Lance Michael Kerwin, a remarkably gifted American thespian, entered this world on November 6, 1960, marking the beginning of a life filled with artistic expression and passion. Over the course of his sixty-two years on this earth, he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, captivating audiences with his remarkable talent and charisma.
Kerwin's formative years were profoundly influenced by the vibrant tapestry of the entertainment industry, as his father, an accomplished acting coach, would frequently bring home scripts for his young son to peruse and immerse himself in, thereby fostering a deep and abiding passion for the craft. Meanwhile, his mother, a talented performer in her own right, would later transition into the role of a successful talent agent, thus providing Kerwin with a unique and intimate understanding of the inner workings of the industry. As the youngest of five brothers, Kerwin's sibling dynamic was further complicated by the presence of his brother Shane, who would go on to serve as his trusted stand-in, a role that would prove to be a valuable asset in his future endeavors.
Kerwin's early career as a child actor was marked by a prolific appearance in a multitude of made-for-TV movies and television series throughout the 1970s, thereby earning him the distinguished moniker "probably America's leading boy actor of the late Seventies" from the esteemed John Holmstrom, a former theater critic and respected governor of the British Film Institute.
Noted actor Kerwin's extensive career was marked by his versatility, as he brought to life a diverse array of characters, frequently venturing into the realm of complex, emotionally charged roles that confronted and overcame daunting challenges.
Notable performances that showcased his remarkable range include the poignant portrayal of a solitary individual in The Loneliest Runner, his heart-wrenching depiction of a youth struggling with addiction in The Boy Who Drank Too Much, and his sensitive exploration of the emotional struggles of children of divorced parents in Children of Divorce.
Kerwin's personal life was characterized by a series of significant relationships, which played a pivotal role in shaping his life. One of the most notable of these relationships was his romantic partnership with Kristen Lansdale, with whom he shared a daughter. Furthermore, he was also married to Yvonne Kerwin, with whom he had four children. After a brief hiatus from acting that spanned several years, commencing in the mid-1990s, Kerwin made a triumphant return to the screen in 2022, starring in the film "The Wind & the Reckoning", which was shot on location in the picturesque Hawaiian islands.
Kerwin's later years were marked by a profound shift in his professional endeavors, as he embarked upon a fulfilling career in ministry, where he assumed the role of a devoted pastor at the esteemed Calvary Chapel, situated in the picturesque town of Kapaa, Hawaii, amidst lush tropical landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
In this new capacity, he applied his unique blend of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual guidance to nurture the spiritual growth and well-being of his congregation, providing a beacon of hope and solace to those seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
Additionally, Kerwin's commitment to serving others extended beyond the walls of his church, as he also took on the responsibility of program leader at U-Turn for Christ, a remarkable organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome the scourge of drug and alcohol addiction, reclaiming their lives and finding redemption through a supportive community and evidence-based treatments.
Through his tireless efforts, Kerwin played a pivotal role in empowering individuals to break free from the shackles of addiction, regain control over their lives, and embark upon a path of recovery, redemption, and renewed purpose.
