REBROADCAST | The ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ star who chose a different path

About this episode

Stewart Petersen reflects on his life after starring in 'Where the Red Fern Grows' and his decision to leave the film industry.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This episode originally aired on Nov. 16, 2025. Stewart Petersen has no regrets about living out of the spotlight. The 64-year-old Cokeville, Wyoming, man was cast as Billy Coleman in the 1974 film, “Where the Red Fern Grows.” He was only 13 at the time and went on to appear in half a dozen family-friendly films over the next six years. He left the film industry for good at that point. In an interview with Rett Nelson on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” the former child actor says it was never his desire or intention to get into the film business, and it’s only through a family connection that he had the opportunity in the first place. In this episode, Petersen shares how the opportunity came to him and his memories of working on “Red Fern” and other film projects. He also discusses his faith, unique ties to eastern Idaho and what he’s up to now. If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Petersen, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Watch previous episodes of “It’s Worth Mentioning” here . Check out the show on Facebook . If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com. RELATED LINKS…

People in this episode

Host: Rett Nelson

Guest: Stewart Petersen

Topics covered

• child actors
• film industry
• personal choices
• faith
• nostalgia

Keywords

• Stewart Petersen
• Where the Red Fern Grows
• child actor
• film industry
• Cokeville
• eastern Idaho
• nostalgia

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Where the Red Fern Grows

Places: Cokeville, Wyoming, eastern Idaho

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