Before there was a 'George Lucas . Kerwin's career ended in 1978 after making a small sprinkling of appearances in low-budget sci-fi and horror films, plus some TV guest appearances throughout the decade. By this time he had already moved to San Francisco and spent his later years selling antiques and furniture. He was also a stalwart patron of the arts and supporter of the city's various opera and ballet companies. Kerwin died overnight in his sleep at age 81 in his San Francisco home, survived by his partner of 46 years Tom Nicoll.
Attended Janesville High School in Janesville, Wisconsin, and Beloit College, in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he learned fencing.
Dark, dexterous, handsome hero of adventure fantasies, costumers and swashbucklers whose 50s and 60s career was bolstered by battling some of Ray Harryhausen s famous animated creatures.
Was a teacher before getting into the acting field.
Survived by his life partner Tom Nicoll with whom he had lived from 1961 until his death in 2007.
Although Andrew Keir played his father in The Pirates of Blood River , Mathews was three months his senior in real life.
I was the hardest working unknown actor in the world. I used to think I,had to have three films in the can at all times or my life would,collapse. Work was my only source of security.
