Here is the biography of Marjoe Gortner:
Marjoe Gortner was born in Long Beach, California, to Vernon Gorst Gortner, an evangelical minister, and Marge, who played a significant role in introducing him to the world as a boy preacher. Marjoe became a 'Miracle Child' extraordinaire, ministering the gospel from memory and performing faith healings, drawing capacity crowds throughout the Bible Belt.
At the age of 16, Marjoe grew disillusioned with the deception and withdrew from the scene. Unbeknownst to his father and other ministers, a film crew followed him throughout his final 1971 national tour of revival meetings, resulting in the Oscar-winning documentary Marjoe (1972). The documentary introduced the public to a new and profoundly hypnotic performer.
Marjoe showcased his musical talents, playing various instruments and performing with a Los Angeles rock band. He recorded a solo album for RCA, "Bad, But Not Evil," in 1973. He then transitioned to acting, starring in TV projects such as The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) and The Gun and the Pulpit (1974). The positive reviews catapulted him into 1970's films.
Despite initial success, most of Marjoe's cinematic efforts received harsh critical reviews. He starred in films such as Earthquake (1974),Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976),Acapulco Gold (1976),The Food of the Gods (1976),Viva Knievel! (1977),Starcrash (1978),and When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? (1979). Due to poor box office receipts, Marjoe's quest for top film stardom never materialized.
Marjoe continued to thrive as an offbeat guest on various TV shows, including "Barnaby Jones," "Nakia," "Medical Center," "Police Story," "Fantasy Island," "The A-Team," "Matt Houston," "Airwolf," and "T.J. Hooker." He had a recurring role on the nighttime soap opera series Falcon Crest (1981) as Vince Karlotti, a villainous charlatan who posed as a psychic medium.
Marjoe continued to appear in films throughout the 1980s, but struggled to rise above poor material. He ended his career with a featured role in the biography of Wild Bill Hickock entitled Wild Bill (1995) starring Jeff Bridges.
Before retiring in 2010, Marjoe produced Celebrity Sports Invitational charity golf tournaments and ski events for charitable purposes. He was briefly married to Candy Clark and attempted to marry again in 2019 to set decorator Susan Magestro.
