Lance Kerwin

Lance Michael Kerwin (November 6, 1960 – January 24, 2023) was a prominent American actor celebrated for his impactful performances on television and in films during the 1970s. He is best remembered for his leading roles in the television series *James at 15* and the acclaimed made-for-TV films *The Loneliest Runner* and *Salem's Lot*.

Hailing from Lake Elsinore, California, Kerwin was immersed in the performing arts from a young age, influenced by his father, an acting coach, and his mother, a performer and later a talent agent. As the youngest of five brothers, he often had his brother Shane as his stand-in on set.

During the 1970s, Kerwin emerged as one of the most notable young actors of his time, gaining recognition for his ability to portray complex, troubled characters. Critics, including former theater critic John Holmstrom, praised him as "probably America's leading boy actor" of that decade. His roles in projects like *The Loneliest Runner*, *The Boy Who Drank Too Much*, and *Children of Divorce* showcased his talent for conveying deep emotional struggles.

After stepping away from acting in the mid-1990s, Kerwin made a return to film in 2022 with *The Wind & the Reckoning*, shot in Hawaii. Beyond acting, he served as a pastor at Calvary Chapel in Kapaa, Hawaii, and contributed to a rehabilitation program called U-Turn for Christ.

Kerwin passed away in San Clemente, California, on January 24, 2023, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy marked by both personal and professional endeavors. He is survived by his daughter with Kristen Lansdale and four children with his wife, Yvonne Kerwin.