---
title: "Marjoe Gortner Dies at 82 from Complications of Congestive Heart Failure"
url: https://noti.group/marjoe-gortner-dies-at-82-from-complications-of-congestive-heart/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Entertainment"
published: 2026-10-04T16:40:10.000Z
updated: 2026-10-04T19:34:52.110Z
id: 8ed9d721-dc83-4c92-80a8-e58ab3591001
source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marjoe-gortner-dead-child-preacher-earthquake-falcon-crest-1236721873/"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/marjoe-gortner-dies-at-82-from-complications-of-congestive-heart/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Marjoe Gortner Dies at 82 from Complications of Congestive Heart Failure

Marjoe Gortner, a child preacher turned actor, has passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from congestive heart failure. His family announced his death on Friday.

Gortner's acting career took off when he landed a contract with Universal Pictures, marking his debut in the 1973 telefilm The Marcus-Nelson Murders as Teddy Hopper, a junkie. This role was part of the pilot for the CBS crime series Kojak starring Telly Savalas. It is interesting to note that this early experience set the stage for his future roles in various films and TV shows.

Gortner's acting credits include notable appearances such as Jody Joad, a grocery store manager turned National Guardsman, in the disaster movie Earthquake (1974), and a psychopathic Vietnam veteran in When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? (1979). His performance showcased his versatility as an actor.

Gortner's experience also extended to TV soap operas. He played Vince Karlotti, a colorful polygamist and faux psychic medium, on the sixth season of Falcon Crest from 1986-87. This role allowed him to draw upon his real-life background in a creative way.

Born Hugh Marjoe Ross Gortner on January 14, 1944, in Long Beach, California, he was raised by Christian evangelical parents who had him ordained as a preacher at just four years old.

As Marjoe Gortner's celebrity status grew, he began delivering increasingly dramatic sermons at revival meetings across the United States. His family's wealth, estimated to be around $3 million, was amassed during this time, but it is alleged that his father took a significant portion of the funds just before Gortner turned 16.

Gortner eventually returned to the ministry as a means of earning a living and in 1971 he allowed a film crew to document his final revival tour. This decision would prove pivotal, as it led to the creation of the documentary Marjoe, directed by Howard Smith and Sarah Kernochan.

The documentary premiered at Cannes in 1972 and went on to win the Oscar for best feature documentary that year. In the film, Gortner candidly discusses his experiences as an evangelist, including how he and others would manipulate people during revivals. One particularly striking moment shows him counting a large sum of money collected from one day's events.

Film critic Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times that Marjoe was more than just a documentary about Gortner's final days on the revival circuit - it was an opportunity for him to showcase his acting potential and launch a career in show business.

Marjoe Gortner's acting career spanned multiple genres and decades. He appeared alongside Lynda Carter in the 1976 film Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw, a role that showcased his versatility as an actor.

In addition to his film work, Gortner had a prolific television presence, with guest appearances on popular shows such as Barnaby Jones, Medical Center, Police Story, Laugh-In, The A-Team, Fantasy Island, Airwolf, and Hotel. He also played a preacher in the 1995 film Wild Bill.

Gortner's creative endeavors extended beyond acting, as he produced charity events like the Circus of the Stars specials and celebrity sports invitationals.

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Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marjoe-gortner-dead-child-preacher-earthquake-falcon-crest-1236721873/)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/marjoe-gortner-dies-at-82-from-complications-of-congestive-heart/