LANCE KERWIN'S FILM AND TELEVISION APPEARANCES

"I liked acting. And I still like acting. And someday I know God will give me an opportunity to do another show. Ready when you are."

For those of you tragically not in the know, Lance Kerwin is the fine actor who appeared as "No.44" in the amusing television film adaptation of Mark Twain's THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER, starred in the title role of James Hunter in the short-lived NBC television series JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16, brought vivid life to the character of preacher's kid Ramey Holvak (while holding his own with the likes of Glenn Ford and Julie Harris) in a previous short-lived series, THE FAMILY HOLVAK (and in the tv movie upon which that series was based, THE GREATEST GIFT), and who tried memorably to keep an alcoholic Scott Baio from falling off the wagon in THE BOY WHO DRANK TOO MUCH, among many other credits in a distinguished, but too little known and too little appreciated career. In the past decade, Lance has become active as a Christian minister, most recently as the director of U-Turn for Christ in Kauai, Hawaii (in early March, 2008, he gave a talk about the personal struggles that led him to this work at South Shore Christian Fellowship in Honalulu, Hawaii). At last report Lance was not pursuing professional acting jobs, and did not expect to in the forseeable future. In an online interview at retroCRUSH in 2004, however, he went so far as to speculate on the kinds of roles he might be interested in accepting if he did return to acting. In 2005, in the cable tv documentary 50 CUTEST CHILD STARS: ALL GROWN UP (see below), Lance stated, "I liked acting. And I still like acting. And someday I know God will give me an opportunity to do another show. Ready when you are." Fan Mail communications to Lance Kerwin should be sent to the following address, which has been designated for this purpose (and for posting on this page) by Lance himself: Lance Kerwin P.O. Box 101 Temecula, CA 92593 [It's possible that this address has become obsolete with Lance's apparent move to Hawaii.] In all cases in the listings which appear below I have used the best and most complete information available to me, but please feel free to send corrections and/or additions to my e-mail address. Please note that this e-mail address is for the web-page author, not for Lance Kerwin. This page is neither authored nor authorized by Lance Kerwin, but he did at one point provide some gracious assistance in helping to make it more complete and accurate (thanks, Lance!). [This page was originally created on the late, lamented "Webchat Broadcasting System" around 1996; it was most recently updated on 9-13-2009 at 6:58 pm.] The following are Lance Kerwin's known film and television appearances: *CHILD STAR CONFIDENTIAL: "Teen Screamers" (E! 5-28-2006). Lance is featured in an episode of this documentary series devoted to tabloidy gossip about former child stars. Oddly, he is shoehorned into the episode focusing on child stars known primarily for their roles in well-known horror films, such as Linda Blair (THE EXORCIST) and Alex Vincent (CHILD'S PLAY), with the excuse of his supremely uncharacteristic appearance in the 1979 television version of SALEM'S LOT (see below). In Lance's segment, brief clips of a new interview with him -- Bible in hand -- are intercut with a nice selection of new and old still photographs. A quick montage near the end includes a surprising variety of live-action clips depicting his activities as youth ministry leader at Calvary Chapel of Temecula Valley. (cable tv documentary series episode) *50 CUTEST CHILD STARS: ALL GROWN UP (E! 11-27-2005). Lance is #22 on this two-hour countdown of child stars ranked according to their adorableness. A lightning-fast review of his career and life concentrates mostly on JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 (illustrated with several brief clips), but also includes a few new interview clips, some rare stills, and references to his personal problems and ministerial work. In what may be the most hopeful sign for fans of his acting career since the beginning of his current hiatus from show-biz, the segment ends with a clip of Lance saying, "I liked acting. And I still like acting. And someday I know God will give me an opportunity to do another show. Ready when you are." (cable tv documentary special) *THE 100 GREATEST KID STARS (VH1 6-13-2005 thru 6-17-2005). Lance is ranked as Greatest Kid Star #82 in this five-hour survey of child performers, hosted by BRADY BUNCH alumnus Christopher Knight. A segment on Lance is included near the end of the first hour, featuring a clip from the rare DINAH SHORE interview, a brief new (2005) interview evidently conducted for the program, and a glimpse of Lance's ministry at Calvary Chapel of Temecula Valley. Short clips of Lance commenting on other performers appear occasionally during other segments throughout the five hours. (cable tv documentary miniseries) *WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE: THE RISE OF THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT IN AMERICA, Episode Three: "We Are Family" (1996), as James Hunter. A very brief clip of Lance in JAMES AT 15 is shown during a montage, while a narrator refers to the infamous virginity-losing episode, without naming either Lance or the show's title. (PBS documentary miniseries episode). *in the middle or late 1990's Lance was reported to be doing