Many film watchers, especially those who grew up with certain stories, probably remember a young face from a well-known, quite sad Disney movie. Kevin Corcoran, who was known to many as the youngest sibling in the story of Old Yeller, a film that really could bring tears to your eyes, is no longer with us. He passed away at the age of 66, a piece of news that his family shared with the world, leaving behind a long history of work in entertainment. This person's connection to a film that has touched so many people across different age groups is, in a way, a big part of what he is remembered for.
His time in front of the camera, you know, started quite early in life. He was a presence in many projects put out by Disney during a particular stretch of years, from 1957 up until 1963. This period saw him become a familiar figure in a number of stories that came from the studio, often taking on parts that showed a lively spirit, a kind of energy that was hard to miss. These early roles, basically, set the stage for how many people would come to know him, especially those who followed the various offerings from Disney at that time.
But his work, as a matter of fact, didn't stop with just acting in front of the camera. As he grew older, his involvement in the world of making films and television shows took on a different shape. He moved into roles that were behind the scenes, contributing to projects in ways that many might not immediately connect with his early acting days. This shift shows a person who had a lasting interest in the entertainment business, moving from one side of the production process to another, something that is pretty common for people who spend a lot of time in the industry.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Kevin Corcoran
- Early Days - Kevin Corcoran's Beginnings
- The Disney Years - What Roles Did Kevin Corcoran Play?
- Old Yeller - A Defining Moment for Kevin Corcoran
- Beyond Acting - How Did Kevin Corcoran's Career Change?
- Producing Work - What Did Kevin Corcoran Do Behind the Camera?
- Legacy - What is Kevin Corcoran Remembered For?
- A Final Summary
Biography of Kevin Corcoran
Kevin Anthony Corcoran, sometimes called "Moochie," was a person who spent a good portion of his life working in entertainment. He was born on the tenth day of June in 1949, in a place called Santa Monica, which is in California, in the United States. His life, in a way, was shaped by his early entry into acting, particularly with a very well-known film studio. He became someone who was recognized by many who watched films during the 1950s and 1960s, a period when he was quite active as a young performer. Later on, his work changed, moving from being in front of the camera to working behind it, taking on roles that involved putting together television shows and films. His life came to an end at the age of 66, leaving behind a body of work that spans several decades and different parts of the entertainment making process. He was, essentially, someone who grew up in the public eye and then continued to contribute to the world of stories and pictures.
Personal Details of Kevin Corcoran
| Full Name | Kevin Anthony Corcoran |
| Also Known As | Moochie |
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Date of Passing | At 66 years old |
| Occupations | Actor, Assistant Director, Producer |
| Notable Acting Works | Old Yeller (1957), Swiss Family Robinson (1960), Pollyanna |
| Notable Producing Works | The Shield, Sons of Anarchy |
Early Days - Kevin Corcoran's Beginnings
Kevin Corcoran's path into the world of performing began at a rather young age, as is often the case for child actors. His birth in Santa Monica, California, placed him in a location that, you know, has a strong connection to the film industry. This early start meant that a good part of his childhood was spent on film sets, learning the ropes of what it means to be a part of making stories come alive on screen. He wasn't just a casual participant; he was, apparently, quite involved in many different projects. His earliest appearances, as a matter of fact, came about during the late 1950s, a time when television was growing and films were still a major form of entertainment for families. This period was a busy one for him, laying the groundwork for the roles that would make him known to many people watching at home or in movie houses.
The experience of working at such a young age, you could say, shaped his early life in a way that was different from most children. He was exposed to the routines and demands of film production, which can be quite specific. This early exposure to the mechanics of filmmaking, in some respects, gave him a unique perspective on the industry, one that would serve him well later on. He was, to be honest, a part of a group of young performers who became faces of family entertainment during that era, and his work during these formative years set him apart as a recognizable talent.
The Disney Years - What Roles Did Kevin Corcoran Play?
Kevin Corcoran was, without a doubt, a significant figure in many Disney projects during a specific six-year stretch, from 1957 to 1963. During this time, he appeared in a good number of the studio's offerings, becoming a face that audiences often associated with family-friendly stories. He was frequently cast in parts that showed him to be quite spirited, a character with a lot of bounce and a bit of mischief, which, you know, resonated well with the younger audience members. His presence in these films and serials helped to shape the feel of many Disney productions of that era, contributing to the overall appeal that the studio had for families looking for wholesome entertainment.
One of his more memorable roles during this period was as "Moochie" in the "Spin and Marty" serials, which were shown on "The Mickey Mouse Club." This particular part, basically, allowed him to show a lot of personality, and it made him a favorite with many young viewers who tuned in regularly. The character of Moochie was, in a way, quite a lively one, and Kevin Corcoran's portrayal helped to make those serials a popular feature. These appearances, quite frankly, built up his reputation as a dependable young performer for the studio, someone they could count on to bring a certain kind of energy to their stories. He was, pretty much, a regular fixture in the Disney family of performers during those years.
