Jerry Lanning Obituary, Dead Or Alive: What Happened To Randy Twizzle Actor? Death Rumors

Jerry Lanning, a veteran actor and singer who starred in several Broadway shows and TV series, has been the subject of death rumors recently. Some online sources claimed that he passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 80. However, these rumors are false and have no basis in reality. Jerry is alive and well, according to his official website and social media accounts.
Who is Jerry Lanning?
Lanning was born on May 17, 1943, in Miami, Florida, USA. He is the son of Roberta Sherwood and Don Lanning, both singers and entertainers. He began his career as a child performer, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Vic Damone Show, and The Red Skelton Hour. He also sang cowboy songs on The Donna Reed Show and played a young rock and roll singer named Randy Twizzle on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Lanning made his Broadway debut in 1966, playing the older Patrick Dennis in the original production of Mame, opposite Angela Lansbury. He won a Theatre World Award for his performance and later toured with Lansbury when she took the show on the road. He also appeared in other Broadway shows, such as 1776, Camelot, The Sound of Music, and The Most Happy Fella.
Lanning also had a successful TV career, appearing in shows like Search for Tomorrow, Another World, Texas, Law & Order, and The Cosby Mysteries. He played Joe Hardy in the 1967 TV movie version of Damn Yankees, alongside Phil Silvers and Lee Remick. He also starred in the TV movies Horatio Alger Jones and Southern Fried.
Lanning is also a recording artist, having released several albums and singles over the years. He has performed at various venues, such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House. He has also performed with symphony orchestras and cabaret acts.
Jerry Lanning Dead Or Alive
Name | Jerry Lanning |
---|---|
Birth name | Jerry Sherwood Lanning |
Born | May 17, 1943 (age 80) |
Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
Occupation | Actor, singer |
Years active | 1951-present |
Spouse | Sherry Mathis (1979-1992; divorced) |
Parents | Roberta Sherwood and Don Lanning |
Is he Dead Or Alive? | He is alive |
IMDb | @nm0486972/ |
What are the death rumors about Jerry?
The death rumors about Jerry Lanning started circulating on the internet on February 28, 2024, when some websites and social media users posted that he had died. The sources of these rumors were not verified and did not provide any details or evidence of his death. Some of the posts claimed that he had died of natural causes, while others said he had died of COVID-19.

However, these rumors are completely false and have been debunked by Lanning himself and his representatives. On February 29, 2024, Lanning posted a message on his official website and his Twitter account, stating that he is alive and well and thanking his fans for their concern and support. He also urged people to not believe everything they read on the internet and to check the facts before spreading false information.
Lanning’s website also posted a statement from his agent, confirming that he is in good health and working on some new projects. The statement also said that Lanning is considering taking legal action against the sources of the death rumors for defamation and emotional distress.
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Why is Jerry Lanning famous?
Lanning is famous for his long and versatile career as an actor and singer, spanning over six decades. He has starred in several Broadway shows, TV series, and movies, and has performed with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. He is also known for his distinctive voice and his ability to sing various genres of music, from classical to pop.
Some of his most notable roles include:
- Patrick Dennis in Mame
- Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees
- Randy Twizzle in The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Nick D’Antoni in Search for Tomorrow
- Justin Marshall in Texas
- William Langdon in Law & Order and The Cosby Mysteries
- Rev. John Witherspoon in 1776
What are some interesting facts about Jerry?
Here are some interesting facts about Jerry Lanning that you may not know:
- He is the son of Roberta Sherwood, a popular singer and actress who was known for her trademark turbans and glasses.
- He married Sherry Mathis, his co-star on Search for Tomorrow, in 1979, after he choked her so hard on the show that she turned blue. They divorced in 1992.
- He fainted on stage in 2013, while playing Eugene O’Neill in the play And Give Us The Shadows. He said his line “I can barely walk” and then said “I’m very sorry; I’m going to faint now.” and fell slowly to the floor.

- He has a website and a Twitter account, where he posts updates on his life and career. He also interacts with his fans and answers their questions.
- He is a supporter of various charities and causes, such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Actors Fund, and The Humane Society.
Jerry Lanning is a living legend who has entertained millions of people with his talent and charisma. He is not dead, as some rumors have claimed, but alive and well and still working on his craft. He is a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry and a role model for aspiring performers. He deserves our appreciation and recognition for his contributions to the art and culture of our society.
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