some cartoon "voice-overs". Lance has confirmed that he did do some work of this kind around that time, mentioning in particular work on a series called DEFENDERS OF THE UNIVERSE, though apparently his voice is not in every single episode. Cryptic internet evidence a while back suggested that he may also have worked on a series called JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS, but I have not been able to confirm this. Any additional information that anyone may have about Lance's voice work would be greatly appreciated. *OUTBREAK (1995), as an American mercenary who dies in the first 10 minutes. (theatrical motion picture) *MARKER: "The Pink Unicorn" (3-28-1995), as Finch, "a thug with a baseball bat." The plot concerns a young girl asking series protagonist Richard Demorra (Richard Grieco) to help her find an object called (you guessed it) "the Pink Unicorn," which her father wanted to find before he was murdered, but which Demorra isn't sure really exists. (tv series guest appearance) *NEW LASSIE: "Hostage: A Dog's Life" (syndicated, 2-22-1992), as Brody, a desperate criminal who holds Lassie hostage. (tv series guest appearance) *FBI: THE UNTOLD STORIES: "Colonel Penn" (1992), as James Lackey, a nervous accessory to the racist murder of a black man. (tv series guest appearance) *FINAL VERDICT (1991), as Harry Johnson. Courtroom drama set in 1919 Los Angeles. This one will tantalize FAMILY HOLVAK fans due to the inclusion of Lance's former "pa," Glenn Ford, in the cast in a role that recalls his earlier character. Unfortunately they don't share any scenes together. (cable tv movie) *ADAM-12 [a.k.a. NEW ADAM-12]: "Eye of the Beholder" (syndicated, c.1989-1990), as Drew White. A mentally ill young man is obsessed with a pretty waitress, and a boy is caught passing counterfeit money in this episode of a short-lived syndicated revival of the 1968-1975 NBC police drama. On first run, this revived series aired only in New York and Los Angeles; it was seen in national syndication beginning the following season. If my information about this episode's title is correct, it's a weird coincidence that it happens to have precisely the same title as the SIMON & SIMON episode in which Lance appeared only a few years previously (see below). (tv series guest appearance) *MURDER, SHE WROTE: "Seal of the Confessional" (CBS 10-1-1989), as Eddie Frayne, a mentally slow young man falsely accused of a murder actually committed by someone else. Though this is a fairly brief role as regards actual screen time, it does allow Lance to play a jailhouse scene with the series' star, Broadway and Hollywood legend Angela Lansbury. (tv series guest appearance) *HOUSTON KNIGHTS: "Colt 45" (1987), as a disurbed teen who steals Michael Beck's favorite gun and is then pursued by Beck and Michael Pare. (tv series guest appearance) *SIMON & SIMON: "Eye of the Beholder" (CBS 3-13-1986), as Ed. A rich industrialist hires the Simons to provide security for the cursed Peruvian icon he's about to receive in an episode of this tv adventure series. (tv series guest appearance) *ENEMY MINE (1985), as Wooster, a spaceship pilot who gets killed off in the first 10 minutes. (theatrical motion picture) *THE FOURTH WISE MAN (ABC 3-30-1985), as Passhur. Based on Henry Van Dyke's short story about a fourth wise man (played by Martin Sheen) who misses the Nativity, then continues to miss Jesus all the way to the crucifixion as he follows around where he has been trying to find him, eventually using up all the gifts he had brought to give Jesus helping the various people he meets along the way. (one-hour tv movie) *FINDER OF LOST LOVES: "Haunted Memories" (3-2-1985), as Adam Hill. (tv series guest appearance) *TRAPPER JOHN, M.D.: "Bad Breaks" (CBS, c.1984-1985), as the struggling, unemployed head of a homeless family who is suspected of physically abusing his child. (tv series guest appearance) *HOTEL: "Mistaken Identities" (ABC 2-1-1984), as Ron, a hotel guest whose father arranges a rendez-vous with an older prostitute so that he can lose his virginity. (tv series guest appearance) *INSIGHT: "Deadline" (syndicated, 1984), as a young man whose parents are gun owners in a serious drama about gun control. This episode also features Ike Eisenmann, with whom Lance previously appeared in THE AMAZING COSMIC AWARENESS OF DUFFY MOON and ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN [see below]. (tv series guest appearance) *INSIGHT: "Courage" (1983), as Jody, a boy who's afraid of water. (tv series guest appearance) *INSIGHT: "Breadwinner" (1983), as Joey Brennan, a high school senior who must forego college and take work as a gas station mechanic to help support his family when his steelworker dad can't find new employment after the plant where he works closes. The cast includes Pat Hingle, Lee Meriwether, and Quinn Cummings. This one's known to have been shown on HBO. (tv series guest appearance) *A KILLER IN THE FAMILY (ABC, 1983), as Ray Tison, a "good" kid who nevertheless helps his brothers bust their father, a convicted murderer, out of the slam. My sister is of the opinion that Lance has never looked better than he does in this film. I don't disagree. (tv movie) *FAERIE TALE THEATRE: "The Snow Queen" (1983), as Kai in an adaptation from Hans Christian Andersen. Lee Remick appears in the title role. Melissa Gilbert plays Kai's dearest friend Gerda, who searches for him after the Snow Queen has taken him to the frozen North. (tv series guest appearance)

*THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER (PBS Great Performances, 1982), as the mysterious "No. 44, new series 864962" in this adaptation of Mark Twain's classic. Strong support from Christopher Makepeace as August, Fred Gwynne (that's right, Herman Munster) as the bogus magician Balthazar Hoffman, and others. Directed by Peter Hunt, who also directed the stage and screen versions of the musical 1776. Screenplay by Julian Mitchell, who also wrote ANOTHER COUNTRY (1984) and WILDE (1998). Don't miss the scene where Lance dresses up like a fop. This movie was released on VHS video. (tv movie) *THE SHOOTING (CBS Afternoon Playhouse, 6-1-1982), as Billy Lee Daniels, one of three boys in Depression-era Misssouri who go hunting without permission, accidentally killing a man, in an Emmy-nominated drama co-starring Lynn Redgrave. (one-hour tv movie) *ADVICE TO THE LOVELORN (NBC, 11-30-1981), as Larry Aames. According to Lance in his retroCRUSH interview,, this movie featured Cloris Leachman as an advice columnist, and reunited him with Melissa Sue Anderson in "a torrid love affair," one of several situations about which Leachman's character was called upon to give advice. One internet source suggests that this was an unsold tv series pilot. (tv movie) *SIDE SHOW (NBC, 6-5-1981) as teenage puppeteer Nick Pallas, who falls in love, has his heart broken, and writes a song about it against a backdrop of turgid melodrama in a carnival setting and atmosphere. Accordng to Vinnie Rattole, a blogger who recently devoted an entire blog entry to SIDE SHOW, the production was actually filmed in 1978, and (surprisingly) was released on VHS video. (tv movie) *TRAPPER JOHN, M.D.: "42" (CBS, 1-3-1981), as "42," a burn victim who claims that he's from outer space. Nancy Walker plays a fellow patient who mothers him a bit. (tv series guest appearance) *CHILDREN OF DIVORCE (NBC, 11-24-1980), as aspiring musician Tony Malik, who self-consciously explains that he's not gay, then sets about proving it in this ensemble drama about kids in divorcing families. A spanish-dubbed version of this movie also exists. (tv movie) *HAGEN: "The Rat Pack" (CBS 3-8-1980), as Herb Martin, a nice kid who takes the rap for his murdering gangster brother. (tv series guest appearance) *ANIMAL TALK: "The Flight of the White Wolf" (CBS Library, 3-4-1980), as Rus. Based on Mel Eliss' famous novel of the same name. One of three stories narrated by Anthony Newley as Dr. Dolittle in the same program (the others are Jack London's "Call of the Wild" and Sterling North's "Rascal"). That's Lance's real mom as his mom, by the way! ANIMAL TALK is known to have been released on VHS video. (one-hour tv dramatic special) *READ MORE ABOUT IT (CBS, 2-6-1980). Lance appeared in a public service announcement which aired at least twice immediately following the conclusion of the premiere showing of THE BOY WHO DRANK TOO MUCH (below), offering three Library of Congress book suggestions on alcoholism ("the subject of tonight's presentation"). Evidently intended to air only with the movie, this psa may rightly be considered an appendix to it rather than an entirely separate work, but it does technically constitute a different appearance. (public service announcement) *THE BOY WHO DRANK TOO MUCH (CBS, 2-6-1980), in a superb performance as Billy Carpenter, best friend to an alcoholic Scott Baio. When Baio's character suggests that they take a trip out west together, Billy scornfully replies that he never kisses on the first date, but he's only playing hard to get. This is arguably the quintessential Lance Kerwin movie, perfectly showcasing his finely-honed trademark "earnest nice guy" persona, featuring a style of interaction between his character and a pair of conflicted liberal parents which distinctly recalls JAMES AT 15, and of course, with a "social problem" plot not only reminiscent of the ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIALS in which Lance made some of his earliest appearances, but actually foreshadowed by an episode of JAMES (#15, "An Hour Before Midnight" [a.k.a. "The Trouble with Karen"] -- see below). (tv movie) *ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT SCARY (1979). Vincent Price hosts three tales of the supernatural: "The Ghost Belonged to Me," "The House with a Clock in its Walls," and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." I don't know which story Lance appears in, but my money's on the first one. (one-hour tv dramatic special)

