Jeff Fenholt

He was involved with a number of rock bands and performed at various school functions. Fenholt got his first regional hit recording titled "Goin' Too Far" with the band The Fifth Order when he was 14. He toured extensively while he was in high school. He moved out of his mother's home when he was 16 with the money he made from touring.

He was involved with a number of rock bands and performed at various school functions. Fenholt got his first regional hit recording titled "Goin' Too Far" with the band The Fifth Order when he was 14. He toured extensively while he was in high school. He moved out of his mother's home when he was 16 with the money he made from touring.

When Fenholt was 17, he and two friends [[Jumped-in|jumped]] another boy for allegedley beating up a friend of theirs. Fenholt, wearing steel-toe boots, kicked the boy in the face. He was arrested the following night for a curfew violation and, in an off-hand comment, the police informed him that the boy was in a coma and would likely die. The boy did recover and when Fenholt ran into him a few months later, he showed no signs of recognizing him. Fenholt was never arrested and believed the boy may have suffered memory loss.

When Fenholt was 17, he and two friends [[Jumped-in|jumped]] another boy for allegedly beating up a friend of theirs. Fenholt, wearing steel-toe boots, kicked the boy in the face. He was arrested the following night for a curfew violation and, in an off-hand comment not knowing Fenholt was responsible, the police informed him that the boy was in a coma and would likely die. The boy did recover and when Fenholt ran into him a few months later, he showed no signs of recognizing him. Fenholt was never arrested and believed the boy may have suffered memory loss.

Fenholt attended [[Ohio State University]] for two years on a music scholarship and took part in the men's glee club. After an arrest during his freshman year of college, he decided that it was not for him and would eventually leave.

Fenholt attended [[Ohio State University]] for two years on a music scholarship and took part in the men's glee club. After an arrest during his freshman year of college, he decided that it was not for him and would eventually leave.

== Career ==

== Career ==

=== 1970-1982: Jesus Christ Superstar and solo music ===

=== 1970-1982: ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' and solo music ===

Fenholt was cast as [[Jesus]] in the original Broadway production of [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]] and [[Tim Rice]]'s ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' (''JCS'') at the [[Mark Hellinger Theatre]]. The rock-opera musical is loosley based on the Gospel accounts of [[Passion of Jesus|the Passion]]. The show opened on October 12, 1971 and received mixed reviews.{{Cite web |last=Winston |first=Kimberly |date=2018-03-29 |title=The ’Splainer: The stormy, surprising history of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' |url=https://religionnews.com/2018/03/29/the-splainer-the-stormy-surprising-history-of-jesus-christ-superstar/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=RNS |language=en-US}} ''JCS'' cast members [[Carl Anderson (singer)|Carl Anderson]] and [[Yvonne Elliman]] toured with Fenholt on the ''JCS'' world tour as [[Judas Iscariot]] and [[Mary Magdalene]], respectively. It ran for 711 shows, closing in 1973, and received five [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] nominations.{{Cite web |last=Lefkowitz |first=Andy |date=11 Sep 2019 |title=Jeff Fenholt, Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies at 68 |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196870/jeff-fenholt-broadways-original-jesus-christ-superstar-dies-at-68/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |date=2021-10-12 |title=‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at 50: What Was the Buzz? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/theater/jesus-christ-superstar-50th-anniversary.html |access-date=2026-04-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} ''JCS'' sold in excess of 12 million albums and was nominated in 1973 for [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] at the [[Grammy Awards]].{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FkUEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Jesus+Christ+Superstar+Original+Broadway+Cast&pg=PT14#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Billboard |date=1973-01-27 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |language=en}}

