A career in Hollywood is not for the faint of heart. Acting is based on pretending to be someone you are not. Climbing inside a character and inhabiting their thoughts, deeds and life to the point of temporarily losing oneself. When playing pretend is your job the difficulty lies in separating who you are on screen from who you truly are in your soul. Luckily there is one place to go to discover that truth. The actors listed below have managed to make it in a town that undoes so many because they seem to know the way back to themselves will always be through Him.
Read on for more insight into the Hollywood actors I most admire
7. Aaron Paul
He has been described as the “nicest guy in Hollywood” and frequently goes out of his way for his fans. Raised as the son of a minister, he has stated that he has read the bible “cover to cover” several times. Though he has expressed doubt in regards to religion in the past, here’s hoping his upcoming portrayal of Joshua in Ridley Scott’s, “Exodus” will bring a return to his roots.
Admirable Quote: “I’ve grown so much, not just as an actor, but as a human being.”
6. Chris Tucker
He shot to fame as a foul mouthed, trash talker in the hit Friday films, but turned down the opportunity to reprise his role when the sure to be a hit sequel was being filmed. The reported reasoning behind his decision? Tucker became a Christian and no longer felt comfortable with the subject material. While critics expressed doubts as to whether he could maintain his career as a comic following his conversion, he recently returned to the limelight with a stellar performance in the Academy Award nominated film, Silver Linings Playbook. Somehow I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.
Admirable Quote: “My Mama raised me not to let anything (referring to alcohol or drugs) take control over me.”
5. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
The People’s champion recently became Tinsletown’s most bankable actor. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has consistently surprised people with the trajectory of his career. From much hyped college football player, to beloved WWE wrestling Champion, to a box office heavyweight, Johnson has attributed his success to his solid work ethic, the support of his family, and his Rock solid faith.
Admirable Quote: “I had to put my faith in God and continue to work hard.”
4. Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron has put a face on Christians in Hollywood. Despite facing controversy and backlash for his beliefs, Cameron has remained a strong advocate for biblical truth in Hollywood and beyond. Kirk and his wife Chelsea are frequent speakers on the topic of marriage and are the founders of Camp Firefly, a camp for terminally ill children and their families.
Admirable Quote: “Put your nose into your Bible everyday. It is your spiritual food. And then share it. Make a vow not to be a lukewarm Christian.”
3. Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry’s story is proof of what God can do with the smallest seed of faith. Perry’s childhood was filled with horrifying abuse and poverty yet he rose to become one of the most prominent forces in entertainment. Tyler gives all the glory for his success to Christ,
Admirable Quote: “It doesn't matter if a million people tell you what you can't do, or if ten million tell you no. If you get one yes from God that's all you need.”
2. Mark Wahlberg
He’s a Hollywood tough guy and a family man (Wahlberg and wife Rhea have four kids together), but the single most important thing in Mark Wahlberg’s life is his faith. In a 2013 interview with Parade magazine Walberg explains that his belief in God is the single most significant aspect of his life:
Admirable Quote: “It’s the most important part of my life. I don’t try to push it on anybody and I don’t try to hide it.”
1. Jim Caviezel
It stands to argue that no actor has done more with the portrayal of Jesus than Caviezel did with the role in The Passion of The Christ. Perhaps it was because he truly believed in the Man, and the God, behind the movie. Though Caviezel has been quoted as saying that Hollywood turned his its back on him following the film’s release, he continues to work steadily in both television and film and has built a remarkable career-all without sacrificing the values attached to his faith.
Admirable Quote: “The point I'm trying to make is that you go to church on Sunday. But the real Christ is out there in your life every day, whether it be the guy you help on the street, how you live your life, and your countenance that makes people want to be you.”
Final Thoughts
We are a culture that is constantly searching for heroes. So often we assign traits to famous people that are far more befitting to the characters they play. The actors listed above, however, have chosen to be the type of men in real life that anyone would want to see save the day on screen. I’m sure most of them would say that it was from coming to know the one true Hero that they themselves were able to become the type of men that anyone could admire.