*SALEM'S LOT (1979), as Mark Petrie. Based on Stephen King's vampire chiller. Mark's hometown is beset not only by vampires, but by an aging, slightly effeminate James Mason. Shudder! Also known as SALEM'S LOT: THE MINISERIES. Beware the cable version, SALEM'S LOT: THE MOVIE, a.k.a. BLOOD THIRST, actually the overseas theatrical version, chain-sawed down from its original 200 incoherent minutes to a virtually incomprehensible 112. The short version also allegedly contains explicit violence (and therefore additional footage) not included in the longer version, but who gives a damn? (tv movie-miniseries) *HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (c.1978). Lance appeared on at least one or two episodes, possibly more. (tv game show) *FAMILY: "Generations" (ABC 11-23-1978), as Dexter. If memory serves, Dexter is some sort of farm boy. Series regular Kristy McNichol (see ME AND DAD'S NEW WIFE, below) at first dislikes him, then likes him. (tv series guest appearance) [? *BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS V (November, 1978). In his retroCRUSH interview in 2004, Lance recalled having appeared on BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS "three years running." If this recollection is accurate, it's most likely that he made his third appearance in BOTNS V, though technically this would still only have been three appearances within two years. I had originally speculated that it was also possible Lance had some involvement with one or both of Brian Kerwin's two appearances in BOTNS VIII (May, 1980) and X (May 1981), on the basis of information I'd read elsewhere indicating that these two acting Kerwins shared at least one parent, but more recently it has come to my attention that in a Teen Beat article from precisely this period, Brian Kerwin vehemently denied that he was related to Lance Kerwin in any way at all. Presumably, then, Lance would not have been involved in Brian's BOTNS appearances. Any information anyone can provide to clarify this matter (the matter of when and if Lance made a third BOTNS appearance) would be greatly appreciated.] *BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS IV (ABC, 5-7-1978). Lance participated again as part of the NBC team in another multi-event two-hour celebrity sports tournament. He had previously participated in 1977 [see below]. (tv sports special) *DINAH SHORE (February, 1978). Lance was interviewed on this popular daytime talk show during the run of the series JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 in a program also featuring Hollywood legend Fred Astaire, who Lance modestly declined to displace in the seat closest to the host at the beginning of his (Lance's) segment. (tv talk show guest appearance) *THE BUSTERS (CBS, 1978), as Albie McRae. A broken-down bullrider takes a green wanna-be under his wing on the national rodeo circuit. (one-hour tv movie)