Fenholt was cast as [[Jesus]] in the original Broadway production of [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]] and [[Tim Rice]]'s ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' (''JCS'') at the [[Mark Hellinger Theatre]]. The rock-opera musical is loosley based on the Gospel accounts of [[Passion of Jesus|the Passion]]. The show opened on October 12, 1971 and received mixed reviews.{{Cite web |last=Winston |first=Kimberly |date=2018-03-29 |title=The ’Splainer: The stormy, surprising history of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' |url=https://religionnews.com/2018/03/29/the-splainer-the-stormy-surprising-history-of-jesus-christ-superstar/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=RNS |language=en-US}} ''JCS'' cast members [[Carl Anderson (singer)|Carl Anderson]] and [[Yvonne Elliman]] toured with Fenholt on the ''JCS'' world tour as [[Judas Iscariot]] and [[Mary Magdalene]], respectively. It ran for 711 shows, closing in 1973, and received five [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] nominations.{{Cite web |last=Lefkowitz |first=Andy |date=11 Sep 2019 |title=Jeff Fenholt, Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies at 68 |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196870/jeff-fenholt-broadways-original-jesus-christ-superstar-dies-at-68/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |date=2021-10-12 |title=‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at 50: What Was the Buzz? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/theater/jesus-christ-superstar-50th-anniversary.html |access-date=2026-04-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} ''JCS'' sold in excess of 12 million albums and was nominated in 1973 for [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] at the [[Grammy Awards]].{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FkUEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Jesus+Christ+Superstar+Original+Broadway+Cast&pg=PT14#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Billboard |date=1973-01-27 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |language=en}}

Despite its musical success, the show received heavy backlash from Christians, who saw the portrayal of Jesus and Mary's relationship as [[Sacrilege|sacrilegious]] and the portrayal of Judas as a heroic figure. In addition, the [[American Jewish Committee]] criticized it, claiming that the show perpetuated sterotypes of "the Jew as Christ killer."{{Cite news |last=Flatley |first=Guy |date=1971-10-31 |title=They rote It—And They're Glad |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/31/archives/they-wrote-it-and-theyre-glad-they-wrote-superstar.html |access-date=2026-04-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Despite its musical success, the show received heavy backlash from Christians, who saw the portrayal of Jesus and Mary's relationship as [[Sacrilege|sacrilegious]] and the portrayal of Judas as a heroic figure. In addition, the [[American Jewish Committee]] criticized it, claiming that the show perpetuated sterotypes of "the Jew as Christ killer."{{Cite news |last=Flatley |first=Guy |date=1971-10-31 |title=They rote It—And They're Glad |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/31/archives/they-wrote-it-and-theyre-glad-they-wrote-superstar.html |access-date=2026-04-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}> Fenholt became heavily addicted to alcohol and drugs following the end of his run on Broadway. Two years into it's run, Fenholt began vomitting blood following a show. He was transported to New York University Hospital and according to Fenholt, he only had two pints of blood in his system. He spent several weeks in hospital and refused to return to the show.>

Fenholt released several solo recordings, including a successful cover of [[Graham Nash]]'s "[[Simple Man (Graham Nash song)|Simple Man]]"{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/445604us|title=Simple Man / Billy Is Dead – Jeff Fenholt|publisher=45cat|access-date=September 13, 2019}}

Fenholt released several solo recordings, including a successful cover of [[Graham Nash]]'s "[[Simple Man (Graham Nash song)|Simple Man]]"{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/445604us|title=Simple Man / Billy Is Dead – Jeff Fenholt|publisher=45cat|access-date=September 13, 2019}}

=== 1987-1997: Conversion to Christianity and evangelism ===

=== 1987-1997: Conversion to Christianity and evangelism ===

According to Fenholt's autobiography, he was heavily addicted to alcohol and drugs following the end of [[Jesus Christ Superstar#Original Broadway production|''Jesus Christ Superstar'''s run on Broadway]]. Fenholt's often-repeated testimony details a visit from Christian construction workers working on his home, who confronted him regarding his portrayal of Christ on stage. Fenholt converted to Christianity, abstained from his addictions, spent the next several years struggling to balance his faith and his career, and then became a high-profile personality on TBN. Fenholt sported long hair, an unusual style in conservative evangelical circles, and he often appeared with his wife, Maureen 'Reeni'. Fenholt built his career as a TBN personality based mostly upon his involvement with ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' and Black Sabbath.

