Disney Actor Kevin Corcoran Dies at 66
Former child actor Kevin Corcoran, known for his appearances in many Disney movies and TV shows, died on Tuesday, October 6th. He was 66 years old.Corcoran had been suffering from cancer for several years. He passed away at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank -- right across the street from the Walt Disney Studios.
The Corcoran family, like the Watsons and Severns before them, were a large family of child actors; Kevin had seven siblings who were also in the business. The Corcoran children included the gifted Donna, who was so good in films such as SCANDAL AT SCOURIE (1953), and Noreen, who appeared in I LOVE MELVIN (1953) and the TV series BACHELOR FATHER.
Kevin started out at Disney playing "Moochie" in ADVENTURES IN DAIRYLAND and two seasons of the SPIN AND MARTY serial on THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB. He would later appear in episodes of WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY.He appeared in the Disney feature films OLD YELLER (1957), THE SHAGGY DOG (1959), TOBY TYLER (1960), POLLYANNA (1960), SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1960), BABES IN TOYLAND (1961), BON VOYAGE! (1962), SAVAGE SAM (1963), and A TIGER WALKS (1964). He's seen above left in OLD YELLER and at the right with Ann Jillian in BABES IN TOYLAND.
He went on to get a college degree and work behind the scenes as an assistant director.
Corcoran was named a Disney Legend in 2006.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Kevin Corcoran at the El Capitan Theatre just 10 months ago, when he was interviewed by the Walt Disney Archive's Becky Cline before a screening of SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1960). I'm so glad I went! He was very appreciative of the wonderful experiences he'd had thanks to Disney and was an engaging speaker. My account of the evening may be found here.The Los Angeles Times published a good obituary today.
Thanks for many happy Disney memories, Kevin. My sincere condolences to the Corcoran family.
January 2016 Update: More sad news for the Corcoran family, the passing of Kevin's sister Noreen.
posted by Laura @ 10:59 PM
5 Comments:
Thanks for posting this, Laura. He was a wonderful actor, and at a time when most child actors, even the good ones, seemed like minature adults, he was all natural and all kid.
"He passed away at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank -- right across the street from the Walt Disney Studios." Poignant. He'll always be a very pleasant memory from our childhoods.
Thanks for posting Laura. I would have missed this entirely had I not caught it here. I managed a small tribute here: http://theroundplaceinthemiddle.com/?p=5934
And must say I truly envy your trip to see SFR recently. I've been hoping to see it again on the big screen since it was last in general release in the early seventies. Will keep hoping...Just FYI: If you haven't seen the extras on Disney's 2-disc version they are truly spectacular. Great documentary that basically demonstrates all of the several hundred reasons why this movie could never be made today. Thanks again for sharing!
Nondisposable Johnny
I met Kevin at a family BBQ in the late 70s and asked him how I could become a Disney animator. He told me to check out CalArts in Valencia, CA. I applied, was accepted, and was hired in 1983. I’m still there working a most wonderful career 37 years later. I’m so grateful for his guidance and wish he knew how he influenced my career. God bless him!
I’ve worked on every animated feature since Little Mermaid! Thank you, Kevin.
Kathleen M. Bailey
Thank you all so much for your comments and remembrances of Kevin Corcoran.
What an especially lovely story, Kathleen! Thank you so much for sharing.
Best wishes,
Laura
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