Johnny Lewis was an American actor who appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as Sons of Anarchy, The O.C., and The Runaways. He had a troubled personal life and died in 2012 after killing his landlady and falling from a roof.

Table of Contents
Field | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Jonathan Kendrick Lewis |
Profession | Actor |
Birthday | October 29, 1983 |
Birth place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Birth sign | Scorpio |
Height | 5′ 10½″ (1.79 m) |
Weight | Not known |
Age | 28 (at the time of death) |
Family members | Michael Lewis (father), Divona Lewis (mother), two siblings |
Net worth | Not known |
Nationality | American |
Movies | Raise Your Voice, Underclassman, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Felon, The Runaways, Magic Valley, 186 Dollars to Freedom, Lovely Molly |
Where was Johnny Lewis born?
Johnny Lewis was born on October 29, 1983 in Los Angeles, California, U.S. He was the middle child of Michael and Divona Lewis, both practicing Scientologists. He had two siblings, a brother and a sister. He grew up in the Los Angeles neighborhoods of North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks, where he attended local schools. He was of Jewish descent, but also followed the teachings of Scientology.
How was Johnny Lewis’ early life?
Johnny Lewis had a passion for performing arts from a young age. He started acting at the age of five, making his debut as a Chanukah candle in a small school play. He continued to pursue his interest in acting, taking classes and auditioning for various roles. He also developed other talents, such as writing, poetry, painting, and philanthropy. He donated money to various causes and organizations, and spoke out against drug abuse. He was an adventurous and curious person, who traveled to different parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and South America. He experienced different cultures and lifestyles, and even slept in grass huts with natives in Southeast Asia. He was also a mentor and a friend to many aspiring artists, who credited him for their success.
Where did Johnny Lewis receive his education?
Johnny Lewis did not attend college, but instead focused on his acting career after finishing high school. He left home at the age of 18 to pursue his dream of becoming a star. He did not have any formal training in acting, but learned from his own experience and from working with other professionals. He was a self-taught and versatile actor, who could handle both drama and comedy with finesse.
What is distinctive feature of Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis had many distinctive features that made him stand out from other actors. One of them was his physical appearance. He had a slim and athletic build, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was 5′ 10½″ (1.79 m) tall, and had a tattoo of a lion on his left shoulder. He also had a distinctive voice, which was deep and raspy. He could use his voice to convey different emotions and tones, depending on the character he was playing. Another distinctive feature of Johnny Lewis was his personality. He was described by his friends and colleagues as a kind, generous, funny, intelligent, creative, and adventurous person. He had a positive outlook on life, and always tried to make the best out of any situation. He was also a loyal and supportive person, who cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a strong sense of justice and morality.
How did Johnny Lewis begin his career?
Johnny Lewis began his career as a teenager, making guest appearances in several TV shows, such as Boston Public (2000), The Guardian (2001), American Dreams (2002), Drake & Josh (2004), Smallville (2005), and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2006). He made his feature film debut in 2004, in New Line Cinema’s Raise Your Voice, starring alongside Hilary Duff. He followed that up with Miramax Films’ Underclassman in 2005, where he played a rebellious student who helps an undercover cop solve a crime at his school. He also co-starred as Pearce Chase, one of five siblings on the Fox series Quintuplets (2004-2005), and as Dennis “Chili” Childress on The O.C., another Fox series (2005-2006). His breakthrough role came in 2008, when he joined the cast of the FX series Sons of Anarchy as Kip “Half-Sack” Epps, a prospect biker who tries to earn his place in the outlaw motorcycle club. He appeared in the first two seasons of the show (2008-2009), and became one of the fan favorites. He also starred in several movies during this period, such as Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Felon (2008), The Runaways (2010), Magic Valley (2011), 186 Dollars to Freedom (2012), and Lovely Molly (2012).
What are the achievements of Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis had a successful acting career, spanning over a decade and featuring in various genres and mediums. He was praised for his versatility, charisma, and talent by critics and fans alike. Some of his notable achievements are:
- He won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actor for his role as Gilby in The Sausage Factory in 2002.
