Jake Hertwig, Academy Award-Winning Actor, Dies at 88

The New York Times

By Samantha Warner

Published September 15th, 2076

Jake Hertwig, star of such films as “Cold Oasis,” “Far From Home,” and “The Song of Life,” died early Wednesday morning from a heart attack in his sleep.  He was 88. 

Mr. Hertwig got his first big break in films playing the character of Emerson in the Coen Brothers’ comedy, “Cold Oasis.”  It was that first role that gave him an Academy Award nomination for “best supporting actor” and soon put him on the Hollywood map. 

Shortly after moving to Hollywood in early 2016, Mr. Hertwig proposed to his girlfriend, Lauri Mills, at the premiere of the romantic comedy “Love You, Babe,” with the help of a homemade movie trailer shot entirely by Hertwig. 

Mr. Hertwig continued to make numerous comedies and soon tested the waters of horror when he received the lead role in Rob Zombie’s “Sawdust in the Blood.”  With Zombie’s reputation for very dark and graphic films, many were concerned that this role would jeopardize Hertwig’s career.  “Rob is always somebody I’ve respected, and I can honestly say that I’m a fan of all of his work,” said Hertwig in a Rolling Stone interview.  “I’m doing this because I like the character and I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to work with a true artist.”  Much to the surprise of critics, this role didn’t slow his momentum. 

He continued to surprise both audiences and critics with his choice of much more dramatic roles.  His hard work soon paid off when he received the Academy Award for “best actor in a leading role” for his role in “Far From Home.” 

Almost immediately after his big win, Mr. Hertwig got connected with the church-based Sherwood Pictures to create “The Song of Life,” which gained very positive responses from critics and even bigger responses from fans.  Hertwig also began to show signs of his musical talent, writing two songs for the film’s soundtrack.

After fans began finding old YouTube videos, there was a popular demand for Hertwig to release a collection of original songs.  “S’all Good” is a collection of songs that ranged from when he was in college all the way to the album’s release in 2027.  It gained positive reviews from fans, which soon increased even more when he went on a nationwide tour.  “With a strong mix of songs and heartfelt stories of his life, Hertwig puts on one heck of an entertaining and meaningful performance,” wrote Judy McIntire in a 2028 Spinner article. 

Between making movies, Mr. Hertwig kept busy with starting and supporting church groups throughout California.  He also strongly supported the music scene, donating money and support to bands throughout the country, including the “Save the Music Foundation,” and directing numerous music videos for such bands as Weezer, Foo Fighters, Angels and Airwaves, and Matthew West.  Mr. Hertwig is also credited as the founder of “Raise Your Hands,” one of the largest Christian rock festivals in California, which continues to take place every summer to this day.

Mr. Hertwig continued to stay on the radar in Hollywood and continued to work hard at everything that was most important to him: faith, family, friends, music and entertaining.  “There was never a day that went by that I wouldn’t feel loved and supported unconditionally, and that greatly increased once we had children," said Hertwig's wife Lauri.  "He set the bar for the definition of ‘family man’."
Ever since he was born July 28^th, 1988, “Jake was an entertainer”, said his mother Joanne.  Born in Winger, Minn. to Dan and Joanne "Sibert" Hertwig, Hertwig attended Win-E-Mac Public School, where he continually to excel in band, choir, and theatre.  He graduated from Bemidji State University with a major in social studies and minors in political science and mass communication.  Straight out of college, he got a job as a radio host for 94X in Duluth.  It was there that he was discovered by talent agent Steve Anderson.  It was then that Hertwig was picked up by the Minnesota-native Coen Brothers. 

Mr. Hertwig is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lauri; two sons, Blake (Miranda Hambert) Daniel (Emma Anzai); two daughters; Ava Taylor (Corey), and Emeline DeLonge (Tom); one sister Megan Wark (Andrew); and eight grandchildren: Rivers, Kyle, Amie, Aaron, Cassadee, Chester, Jennifer, and Cameron.

“Life is all about living," said Hertwig in a Rolling Stone interview.  "Sometimes you feel like you’re on top of the world, and sometimes you feel like the world is on top of you.  But as long as you stay true to yourself and share your life with others, you come to find out that your life is truly a journey worth taking and  can take you places beyond what you’ve ever dreamed of.  The answer to everything is love.  You need to not only love yourself but the world and everything it has to offer.  If you can affect the world inside of you, you can affect the world around you.  If you can affect the world around you, you can affect the world itself,"

"Those are words that most of the world remembers him by," said wife Lauri, "It’s a true illustration of how he lives his life and how he sees the world.”