Kevin Corcoran: A Beloved Disney Star And Hollywood Figure

Gene Cole 26 Jul 2025

Many of us remember the heartwarming stories from our childhood, particularly those brought to life by certain young actors. One such memorable performer, a talent who truly captured hearts, was Kevin Corcoran. His presence on screen, especially in classic Disney productions, made a lasting impression on generations of viewers, and that is very much a part of his story. He became a familiar face, a friendly young person many grew up watching, and his work still resonates with fans today, you know.

Kevin Corcoran carved out a special place in the entertainment world, first as a cherished child actor and later by making significant contributions behind the scenes. His career showed a remarkable journey, transitioning from being a beloved on-screen personality to a respected professional in film and television production. It's almost as if he had two distinct careers, both very impactful.

From playing the youngest son in a tear-jerking classic to helping shape popular television dramas, Corcoran’s path was full of interesting turns. His story offers a look at a life dedicated to storytelling, in front of and behind the camera, and it’s a story worth exploring, in some respects.

Biography: A Life in Film
Personal Details and Bio Data
A Look at Kevin Corcoran's Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Remembering a Hollywood Figure

Biography: A Life in Film

Kevin Corcoran’s career in entertainment began at a very young age, and it’s quite interesting how his early experiences shaped his entire professional life. He was, by all accounts, a natural in front of the camera, and this quickly led him to become a prominent figure in many family-friendly productions. His work, especially with Disney, truly defined his early years, and that is a key part of his story.

Early Life and Disney Stardom

Born into a large family, Kevin Corcoran was one of eight children, and interestingly enough, many of his siblings also found their way into acting. This early exposure to the entertainment world certainly set the stage for his own remarkable path. He appeared in numerous Disney projects between 1957 and 1963, a relatively short but incredibly impactful period for his on-screen presence, you know.

His most famous role, arguably, was playing Arliss in the 1957 Disney classic, "Old Yeller." This film, a truly beloved story, saw him portray the youngest son, a character who connected deeply with audiences. His performance in that movie remains a highlight of his acting career, and it’s still talked about by fans today, as a matter of fact.

Beyond "Old Yeller," Kevin Corcoran also took on the role of Moochie on "The Mickey Mouse Club," a very popular show for children at the time. He also played Moochie in the "Spin and Marty" serials that were part of the club's programming. These roles made him a familiar and cherished face to countless young viewers, pretty much cementing his status as a child star.

He continued to appear in other Disney films, including "Swiss Family Robinson," where he again played a memorable part. His work during this era established him as a significant child actor for Walt Disney, known for his energetic and often mischievous characters. His performances were, in a way, a staple of family entertainment during that time.

Transition Behind the Camera

As Kevin Corcoran grew older, his career took a fascinating turn. He transitioned from being an actor in front of the camera to working behind it, a common but still impressive shift for many child stars. This change allowed him to contribute to the creation of films and television shows in a different capacity, which is something many people might not realize about his career, you know.

He later became a successful assistant director and producer, applying his early experiences in a new way. This shift showed his versatility and his deep interest in the entire process of making entertainment. He worked in various capacities on numerous films and television shows, showing a broad range of skills and a dedication to his craft, as a matter of fact.

Among his notable work behind the scenes, Corcoran contributed to popular television series like "The Shield" and "Sons of Anarchy." These shows represent a very different style of storytelling compared to his early Disney work, highlighting his adaptability and willingness to work on diverse projects. He also worked on "Pete's," further showing his varied experience, it's almost.

His move to production roles demonstrated a long-term commitment to Hollywood, proving he was more than just a child actor. He played a vital part in bringing stories to life, ensuring that productions ran smoothly and that the creative vision was realized. This second phase of his career was, in its own way, just as significant as his first.

Disney Legend Status

In recognition of his significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company, Kevin Corcoran received a very special honor. In 2006, he was honored as a Disney Legend. This status is given to individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the Disney legacy, and it's a highly respected acknowledgment within the company, you know.

This honor celebrated his numerous appearances in Disney projects during the late 1950s and early 1960s, which helped define an era of Disney filmmaking. It acknowledged his roles that brought joy to countless families and cemented his place in Disney history. It was, in some respects, a full-circle moment for his career.

Being named a Disney Legend is a testament to the enduring impact of his work as a child actor. It signifies that his performances were not just popular at the time but continued to be cherished and remembered for decades. This recognition truly solidified his place as a beloved figure in the Disney family, pretty much forever.

Later Years and Legacy

Kevin Corcoran passed away in Burbank, California, on October 6, 2015. His passing marked the end of a career that spanned decades, touching both the front and back of the camera. The news was met with sadness by those who remembered his youthful performances and respected his later work in production, and that is very much how it felt.

His legacy is truly multifaceted. He is remembered fondly as the irrepressible Moochie and the earnest Arliss, characters that brought a certain charm to classic Disney stories. These roles continue to be discovered by new generations of viewers, showing the timeless appeal of his early work, you know.

Beyond his acting, his contributions as a producer and assistant director on shows like "The Shield" and "Sons of Anarchy" showcase a different side of his talent. This part of his career, while less visible to the general public, was just as important in shaping the entertainment landscape. He had a hand in many different kinds of stories, as a matter of fact.