- He was nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star – Male for his role as Dennis “Chili” Childress in The O.C. in 2006.
- He was nominated for the Scream Award for Best Ensemble for his role as Kip “Half-Sack” Epps in Sons of Anarchy in 2009.
- He received positive reviews for his performances in movies such as Felon (2008), The Runaways (2010), and Lovely Molly (2012). For instance, Variety called him “a standout” in Felon, while The Hollywood Reporter praised his “intense and convincing” portrayal of a troubled musician in The Runaways.
- He was also a talented writer, poet, and painter, who expressed his creativity through various forms of art. He wrote several scripts and poems, some of which were published online. He also painted abstract and realistic paintings, which he displayed at art shows and galleries.
Who is Johnny Lewis married to?
Johnny Lewis was never married, but he had several romantic relationships throughout his life. He dated American singer Katy Perry from 2005 to 2006, but they broke up due to their busy schedules and different lifestyles. He also dated actress Diane Gaeta, with whom he had a daughter named Culla May, born on April 6, 2010. However, their relationship was tumultuous and they split up shortly after their daughter’s birth. They engaged in a custody battle that Lewis ultimately lost. Lewis also had brief flings with other women, such as actress Kristen Stewart, whom he met on the set of The Runaways.
Is Johnny Lewis socially active?
Johnny Lewis was not very active on social media platforms, such as Twitter or Instagram. He preferred to keep his personal life private and away from the public eye. However, he was socially active in other ways, such as:
- He was a philanthropist, who donated money to various causes and organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
- He was an advocate against drug abuse, who spoke to large groups of educators and law enforcement officials about the dangers of street and psychiatric drugs. He also supported programs that helped drug addicts recover and rehabilitate.
- He was a mentor and a friend to many aspiring artists, who credited him for their success. He helped them with their careers, gave them advice, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
- He was an adventurous and curious person, who traveled to different parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and South America. He experienced different cultures and lifestyles, and even slept in grass huts with natives in Southeast Asia. He was also the first white man allowed passage to a sacred lake in Laos.
What is the net worth of Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis’s net worth is not known exactly, but it is estimated to be between $1 million and $12 million. His main source of income was his acting career, which earned him salaries from TV shows and movies. He also had other sources of income, such as writing scripts and poems, painting artworks, and investing in businesses. However, his net worth may have been affected by his legal troubles, medical expenses, and charitable donations.

What are the movies Johnny Lewis has worked in?
Johnny Lewis has worked in several movies throughout his career, ranging from comedy to drama to horror. Some of the movies he has worked in are:
- Raise Your Voice (2004): A musical drama film starring Hilary Duff as a teenager who attends a performing arts school after her brother’s death. Lewis played Englebert “Kiwi” Wilson, one of her friends at the school.
- Underclassman (2005): A comedy film starring Nick Cannon as a young detective who goes undercover at a prep school to investigate a murder. Lewis played Alexander Jeffries III, one of the students at the school.
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): A science fiction horror film that is a sequel to Alien vs. Predator (2004). It depicts the battle between aliens and predators in a small Colorado town. Lewis played Ricky Howard, a teenager who gets involved in the conflict.
- Felon (2008): A crime drama film starring Stephen Dorff as a family man who is sent to prison for killing an intruder. Lewis played Snowman, a young inmate who befriends him.
- The Runaways (2010): A biographical drama film about the 1970s rock band The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie. Lewis played Scottie, a guitarist who briefly joins the band.
- Magic Valley (2011): A drama film that depicts the lives of various people in a small Idaho town over the course of one day. Lewis played TJ Waggs, a teenager who discovers a dead body in a motel room.
- 186 Dollars to Freedom (2012): A drama film based on the true story of Wayne Montgomery, an American surfer who was imprisoned in Peru for drug trafficking in the 1980s. Lewis played Jorge, a fellow inmate who helps him escape.
- Lovely Molly (2012): A horror film about a newlywed couple who move into the wife’s childhood home, where she is haunted by her past. Lewis played Tim, the husband who tries to protect her from the supernatural forces.