*MERV GRIFFEN (c.1977-1978?). Lance recalls appearing on this syndicated talk show (modelled broadly after the TONIGHT show and hosted by the loquacious singer and game show producer), presumably to promote JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 (tv talk show guest appearance). *MIKE DOUGLAS (c.1977-1978?). Lance recalls appearing on this prestigious talk show as well, again, presumably to promote JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 (tv talk show guest appearance). *BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS III (ABC, 11-4-1977). Lance participated as part of the NBC team in this multi-event two-hour celebrity sports tournament. He would participate again in 1978 [see above]. (tv sports special)

*JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 (NBC; first episode aired 10-27-1977; first "...AT 16" episode aired 2-9-1978; the final episode is reported to have been aired 7-27-1978), as James Hunter [see JAMES AT 15 tv movie, below]. Notorious in its day for a then-ground-breaking virginity-losing episode. Writer-creator Dan Wakefield left the series because network censors wouldn't let him mention birth control in that episode, with the unhappy result that the remaining episodes of what had been a series of considerable wit, warmth, charm, and promise entered a slow downward spiral, occasionally veering into near-total stupidity. Series regulars included Linden Chiles as James' father, Lynn Carlin as James' mother, Kim Richards [see ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, below] as James' younger tomboy sister Sandy, David Hubbard as Ludwig "Sly" Hazeltine, and Susan Myers as Marlene Mahoney. (tv series) Known individual episodes include: #1 "Friends" (10-27-1977) James, having recently moved from Oregon to Boston (as shown in the tv movie JAMES AT 15, which became the series' pilot [see below]), throws a "newcomers" party to try to make new friends at his alienating new school. In attendance are Paisley Hufton (played by Lisa Pelikan), a girl from a Boston patrician family who speaks with an upperclass "English" accent; Ludwig "Sly" Hazeltine, a jive-talking African American pusher of bogus marijuana made from fried eggplant laced with oregano; and Marlene Mahoney, a budding anthropologist. The party is a debacle, but the three eventually become friends. This episode includes a hilarious exchange between James and Paisley which almost recalls Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First?" (Production number Y-401) #2 "The Girl With the Bad Rep" (11-3-1977) James invites a girl with a bad reputation over to his house on false pretenses. She rejects his advances, but James succumbs to the temptation to brag to Sly that something happened between them--a mistake he soon regrets deeply. Then, upon learning that the girl's reputation is undeserved, he goes on a crusade to improve it. (Production number Y-404)

#3 "Kathy's in the Shower" (11-10-1977) James' elder sister Cathy is discovered to be living--and sleeping--with one of her college professors. (Production number Y-405) #4 "Higher Ground" (11-24-1977) James joins a cult. (Production number Y-406) #5 "The Apple Tree, the Singing, and the Gold" (12-15-1977) James' best friend Bobby from Oregon comes to Boston for some medical tests. He and Paisley fall in love, then he dies. A real tear-jerker. (Production number Y-408) #6 "Fast and Loose" (12-22-1977) James abandons his friends to hang out with a smooth-talking schemer named Cornell in an attempt to become "cool," eventually flying to Los Angeles without his parents' knowledge and getting arrested for shoplifting. Recently I've encountered surprising evidence that this episode was released on 16mm film, which strongly implies that at least some (and possibly all) other episodes of JAMES may also have been released in that format. (Production number Y-407) #7 "Mrs. Carson" (12-29-1977) James falls in love with one of his teachers [see THE FAMILY HOLVAK #5-6: "First Love," below], who's having marital problems over an unplanned pregnancy. (Production number Y-403) #8 "Unrequited Love ... Twice" (1-5-1978) A friend and age-contemporary of James' younger sister Sandy falls in love with him. Simultaneously, an attractive young female student of James' college professor father unsuccessfully pursues him romantically. (Production number Y-402) #9 "Actions Speak Louder" (1-19-1978) James makes friends with a deaf student. In order to understand him better, James plugs his ears and wanders around the city "deaf," an experience he finds frightening and disorienting. (Production number Y-409) #10 "Star-Crossed Lovers"(1-26-1978) Marlene tries to attract the attention of an easy-going musician by shedding her intellectual image. (Production number Y-411)