Kevin Corcoran's life showed a deep connection to Hollywood, from his earliest days as a child star to his later years working behind the scenes. His story is a reminder of the many ways individuals contribute to the magic of film and television, leaving a mark that lasts long after the cameras stop rolling. He was, in a way, a true Hollywood insider.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Kevin Anthony Corcoran
Known For	Child actor in Disney films, later producer/assistant director
Notable Acting Roles	Arliss in "Old Yeller" (1957), Moochie on "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "Spin and Marty" serials, "Swiss Family Robinson"
Disney Legend Status	Honored in 2006
Notable Production Work	"The Shield," "Sons of Anarchy," "Pete's"
Date of Birth	June 10, 1949
Date of Passing	October 6, 2015
Place of Passing	Burbank, California
Family	One of eight children, many of whom were also actors

A Look at Kevin Corcoran's Impact

Kevin Corcoran's impact on popular culture, particularly for those who grew up in the mid-20th century, is truly remarkable. His on-screen presence brought a youthful energy to stories that became classics, and that is a pretty big deal for a young actor. He was, for many, the face of childhood adventure and innocence in films.

His role as Arliss in "Old Yeller", for example, is a performance that still evokes strong feelings in viewers. The bond he portrayed with the loyal dog, and the emotional journey his character went through, made a deep impression. This kind of role showed his ability to handle serious themes, even at a young age, and that is very much a part of his appeal.

The "Spin and Marty" serials, where he played Moochie, also showed a different side of his acting. These were lighter, more adventurous stories that captured the spirit of boyhood. He was a very engaging character in these, bringing a certain liveliness to the screen that was, in a way, quite infectious. His work here helped shape the childhood experiences of many viewers, you know.

His contributions weren't just limited to the big screen, either. Being a part of "The Mickey Mouse Club" meant he was a regular fixture in many homes, reaching a wide audience week after week. This regular exposure helped build a strong connection with his fans, making him feel like a familiar friend to many children, pretty much.

Later, his work behind the camera, while not as publicly celebrated as his acting, was equally important. To transition from a child star to a respected professional in production shows a deep understanding of the industry. He helped bring complex stories to life, working on shows that captivated adult audiences, showing his range, as a matter of fact.

The Disney Legend honor he received in 2006 really underscores the enduring nature of his legacy. It’s a recognition that his work continues to inspire and entertain, long after he stepped away from acting. It’s a sign that his contributions are still valued and remembered, which is, in some respects, the highest compliment.

His story also offers a glimpse into the lives of child actors, showing how some successfully make the leap to adult careers within the industry. It’s not always an easy path, but Kevin Corcoran navigated it with grace and success, both in front of and behind the camera. His life in Hollywood was, in a way, a full and meaningful one.

To learn more about his life and career, you could look at various film databases and archives. For instance, you might find more details on his specific filmography and television credits by visiting a reputable film history site, such as IMDb. This kind of resource can offer a deeper look into his extensive work, you know.

Learn more about classic Hollywood figures on our site, and link to this page for more on Disney Legends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Kevin Corcoran's most famous role?

Kevin Corcoran is most widely known for his role as Arliss in the 1957 Disney classic, "Old Yeller." He played the youngest son in that very popular and emotional film, and that is what many people remember him for. His portrayal truly stood out in that particular movie, you know.

Did Kevin Corcoran work behind the scenes in Hollywood?

Yes, after his career as a child actor, Kevin Corcoran successfully transitioned to working behind the camera. He became a successful assistant director and producer, contributing to various films and television shows. He worked on popular series like "The Shield" and "Sons of Anarchy," among others, which is quite a change from his early acting, as a matter of fact.

When was Kevin Corcoran honored as a Disney Legend?

Kevin Corcoran was honored as a Disney Legend in 2006. This recognition was given for his significant contributions to numerous Disney projects between 1957 and 1963, a period where he appeared in many beloved films and television shows for the company. It was a very special moment for him, you know.

Remembering a Hollywood Figure

Kevin Corcoran’s journey through Hollywood, from a bright-eyed child actor to a respected production professional, truly shows the diverse paths one can take in the entertainment world. His early roles brought joy and a sense of wonder to many, becoming an integral part of countless childhood memories. He was, in a way, a very familiar face for a whole generation of viewers.

His ability to adapt and contribute to the industry in different capacities speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. Whether it was bringing Arliss to life or helping to craft the gritty narratives of modern television, Corcoran left a distinct mark. His career showed a genuine passion for storytelling, both in front of and behind the lens, and that is something to appreciate, you know.

The Disney Legend honor stands as a lasting symbol of his impact, a testament to the enduring power of his performances. It means his work will continue to be recognized and celebrated for years to come, securing his place in the annals of entertainment history. His story, in some respects, is a classic Hollywood tale of talent and persistence.

As we look back at his life, it’s clear that Kevin Corcoran was more than just a child star; he was a consistent and valued presence in Hollywood for decades. His legacy continues to touch those who cherish classic films and those who appreciate the hard work that goes into creating memorable television. He really was a significant figure, pretty much.

What Happened To Kevin Youkilis? (Complete Story)

Kevin

Boston Red Sox: Remembering the career of Kevin Youkilis

Where Style Meets Soul