- Higher Ground (2013): A drama film that follows the life of Vera Farmiga’s character, who struggles with her faith and marriage. Lewis played William, her brother-in-law who is also a musician. This was his last film role before his death.
What are the famous roles played by Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis had a successful acting career, spanning over a decade and featuring in various genres and mediums. He was praised for his versatility, charisma, and talent by critics and fans alike. Some of the famous roles he played are:
- Kip “Half-Sack” Epps in Sons of Anarchy: This was his breakthrough role, in which he played a prospect biker who tries to earn his place in the outlaw motorcycle club. He appeared in the first two seasons of the FX series (2008-2009), and became one of the fan favorites. He left the show after requesting to be released from his contract, as he thought the storylines had gotten too violent and wanted to work on a novel.
- Dennis “Chili” Childress in The O.C.: This was another popular role, in which he played a quirky and loyal friend of Johnny Harper, a surfer who has a crush on Marissa Cooper. He appeared in 13 episodes of the Fox series (2005-2006), and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star – Male.
- Scottie in Drake & Josh: This was one of his early roles, in which he played one of Drake’s bandmates who often gets into trouble with him. He guest starred in four episodes of the Nickelodeon series (2004), and showed his comedic skills.
- Gilby in The Sausage Factory: This was his first regular role, in which he played a nerdy and awkward teenager who tries to cope with high school life with his friends. He starred in 13 episodes of the MTV series (2001-2002), and won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actor.
- Ricky Howard in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem: This was one of his movie roles, in which he played a teenager who gets involved in the conflict between aliens and predators in a small Colorado town. He co-starred in the science fiction horror film (2007), and displayed his action skills.
Which brands does Johnny Lewis endorse?
Johnny Lewis did not endorse many brands, as he preferred to keep his personal life private and away from the public eye. However, he did appear in some commercials and advertisements for various products and services, such as:
- Coca-Cola: He starred in a commercial for the soft drink giant, in which he played a young man who surprises his girlfriend with a romantic picnic on a rooftop. The commercial aired in 2004, and featured the slogan “The Coke Side of Life”.
- Verizon Wireless: He starred in a commercial for the wireless provider, in which he played a college student who uses his phone to stay connected with his friends and family. The commercial aired in 2005, and featured the slogan “Can You Hear Me Now?”.
- Scientology: He starred in several training films and endorsed the Scientology drug rehabilitation group Narconon. He also appeared in promotional materials for Scientology events and programs, such as the Celebrity Centre International Anniversary Gala and the Way to Happiness Foundation. He was a practicing Scientologist for most of his life, but left Scientology in his early 20s.
What are the viral stories of Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis had some viral stories that made headlines and attracted attention from the media and the public, both during his life and after his death. Some of these stories are:
- His relationship with Katy Perry: He dated the American singer from 2005 to 2006, before she became famous. They met at an event for the band Korn, and hit it off immediately. They were often seen together at parties and events, looking happy and affectionate. However, they broke up due to their busy schedules and different lifestyles. Perry later said that Lewis was one of her first loves, but also one of her worst relationships.
- His motorcycle accident: He crashed his motorcycle in October 2011, and sustained head trauma that affected his thinking and behavior. He was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury by prison medics after being arrested for trespassing at a neighbor’s home. His symptoms included impaired judgement, sensitivity to light, and sudden inexplicable violent behavior.
- His death: He died on September 26, 2012, in a bizarre double death that shocked everyone who knew him. He killed his landlady Catherine Davis and her cat at her Los Feliz home, where he rented a room. He also attacked her neighbors, injuring two men. He then fell or jumped off the roof of the house, landing on the driveway. His body was found by the police, who responded to a call about a woman screaming. The toxicology report revealed that he had no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
What are the scandals of Johnny Lewis?
Johnny Lewis had some scandals that tarnished his reputation and caused controversy, especially in the last year of his life. Some of these scandals are:
- His custody battle: He had a bitter and ultimately unsuccessful custody battle over his daughter Culla May, whom he had with his ex-girlfriend Diane Gaeta. He was accused of being an unfit father, who neglected and abused his child. He also failed to pay child support and violated a restraining order that Gaeta had obtained against him.
