Stewart Petersen Today: Where Is The 'Where The Red Fern Grows' Star Now?

Stewart Petersen, the beloved child actor who captured hearts as Billy Coleman in the iconic 1974 film Where the Red Fern Grows, has chosen a life far removed from the glitz of Hollywood. As of late 2025, the former teen idol is not only thriving but is living out a real-life Western adventure, echoing the rugged charm of his most famous character. Petersen, now in his mid-sixties, has traded movie sets for mountain trails, finding profound satisfaction and peace in the remote, natural beauty of his native Wyoming. His story is a rare Hollywood tale of a young star who walked away from fame to pursue a life of deep personal fulfillment.

The curiosity surrounding "Stewart Petersen today" is a testament to the enduring legacy of his family-friendly movies. Fans who grew up with his films are often surprised to learn that he is now a successful entrepreneur, dedicated conservationist, and family man, deeply rooted in the same mountain culture that made his on-screen performances so authentic. He has no regrets about leaving his acting career behind, preferring the tranquility and hard work of the American West.

Stewart Petersen: The Complete Biography and Filmography

Stewart Petersen was one of the most recognizable faces in wholesome, family-oriented cinema during the mid-to-late 1970s. His career, though brief, left an indelible mark on a generation of viewers, particularly those who cherished the adaptation of Wilson Rawls's classic novel.

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• Full Name: Stewart Landon Petersen
• Born: April 16, 1960
• Birthplace: Cokeville, Wyoming, USA
• Age (as of 2025): 65
• Spouse: Chemene Goodwin
• Faith: Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormon)
• Career Span: 1972 – 1981 (Acting)
• Current Occupation: Co-owner of Crooked Sky Outfitters
• Notable Community Role: Former Lincoln County Trustee At-Large, Candidate for Lincoln Conservation District Rural Supervisor (2024)

Key Filmography: A Brief but Impactful Career

Petersen's on-screen presence was defined by his genuine, down-to-earth persona, which was a perfect fit for the Western and family drama genres. His choice of roles was often influenced by his Mormon faith, leading him to star exclusively in films deemed appropriate for all ages.

• Where the Red Fern Grows (1974): His most famous role as Billy Coleman, the young boy obsessed with owning a pair of coonhounds. The film, directed by Norman Tokar, also starred James Whitmore, Beverly Garland, and Jack Ging.
• Seven Alone (1975): Petersen starred as one of the Sager children in this historical drama about a family traveling the Oregon Trail.
• Against a Crooked Sky (1975): A Western adventure where he played a young boy searching for his kidnapped sister.
• The First Vision (1976): A film focused on the early history of the LDS Church.

From Hollywood Hills to Wyoming Mountains: The Great Career Shift

The transition from a promising Hollywood career to a quiet life in rural Wyoming was a deliberate choice for Stewart Petersen. Unlike many child stars who struggle with the pressures of fame, Petersen found the Hollywood lifestyle unappealing and ultimately unsatisfying. He grew up in Cokeville, Wyoming, and the lure of the natural world proved stronger than the spotlight.

In a recent interview, Petersen, who is now 64, reflected on his decision, stating that he has "no regrets" about living out of the spotlight. He preferred the authentic, rugged environment of the mountains to the superficiality of the film industry. This decision allowed him to maintain his personal values and focus on his family and faith, which he openly discusses as central to his life.

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His acting career essentially concluded after he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a common path for young men in the faith. Upon his return, he chose to invest his life in the community and landscape he loved, a decision that has defined the last few decades of his life.

Stewart Petersen Today: Co-Owner of Crooked Sky Outfitters

The most current and fascinating chapter of Stewart Petersen's life is his role as a successful entrepreneur in the outdoor industry. Today, he is the co-owner of Crooked Sky Outfitters, a company that perfectly aligns with the spirit of adventure he once portrayed on screen.

Crooked Sky Outfitters is not just a business; it’s a lifestyle, offering clients a genuine taste of the Wyoming wilderness. The company provides a variety of services centered around the majestic Bridger-Teton National Forest and its surroundings.

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Services Provided by Crooked Sky Outfitters:

• Guided Summer Pack Trips: Multi-day excursions deep into the backcountry, often involving horseback riding and camping.
• Fishing Excursions: Guided trips to prime fishing spots in the area, catering to both novice and experienced anglers.
• Big Game Hunts: Organized and guided hunts for large game, a challenging pursuit that requires deep knowledge of the terrain and wildlife.

This work requires a profound connection to the land and a set of skills that mirror the self-sufficiency of his character, Billy Coleman. Petersen's daily life now involves managing logistics, guiding clients through rugged terrain, and ensuring the safety and conservation of the natural resources around Cokeville. He and his wife, Chemene Goodwin, are deeply involved in this venture, making it a true family business.

A Dedicated Community Leader and Conservationist

Beyond his outfitting business, Stewart Landon Petersen remains an active and dedicated member of his local community, using his influence to support the environment and local governance. This commitment further underscores his preference for a life of tangible service over fleeting celebrity.

Petersen's community involvement is a significant part of "Stewart Petersen today." He has served as a Lincoln County Trustee At-Large and, more recently, was listed as a candidate for the Lincoln Conservation District Rural Supervisor in 2024. This role highlights his commitment to the responsible stewardship of the land, a critical mission in a region dependent on its natural resources. His work on the Conservation District involves local decision-making on land use, water quality, and wildlife management, directly impacting the beautiful environment he calls home.

The former actor's life is a powerful example of how a person can successfully pivot from one world to another. He found fame in Hollywood but found his true calling in the Wyoming mountains. The story of Stewart Petersen is not one of a star who faded away, but of a man who deliberately chose a richer, more meaningful life, proving that the most rewarding adventures often happen far away from the camera's lens.