at 15” and “Salem’s Lot” remain iconic, and his struggles with addiction and decision to retire serve as an important reminder of the challenges that child actors face. Kerwin has also made contributions to the entertainment industry through his work as a writer and director, and his involvement in charitable organizations. Despite the criticism, Kerwin will always be remembered as a talented and influential child actor.
Lance Kerwin Career Summary
lance kerwin movies and tv shows
Lance Kerwin is an American actor who is known for his roles in the 1970s TV series “James at 15” and “The Kids of Degrassi Street.” Some of his other notable TV and film appearances include “Salem’s Lot,” “The Seekers,” “The Great White Hope,” and “The Night Strangler.” He retired from acting in the early 1980s, and not much information is available about his current whereabouts or activities.
Lance Kerwin began his acting career in the 1970s, with his first notable role being that of James Leighton in the TV series “James at 15.” The show ran for two seasons and followed the life of a teenage boy as he navigated the challenges of growing up. Kerwin received critical acclaim for his portrayal of James and was nominated for a Golden Globe award for his performance.
In the late 1970s, Kerwin appeared in the made-for-TV movie “Salem’s Lot,” which was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. He played the role of Mark Petrie, one of the main characters in the film.
Kerwin also starred in the Canadian TV series “The Kids of Degrassi Street,” which was a spin-off of the popular series “Degrassi Junior High.” He appeared in several episodes of the show between 1979 and 1985.
After leaving acting, Kerwin has kept a low profile. He does not have any social media presence or public appearances. He is reportedly working in the field of real estate.
Lance Kerwin Movie List
lance kerwin movies
Lance Kerwin is an American actor who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of his notable movies include:
James at 15 (1977) – a television series in which Kerwin played the lead role of James Hunter.
The Savage Bees (1976) – a made-for-TV movie about a group of killer bees that terrorize a small island community. Kerwin played the role of Ben Johnson.
The Great Smokey Roadblock (1977) – is a comedy-drama film about a trucker who takes a woman and her son on a cross-country trip. Kerwin played the role of the son.
The Night That Panicked America (1975) – a made-for-TV movie about the panic caused by Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds”. Kerwin played the role of Bob.
Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983) – a television series based on the book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Kerwin appeared in several episodes as the character of Charles Ingalls Jr.
The Other Side of the Mountain (1975) – a biographical film about ski racer Jill Kinmont. Kerwin played the role of Dick Buek.
The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) – a sports comedy film and sequel to the 1976 film The Bad News Bears. Kerwin played the role of Kelly Leak.
The Child Stealer (1979) – a made-for-TV movie about a woman who kidnaps a child from a wealthy family. Kerwin played the role of Mark.
The Return of the World’s Greatest Detective (1976) – a made-for-TV movie about a retired detective who is called out of retirement to solve a case. Kerwin played the role of Timmy.
It’s worth mentioning that Lance Kmentioningred mostly in TV series and movies, as he was a child actor, and his career was mostly on TV during the 1970s and 1980s.