Old Yeller - A Defining Moment for Kevin Corcoran
When people think about Kevin Corcoran's acting career, one film often comes to mind before any others: Old Yeller, which came out in 1957. In this particular movie, he played the part of the youngest brother, a role that, as a matter of fact, left a lasting impression on many who watched it. The story itself is known for being quite moving, even sad, and his performance in it helped to convey the strong feelings that the film aimed to bring out in its viewers. For generations of film fans, his portrayal in this classic story has remained a key part of their memories of the movie. It's almost as if his character is, in a way, tied directly to the emotional core of the film.
The film's impact was, in some respects, quite profound, and Kevin Corcoran's contribution to that impact was significant. His character's journey through the events of the story, you know, added a layer of innocence and vulnerability that really made the audience connect with the family's struggles. This role, essentially, became a cornerstone of his early acting work, the one that many people would recall first when thinking about his time as a young performer. It's a film that has been passed down through families, and with it, the image of Kevin Corcoran as that memorable youngest son. The film's lasting power, arguably, owes something to the performances of its cast, including his.
Beyond Acting - How Did Kevin Corcoran's Career Change?
After his time as a child actor, Kevin Corcoran's involvement in the entertainment business took a different direction. He didn't just stay in front of the camera; instead, he moved into roles that were more about the making of the production itself, rather than performing in it. This shift, you know, is not uncommon for people who start their careers as child performers. They often gain a deep understanding of how films and television shows are put together, which can then lead them to explore other parts of the process. For Kevin Corcoran, this meant taking on responsibilities as an assistant director and later as a producer, roles that are crucial to getting a project from an idea to a finished product.
His work behind the scenes, pretty much, showed a different side of his skills and interests. It suggested a person who was keen to contribute to the creative process in a broader sense, moving from being a piece of the story to helping to build the entire structure. This move, in a way, allowed him to stay connected to the industry he grew up in, but in a capacity that involved more organizational and creative oversight. It's a natural progression for someone who has spent so much time on sets and has seen how everything comes together, from the very first idea to the final cut that audiences see.
Producing Work - What Did Kevin Corcoran Do Behind the Camera?
Kevin Corcoran's career after his acting days included significant contributions as a producer on various television series. This role, basically, involves a lot of different responsibilities, from overseeing the budget to managing the schedule and making sure the creative vision of a show comes to life. He became a producer on some television programs that were, in fact, quite well-known. For example, he worked on a series called The Shield, which was a show that gained a lot of attention for its storytelling. He also contributed his skills to another series, Sons of Anarchy, which also had a large following and was known for its dramatic narratives.
His work as a producer, you know, meant he was involved in the nuts and bolts of making these shows happen. It's a role that requires a good understanding of both the creative side and the business side of television production. The fact that he worked on shows that were, arguably, quite successful and had a strong impact on viewers speaks to his ability to contribute effectively in this capacity. This part of his career, in some respects, highlights his enduring connection to the world of storytelling, moving from being a character in the story to being one of the people who helped bring the entire story to the screen for others to experience. It was, essentially, a continuation of his life's work in entertainment, just from a different vantage point.
Legacy - What is Kevin Corcoran Remembered For?
Kevin Corcoran is, definitely, remembered by many people for his early work as a child actor, particularly his appearances in various Disney projects. His portrayal of the youngest brother in Old Yeller, as a matter of fact, stands out as a role that has touched generations of film fans. The emotional weight of that film, and his part in it, has given him a lasting place in the hearts of those who grew up watching it. He was, in a way, a face that symbolized a certain era of family entertainment from a very well-known studio, bringing joy and sometimes tears to audiences. This connection to such a beloved and impactful film is, pretty much, a major part of his enduring memory.
Beyond that one specific film, his frequent appearances in Disney projects between 1957 and 1963 also contributed to his legacy. He was, you know, a recognizable face in many of their offerings during that period, often playing characters that were full of life and a bit mischievous. This consistent presence led him to be honored by Disney, a recognition of his contributions to their films and serials over those years. His transition from a popular child actor to a respected figure behind the camera, working as an assistant director and producer on shows like The Shield and Sons of Anarchy, also forms a significant part of his story. It shows a full career in entertainment, moving through different roles and responsibilities, which, essentially, adds depth to his overall contribution to the industry. He was, basically, a person who lived a life connected to the magic of making stories for the screen.
Kevin Anthony "Moochie" Corcoran, as he was sometimes known, was an American director, producer, and former child actor whose career spanned many decades. He appeared in numerous Disney projects between 1957 and 1963, frequently portraying characters with an irrepressible spirit, leading him to be honored by the studio. He was known for his roles in films like Old Yeller, where he played the youngest son in the classic and emotionally moving story, as well as Swiss Family Robinson and Pollyanna. Later in his life, Kevin Corcoran moved behind the camera, becoming an assistant director and producer on popular television series such as The Shield and Sons of Anarchy. He passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a body of work that touched many generations of film and television viewers, from his early days as a beloved Disney child star to his later contributions as a producer.