Fenholt's often-repeated testimony details a visit from Christian construction workers working on his home, who confronted him regarding his portrayal of Christ on stage. Fenholt converted to Christianity, abstained from his addictions, spent the next several years struggling to balance his faith and his career, and then became a high-profile personality on [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] (TBN). Fenholt sported long hair, an unusual style in conservative evangelical circles, and he often appeared with his wife, Maureen 'Reeni'. Fenholt built his career as a TBN personality based mostly upon his involvement with ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' and Black Sabbath.

His ministry went global, with tours and concerts in [[Italy]], [[South Africa]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and [[Europe]]. The international trip to [[Moscow|Moscow, Russia]] in the Olympic Stadium took place with approximately 100,000 people in attendance in communist Russia.

His ministry went global, with tours and concerts in [[Italy]], [[South Africa]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and [[Europe]]. The international trip to [[Moscow|Moscow, Russia]] in the Olympic Stadium took place with approximately 100,000 people in attendance in communist Russia.

In 1996, Fenholt was Chairman of Youth for a rally called "Washington for Jesus" which took place at the Nation's Capitol, and is reported as drawing nearly 500,000 people. Fenholt raised over $1.7 million to stage the event, donating over $300,000 of his own funds.

In 1996, Fenholt was Chairman of Youth for a rally called "Washington for Jesus" which took place at the Nation's Capitol, and is reported as drawing nearly 500,000 people. Fenholt raised over $1.7 million to stage the event, donating over $300,000 of his own funds.

His [[Trinity Broadcasting Network]] (TBN) show, ''Highway to Heaven'', was aired around the world and reached millions. Fenholt also had a national and world-wide musical TV program called ''Standing on the Rock'', which aired over 36 satellites covering most of the world. TBN also recorded some of Fenholt's self-composed solo worship albums. His Christian music sold in excess of 3.5 million albums, and his ''Christmas Classics'' album went platinum. In total, Jeff Fenholt received a double-platinum album for ''Jesus Christ Superstar'', plus an additional platinum album and two gold albums in the gospel genre.

His TBN show, ''Highway to Heaven'', was aired around the world and reached millions. Fenholt also had a national and world-wide musical TV program called ''Standing on the Rock'', which aired over 36 satellites covering most of the world. TBN also recorded some of Fenholt's self-composed solo worship albums. His Christian music sold in excess of 3.5 million albums, and his ''Christmas Classics'' album went platinum. In total, Jeff Fenholt received a double-platinum album for ''Jesus Christ Superstar'', plus an additional platinum album and two gold albums in the gospel genre.

=== 1998-2019: Departure from TBN and after ===

=== 1998-2019: Departure from TBN and after ===

==Personal life==

==Personal life==

Fenholt met Maureen 'Reeni' McFadden after he spotted her in the crowd of a show he was playing. They went on a date a few months later. The couple married in 1970 and were married for 28 years. They divorced in 1998. He had six children: Shaye, Tristan, Nissa, William, Amory, and Jeffrey.

Fenholt met Maureen 'Reeni' McFadden after he spotted her in the crowd of a show he was playing. They went on a date a few months later. The couple married in 1970 and were married for 28 years. They divorced in 1998. He had six children: Shaye, Tristan, Nissa, William, Amory, and Jeffrey.

Fenholt admitted to abusing McFadden throughout their marriage. In one instance, he stated that he beat her unconscious and poured water over her to face to see if she awake - she did not. He left her on the floor and went to bed

Fenholt died on September 10, 2019 from an unknown cause in [[Newport Beach, California|Newport Beach]], five days before his 69th birthday.{{cite web | title=Jeff Fenholt, Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies at 68 | url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196870/jeff-fenholt-broadways-original-jesus-christ-superstar-dies-at-68/ }}{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Greg |title=Jeff Fenholt Dies: Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Was 68 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/jeff-fenholt-dies-dead-broadway-jesus-christ-superstar-obituary-1202731868/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 11, 2019 |access-date=13 July 2025 |ref=deadline}} A memorial service was held at The Rock in Anaheim, California, on September 28, 2019. The service was attended by family and friends, members of the original Broadway cast of ''Jesus Christ Superstar'', as well as former bandmates associated with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, and Dio. Pastors and ministers across the country also attended.

