Lance Kerwin from ‘James at 16’ Has Died — In His Last Years He Devoted Himself to God His 5 Kids

• Lance Kerwin from “James at 15” passed away — his daughter made a post

• Teen Idol’s struggle for a better life amid addiction

• Lance’s last years were devoted to his family and God

Lance Kerwin, the teenage crush of many women, has passed away at 62. He was best known for his roles in “Outbreak,” “Enemy Mine,” and “Salem’s Lot.” He also starred in 1977’s “Wonder Woman.”

He has had numerous roles and was much-loved by many. Since the news of his passing broke, tributes have begun pouring in for him from fans and friends alike. There are many heartbroken by his loss.

Lance Kerwin, the White House in the background, appearing in the ABC tv series ‘ABC Afterschool Specials’, episode ‘PJ and the President’s Son’ | Source: Getty Images

His daughter, Savanah, took to Facebook to share a photo of him with his family to announce his passing. She said she was sorry to those who she was not able to reach personally but that her father had sadly passed away.

She revealed he passed away on January 24, 2023, and then said he loved every one of his fans and friends. Savanah then confirmed that she would communicate more about his afterlife ceremonies in the coming days and weeks.

Many people commented on the post, sharing their shock at his passing and saying they were sending their condolences to the family. Others shared memories they had of him from when they spent time together.

Lance Kerwin appearing in the ABC tv series ‘ABC Afterschool Specials’, episode ‘PJ and the President’s Son’ | Source: Getty Images

Others simply said that Hollywood had lost a legend when Kerwin passed away. They said they loved his movies and had grown up seeing him on their screens. Some even shared that they had crushes on him while growing up.

Kerwin Passed Away at 62 — His Daughter Gave Details

Kerwin shot to fame in the late 1970s with his movie roles and continued acting until the late 1990s. However, by then, his career had slowed considerably, and he was only starring in a few episodes of the series as a guest star.

By the time the 2000s rolled around, he had retired from acting entirely and became a youth minister. He then moved to Hawaii, where he worked at the U-Turn for Christ ministry. However, his good health did not last.

In 2021, a GoFundMe page was set up for Kerwin, indicating that he was experiencing health struggles. The page was set up to help Kerwin return to acting after he experienced difficult times as a result of his deteriorating health.

He starred in one more movie last year after the page was started, and it was his final film. No further details have been released regarding his death, such as his cause of death or afterlife ceremonies.

Teen Idol’s Struggle for A Better Life Amid Addiction

Kerwin was a heartthrob in Hollywood after his role in “James at 15,” which explores a young man’s life moving to another state in the USA. Publications dubbed Kerwin “the boy next door” because of his role in the production. He worked next to Susan Myers, Lynn Carlin, Kim Richards, and other actors.

Lance Kerwin in “James at 15” circa 1977 | Source: Getty Images

However, Kerwin’s home life was much more turbulent than the one he exhibited on television and in movies. Reports said that Kerwin was a casual marijuana user from his early years into adolescence.

While he had a thriving career at first, he developed an addiction to crack cocaine during his teenage years, and his career began to dwindle as a result of his addiction. Throughout his adolescent years, he tried to get sober.

Lance Kerwin appearing in the ABC tv series ‘ABC Afterschool Specials’, episode ‘PJ and the President’s Son’ | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, he did not manage to kick his addiction, and when he turned 29, he was arrested for possessing illegal substances. It was then that he decided to move to Maui, Hawaii, and start his life over.

After moving to Maui, he said he was living in a beautiful place but not living a beautiful life as he was still in active addiction. He noted that even accepting Christ into his life did not help him to get sober.

Lance Kerwin attends the taping of “Battle of the Network Stars” on April 1, 1978 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California | Source: Getty Images

However, he did say that being in a new place and living in active addiction had caused him to change his personality often. He said:

“I was like a chameleon. I had my church friends, my Alcoholics Anonymous friends, and other friends I should not have had.”

Lance Kerwin’s Last Years He Devoted to His Family, God, and Others in Need

Kerwin’s first wife was Kristen Lansdale, and together they welcomed their daughter, Savanah. However, their relationship didn’t last, and he married Yvonne Kerwin in 1998. Their relationship lasted.

Lance Kerwin attends the Chiller Theatre Expo Halloween 2022 at Hilton Parsippany on October 29, 2022 in Parsippany, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images

Kerwin welcomed four children with Yvonne. While he had a difficult time during his younger years, by the time he had welcomed his last child with Yvonne, he had turned his life around and dedicated it to his family, God, and helping others. His wife’s Instagram contains photos of the church they may have attended.

He often spoke about what it was like to give his life over to better things that he had experienced in his past. He was grateful to have made it out of his addiction before he passed. He once said:

“The greatest thing has been giving my life to Jesus Christ and being allowed to serve Him.”

His costar from childhood, Ike Eiseman, shared an Instagram post talking about how he felt to learn of Kerwin’s death. He said he was “beyond heartbroken” and described Kerwin as a great friend.

Eiseman also talked about what a wonderful Kerwin had been in their youth. He said Kerwin inspired him to become the best friend he could be. He ended the post by telling Kerwin to rest in peace.

Since his death was announced, many others who have worked with Kerwin throughout the years have paid tribute to him on social media. We wish Kerwin’s family healing and peace during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Lance Kerwin.

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