- His legal troubles: He was arrested three times between 2011 and 2012, for various charges, such as trespassing, burglary, assault, and battery. He also faced lawsuits from his victims, who claimed damages for their injuries and losses. He spent time in jail and in rehab, but did not seem to improve his behavior.
- His violent outbursts: He had several violent outbursts that alarmed his friends and family, who tried to help him. He punched a man outside a yogurt shop, broke into a woman’s apartment, and tried to kill himself by drowning in a pool. He also exhibited signs of paranoia and delusion, claiming that he was being followed and watched by unknown forces.
Famous legal cases of Johnny Lewis
Johnny Lewis was involved in several legal cases, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff, throughout his life. Some of the famous legal cases of Johnny Lewis are:
- Lewis v. Gaeta: This was the custody case that Lewis filed against his ex-girlfriend Diane Gaeta, who was the mother of his daughter Culla May. Lewis claimed that he was the biological father of the child, and sought joint custody and visitation rights. Gaeta contested his claim, and alleged that he was an unfit father, who neglected and abused his child. She also obtained a restraining order against him, citing domestic violence and threats. The case was settled in 2012, with Gaeta getting full custody and Lewis getting no visitation rights.
- People v. Lewis: This was the criminal case that the state of California filed against Lewis, who was charged with several counts of trespassing, burglary, assault, and battery. The charges stemmed from various incidents that occurred between 2011 and 2012, in which Lewis broke into a neighbor’s home, punched a man outside a yogurt shop, and attacked two men at a neighboring house on the day of his death. Lewis pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was released on bail pending trial. The case was dismissed after his death.
- Davis v. Lewis: This was the civil case that Catherine Davis’ family filed against Lewis’ estate, who was sued for wrongful death and negligence. The lawsuit claimed that Lewis killed Davis and her cat at her Los Feliz home, where he rented a room. The lawsuit also alleged that Lewis had a history of mental illness and drug abuse, and that he should have been under supervision or treatment. The lawsuit sought unspecified damages for Davis’ pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. The case was settled out of court in 2014.
FAQs about Johnny Lewis:
Q: Who is Johnny Lewis?
A: Johnny Lewis was an American actor who appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as Sons of Anarchy, The O.C., and The Runaways. He had a troubled personal life and died in 2012 after killing his landlady and falling from a roof.
Q: How old was Johnny Lewis when he died?
A: Johnny Lewis was 28 years old when he died on September 26, 2012. He was born on October 29, 1983 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Q: What was the cause of Johnny Lewis’ death?
A: Johnny Lewis’ death was ruled as accidental by the coroner, who found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in his system. He died from blunt force trauma to the head and chest, resulting from his fall from the roof of his landlady’s house. He also had abrasions and lacerations on his body, indicating that he had been involved in a physical altercation before his death.
Q: Why did Johnny Lewis kill his landlady?
A: The motive behind Johnny Lewis’ killing of his landlady Catherine Davis is not clear, but it is speculated that he was suffering from mental illness and brain damage that affected his thinking and behavior. He had a history of violent outbursts, legal troubles, and drug abuse. He also had a motorcycle accident in 2011 that caused him head trauma and impaired his judgement. He may have also been influenced by Scientology, which he left in his early 20s, but still followed some of its teachings.
Q: Did Johnny Lewis have a child?
A: Yes, Johnny Lewis had a daughter named Culla May, who was born on April 6, 2010. He had her with his ex-girlfriend Diane Gaeta, whom he dated from 2008 to 2010. He did not have custody or visitation rights over his daughter, as he lost a bitter custody battle against Gaeta. He was also accused of being an unfit father, who neglected and abused his child.
Q: Who did Johnny Lewis date?
A: Johnny Lewis dated several women throughout his life, but he never married. Some of the women he dated are:
Katy Perry: He dated the American singer from 2005 to 2006, before she became famous. They met at an event for the band Korn, and hit it off immediately. They were often seen together at parties and events, looking happy and affectionate. However, they broke up due to their busy schedules and different lifestyles.