Fenholt died on September 10, 2019 from an unknown cause in [[Newport Beach, California|Newport Beach]], five days before his 69th birthday.{{cite web | title=Jeff Fenholt, Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies at 68 | url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196870/jeff-fenholt-broadways-original-jesus-christ-superstar-dies-at-68/ }}{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Greg |title=Jeff Fenholt Dies: Broadway's Original 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Was 68 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/jeff-fenholt-dies-dead-broadway-jesus-christ-superstar-obituary-1202731868/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=September 11, 2019 |access-date=13 July 2025 |ref=deadline}} A memorial service was held at The Rock in Anaheim, California, on September 28, 2019. The service was attended by family and friends, members of the original Broadway cast of ''Jesus Christ Superstar'', as well as former bandmates associated with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, and Dio. Pastors and ministers across the country also attended.

=== Abuse ===

Fenholt admitted to abusing McFadden throughout their marriage, with McFadden often wearing sunglassed inside to hide her bruises. In one instance, he stated that while drunk, he beat her unconscious and poured water over her to face to see if she awake - she did not. He left her on the floor and went to bed. When he awoke the next morning, she had been take to hospital and was intensive care - her kidneys were brusied and she had a high fever. After learing this information, Fenholt took a flight to [[Salvador Dalí|Salvador Dalí's]] castle in [[Barcelona|Barcelona, Spain]] where he stayed for a few weeks. He returned to New York after learing that McFadden had recovered. McFadden filed for seperation and an order of protection, both granted by the judge. Fenholt returned to the home eight months later and once again attempted to abuse her just days later. McFadden would retaliate by praying for him.

According to his autobiography, Fenholt also had beaten the family dog, leading to it's death.

=== Gala Dali ===

=== Gala Dali ===

An article in the December 1998 issue of ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' reviewing Ian Gibson's biography of [[Salvador Dalí]], detailed Fenholt's past as a "boy toy" for Dalí's wife [[Gala Dalí]]. The article by John Richardson was titled "Dalí's Demon Bride" and was unsparing in its criticism of both Gala and her husband. The article was not much more kind to Fenholt than it was to Gala; according to the review, Fenholt became Gala's lover when she was in her eighties, and secured in return "a sizable house on Long Island... and large sums of money.""[https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/1998/12/dalis-demon-bride Dali's Demon Bride]," by John Richardson, ''Vanity Fair'', December 1998. Retrieved 2-3-2022 Fenholt was outraged at the depiction of Gala, and wrote a scathing letter to the editor, stating the authors had no evidence to substantiate their depiction of Gala Dalí.

An article in the December 1998 issue of ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' reviewing Ian Gibson's biography of [[Salvador Dalí]], detailed Fenholt's past as a "boy toy" for Dalí's wife [[Gala Dalí]]. The article by John Richardson was titled "Dalí's Demon Bride" and was unsparing in its criticism of both Gala and her husband. The article was not much more kind to Fenholt than it was to Gala; according to the review, Fenholt became Gala's lover when she was in her eighties, and secured in return "a sizable house on Long Island... and large sums of money.""[https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/1998/12/dalis-demon-bride Dali's Demon Bride]," by John Richardson, ''Vanity Fair'', December 1998. Retrieved 2-3-2022 Fenholt was outraged at the depiction of Gala, and wrote a scathing letter to the editor, stating the authors had no evidence to substantiate their depiction of Gala.

In his 1994 autobiography, Fenholt describes Dalí and Gala as his "closest friends at the time."

=== Legal issues ===

=== Legal issues ===