John Kevin Barry Coughlin was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Wild in the Streets,” “The Defiant Ones,” and “Mama.” Born on December 12, 1945, in New York City, he gained recognition from a young age for his talents in acting.
Personal and Family Life
Kevin was born into a family in Inwood, Manhattan, and lived with his parents, John Joseph Coughlin and Marguerite O’Brien, along with his older sister Joan Marie Coughlin Gaudet. He was a model for Conover since he was two years old and made his television debut on his seventh birthday. He married Pamela Elaine Penner in 1966, but they divorced in 1973. He then married Marcia Kandel in 1973, who was by his side at the time of his tragic death.
Career
Kevin began his acting career on the beloved TV show “Mama,” where he worked for four years. He featured in the film “Storm Center” and appeared in multiple television dramas. After attending Northwestern University, he worked on various projects, including the comedy “The Gay Deceivers.” His career took a difficult turn in the mid-70s when he struggled to find substantial roles, leading to a diminished presence in the industry.
Death and Legacy
Kevin Coughlin died on January 19, 1976, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles. His wife, Marcia, witnessed the accident. He was just five days past his 30th birthday, and his tragic end silenced a promising career. He was buried at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, and his grave carries a touching inscription that reads, “BELOVED BY ALL.”
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Defiant Ones | 1958-08-14 | Billy |
| Wild in the Streets | 1968-05-29 | Billy Cage |
| Storm Center | 1956-07-31 | Freddie Slater |
| The Gay Deceivers | 1969-07-30 | Danny Devlin |
| The Young Runaways | 1968-09-11 | Dewey Norson |
| Maryjane | 1968-02-01 | Jordan Bates |
| Happy Anniversary | 1959-01-01 | Oakie Walters |
| Duel at Diablo | 1966-06-15 | Norton (uncredited) |
| Two by Saroyan: ‘Once Around the Block’ and ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ | 1960-11-07 | Henry |
| The F.B.I. | 1965-09-19 | |
| Studio One | 1948-11-07 | Bobby |
| The Fugitive | 1963-09-17 | Banks |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | Gary |
| O’Hara, U.S. Treasury | 1971-09-17 | |
| The Patty Duke Show | 1963-09-18 | |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Tom |
| Combat! | 1962-10-02 | Loomis |
| Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre | 1963-10-04 | |
| Judd for the Defense | 1967-09-08 | |
| Robert Montgomery Presents | 1950-01-30 | Sandy |
| The Invaders | 1967-01-10 | Roy |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Billy Joe Corey |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Randy Gogan |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Calvin Ruxton |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Elton Fine |
| The Name of the Game | 1968-09-20 | Sonny |
| Dragnet | 1967-01-12 |