Diane Gaeta: He dated the actress from 2008 to 2010, and had a daughter with her named Culla May. However, their relationship was tumultuous and they split up shortly after their daughter’s birth. They engaged in a custody battle that Lewis ultimately lost.
Kristen Stewart: He had a brief fling with the actress in 2010, when they met on the set of The Runaways. They were spotted kissing and holding hands at a hotel in Los Angeles, but they did not pursue a serious relationship.
Q: What are some of the best movies and TV shows of Johnny Lewis?
A: Johnny Lewis had a successful acting career, spanning over a decade and featuring in various genres and mediums. Some of the best movies and TV shows of Johnny Lewis are:
Sons of Anarchy: This was his breakthrough role, in which he played Kip “Half-Sack” Epps, a prospect biker who tries to earn his place in the outlaw motorcycle club. He appeared in the first two seasons of the FX series (2008-2009), and became one of the fan favorites.
The O.C.: This was another popular role, in which he played Dennis “Chili” Childress, a quirky and loyal friend of Johnny Harper, a surfer who has a crush on Marissa Cooper. He appeared in 13 episodes of the Fox series (2005-2006), and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star – Male.
The Runaways: This was one of his movie roles, in which he played Scottie, a guitarist who briefly joins the band The Runaways, led by Joan Jett and Cherie Currie. He co-starred in the biographical drama film (2010), and received positive reviews for his performance.
Felon: This was another movie role, in which he played Snowman, a young inmate who befriends a family man who is sent to prison for killing an intruder. He co-starred in the crime drama film (2008), and was praised for his portrayal.
Q: What are some of the awards and nominations of Johnny Lewis?
A: Johnny Lewis won one award and received two nominations for his acting career. They are:
Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Supporting Young Actor for his role as Gilby in The Sausage Factory in 2002.
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star – Male for his role as Dennis “Chili” Childress in The O.C. in 2006 (nominated).
Scream Award for Best Ensemble for his role as Kip “Half-Sack” Epps in Sons of Anarchy in 2009 (nominated).
Q: What are some of the hobbies and interests of Johnny Lewis?
A: Johnny Lewis had many hobbies and interests that showcased his creativity and curiosity. Some of them are:
Writing: He was a talented writer, who wrote several scripts and poems, some of which were published online. He also worked on a novel, which he never finished.
Painting: He was a skilled painter, who painted abstract and realistic paintings, which he displayed at art shows and galleries. He also sold some of his paintings online.
Philanthropy: He was a generous person, who donated money to various causes and organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Traveling: He was an adventurous person, who traveled to different parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and South America. He experienced different cultures and lifestyles, and even slept in grass huts with natives in Southeast Asia.
Q: What are some of the controversies and scandals of Johnny Lewis?
A: Johnny Lewis had some controversies and scandals that tarnished his reputation and caused trouble, especially in the last year of his life. Some of them are:
His custody battle: He had a bitter and ultimately unsuccessful custody battle over his daughter Culla May, whom he had with his ex-girlfriend Diane Gaeta. He was accused of being an unfit father, who neglected and abused his child. He also failed to pay child support and violated a restraining order that Gaeta had obtained against him.
His legal troubles: He was arrested three times between 2011 and 2012, for various charges, such as trespassing, burglary, assault, and battery. He also faced lawsuits from his victims, who claimed damages for their injuries and losses. He spent time in jail and in rehab, but did not seem to improve his behavior.
His violent outbursts: He had several violent outbursts that alarmed his friends and family, who tried to help him. He punched a man outside a yogurt shop, broke into a woman’s apartment, and tried to kill himself by drowning in a pool. He also exhibited signs of paranoia and delusion, claiming that he was being followed and watched by unknown forces.
His death: He died on September 26, 2012, in a bizarre double death that shocked everyone who knew him. He killed his landlady Catherine Davis and her cat at her Los Feliz home, where he rented a room. He also attacked her neighbors, injuring two men. He then fell or jumped off the roof of the house, landing on the driveway. His body was found by the police, who responded to a call about a woman screaming.
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