#11 "The Gift" (2-9-1978) James falls in love with a Swedish foreign exchange student and loses his virginity without discussing birth control. This is the first "...AT 16" episode. (Production number Y-413) #12 "The Blowout" (2-16-1978) James develops a complex about being short. (Production number Y-414) #13 "Listless Fever" (2-23-1978) James fears that he may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease in episode #11. This episode was also released on 16mm film. (Production number Y-415) #14 "Champions" (3-2-1978) After James and his friends are cut from the varsity, they form a boys' intramural basketball team, "The Magnificent Seven." Marlene proposes a talented female player as an addition to their team. When the guys reject her because of her sex, Marlene helps her form an all-girls team, "The Bombers," and asks James to coach. He reluctantly agrees, tapping Sly as his assistant. When the Magnificent Seven win intramurals, the Bombers challenge them to a game for the school championship. (Production number Y-412) #15 "An Hour Before Midnight" [a.k.a."The Trouble with Karen"] (3-9-1978) James plays Billy Carpenter to the alcoholic female editor of his school's newspaper in this audition for THE BOY WHO DRANK TOO MUCH. (Production number Y-410) #16 "Knocking Heads" (6-1-1978) James writes a football article for the school paper which angers the coach, who also happens to be his History teacher. In what may be the worst excess of the post-Wakefield episodes, he then compounds the problem by publishing a hypocritical retraction. (Production number Y-417) #17 "Rebel Without a Car" (6-8-1978) James borrows the family car without permission. (Production number Y-416) #18 "Hunter Country" (6-15-1978) James runs for student body president. When his campaign starts to favor style over substance, Marlene defects from his campaign staff and runs against him. This episode was also released on 16mm film. (Production number Y-420) #19 "Ducks" (6-22-1978) James and his friends help an old woman illegally kidnap the ducks from a pond in a public park slated for destruction, in order to prevent them from being exterminated. (Production number Y-419) #20 "Queen of the Silver Dollar" (6-29-1978) While the swim team, of which James is a member, is lodged in a hotel during the state finals, James brings a girl back to his room and keeps her there all night on a bet. To his chagrin, soon after the girl moves to Boston and enrolls in his school for the purpose of continuing their "love affair." (Production number Y-418) [For those who are keeping score, I have revised the order of episodes again and supplied production numbers as well as missing episode titles and air dates according to credible information which has recently appeared on other websites. Although as far as I know, this is a complete list of the JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16 episodes aired by NBC, sources variously indicate that JAMES had 21 or 22 episodes total. I am inclined to believe that the discrepancy results from counting the original tv pilot movie (see below) as either one or two episodes, but at least one source (HARRY & WALLY'S FAVORITE TV SHOWS: A FACT-FILLED OPINIONATED GUIDE TO THE BEST AND WORST ON TV, 1989, by Harry Castleman & Walter J. Podrazik) states flatly that JAMES had 21 episodes AND the two-hour pilot movie. Any help that anyone can offer in completing or correcting this episode guide will be greatly appreciated.]

*YOUNG JOE, THE FORGOTTEN KENNEDY (ABC 9-18-1977), as Joseph Kennedy, Jr, JFK's elder brother, who was killed in World War II. (tv movie)

*JAMES AT 15 (NBC 9-15-1977), as James Hunter, a young "Walter Mitty." Melissa Sue Anderson (see THE LONELIEST RUNNER, below) is again paired with Lance, this time as the Oregon girl from whom he is parted when his family moves to Boston. Kim Richards appears as James' younger tomboy sister Sandy. This movie became the pilot for the series JAMES AT 15/JAMES AT 16. (tv movie)

[Lance Kerwin's film and television credits continue on page two.]