Author and filmmaker Ken Anderson died Sunday, aged 88. Anderson was the first full-time magazine editor for Youth for Christ at its inception. He began working with Baptista films, a pioneer in the field of Christian film production, in the last 1940s. In 1949, he established his own Christian film ministry, Gospel Films, whose first overseas dramatic production, filmed in Singapore, was Something to Die For. In 1960, with his wife, Doris, he founded Ken Anderson Films.

Anderson may be best remembered for Pilgrim's Progress, produced in 1977, where Liam Neeson is featured in his first screen role, playing the character Evangelist. More than 1,400 copies were sent internationally, and thousands of copies continue to be produced as Pilgrim's Progress is made available in many others languages for ongoing ministry around the world.

Anderson established International Films in the mid-1960s to promote international productions. InterComm was launched in 199l to continue the international vision of Ken Anderson Films.

Anderson's writing career spanned seven decades, and he authored 77 books, including Where to Find It in the Bible (Nelson Reference & Electronic, 1996). More than 4 million copies are in print.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Doris; children Naoma Clark, Margaret Mauzy, Donn, Lane, Max, Ken and Melody Anderson; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18, at Winona Lake Presbyterian Church in Winona Lake, Ind.

• Prev
• Next