The relationship between the Hollywood landscape and any Christian actors’ place in it is fickle. It seems their faith in Jesus only comes up when it serves them, and usually, that’s during an acceptance speech or a nationally syndicated interview. Then, when they do, things go sideways.
Either Hollywood recoils its pointed tail and strikes back or Christians hold their words in skepticism or judgment. Hollywood Christians are like most other Christians. Their faith shows itself when it’s safe or the largest audience is around. The passive-aggressive partnership Hollywood has with Jesus is interesting because if the establishment is not trying to burn Christianity in effigy, it is using it for brownie points. You know? Talking about “God” and going to church twice a year.
The limelight of the Hollywood hills shines upon people of faith from time to time, but usually on those with a limited platform. When you think about the big-time actors who can demand a $10 million paycheck or attract throngs of paparazzi, not many of them are vocal about their faith or visibly celebrating it. Who are they, and how can we pray for more of them to get a blessing in mainstream films and still be faithful to Jesus?
This enigmatic reality begs the question, “Will the real Christian actors please stand up–and speak up?”
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HM. Non “A-Listers”
There are numerous vocal and visible Christians in Hollywood, but either their platform is modest, or their star doesn’t shine as bright as those stalked by TMZ. That’s not to say they’re unimportant to Kingdom reach and earthly righteousness. These individuals use their faith to have the largest impact on their careers. Thank God for these Christian actors who put the Lord first and make sure everyone knows it, such as:
- Kirk Cameron (and his sister, Candace Cameron Bure)
- Kevin Sorbo
- Dennis Quaid
- Neal McDonough
- Chuck Norris
- Stephen Baldwin
- Patricia Heaton
- Lucas Black
- Kathie Lee Gifford
- Dean Cain
- Zachary Levi
And now, on with the show…
10. Jim Caviezel
What Biblist about Christian actors would be complete without “Jesus Christ?” Before Caviezel’s appearance as the Messiah, he was largely known as a character actor in “The Thin Red Line,” “Wyatt Earp,” and he was even in “The Wonder Years” as Bobby Riddle. Following his role as Edmond in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Mel Gibson found him and made him…”Him.” A few years later, CBS cast Caviezel as the lead in “Person of Interest,” which was on for five seasons. Then, his faith took center stage in Christian-focused films, including the overwhelming hit “Sound of Freedom” in 2023.
Of course, we’re all waiting for his “return” in the long-awaited sequel focused on the Resurrection. (See what I did there?)
9. David Oyelowo
And who better to follow “Jesus Christ” than “Martin Luther King, Jr.?” David Oyelowo is a dazzling actor, known for his star role in “Selma” and as Dr. Junju in “The Last King of Scotland.” When doing press junkets for “Captive” and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” on Paramount, the British actor spoke of his salvation at age 16. Also, the 46-year-old Shakespearian-trained thespian has said, “As a Christian, I don’t really do films that don’t have some kind of message to them.” That’s three decades of lifting up Jesus’ Name and working on reflecting Him in film. Nice.
8. Viola Davis
Few leading women in Hollywood carry as much credibility as Viola Davis. She is a force of nature on stage, TV, and film, recognized as one of only 18 EGOTs in history (that’s winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Behind all the gold she has earned and the praise she has been bestowed, she is among the Christian actors who don’t rest on giving God the glory in her career. She even prayed God would bring her a Jesus-loving man one night in 2003, and three weeks later, her future husband invited Davis to church. Won’t He do it?
7. Matthew McConaughey
While most of his professions of faith, Matthew McConaughey is not bashful about what he believes. Most recently, he spoke to RELEVANT about his faith in God. Most famously, when he won the Oscar for “Dallas Buyers Club,” he began his acceptance speech this way. “Now, first off, I want to thank God, because that’s who I look up to. He’s graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand.”
6. Angela Bassett
The timeless talent of TV and film has been surrounded a world of fame and faith all her life. Her great-grandfather was a pastor. Her grandmother took her to Bible Study classes. Her mother got Bassett involved in the church choir. And she celebrates the Lord with her husband, Courtney B. Vance whenever she can (who attend church at the same place as the number one person on this list of Christian actors).
5. Mark Wahlberg
Although he was Marky Mark in a former life and his brother was the seed for Boy Bands, Mark Wahlberg has a fantastic career that he has credited to his faith in Jesus Christ. A devout Catholic who attends mass each week with his wife and four children, Wahlberg refuses to kowtow to Hollywood haters about religion. Although religion isn’t popular in Tinseltown, he has said, “I can’t deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin.”
4. Tyler Perry
If you have seen one his stage productions or “Madea” films, you know Tyler Perry is a man proud of his relationship with Jesus Christ and doesn’t care who knows it in Hollywood or anywhere else. Interviewed in Beliefnet, Perry said, “I am a Christian. I am a believer, and I know had I not been a person of faith, I couldn’t be here in this place. I wouldn’t be walking the path I’m on now.”
3. Steve Harvey
The stand-up comedian, radio host and TV sensation is a man of many talents, but the one he works on the most is his ability to share the goodness of God with others. His website is full of inspirational messages and personal notes talking to his fans about the love of God and his faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, any stroll on YouTube will take you to ministry moments he’s shared (like here, here, and here).
2. Chris Pratt
From “Jurassic World” to being one of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Chris Pratt is seemingly everywhere. He is also asked frequently about his faith and how he defends it in Hollywood. “That’s the way it is–nothing new,” he said to People. “Two thousand years ago, they hated Jesus too.” Then, he continued to solidify his allegiance to Christ. “If I was of this world, they would love me just like that, but as it is, I’ve chosen out of this world.”
1. Denzel Washington
Before he was the Oscar-winning actor and legitimate superstar of film, he was an active member of Bishop Charles Blake’s Church, West Angeles Church of God in Christ. He never shies away from speaking about his sincere faith in God or how he arrived where he is in Hollywood. One of his boldest statements was shared with MovieGuide:
“Through my work I have spoken to millions of people,” he said. “In 2015, I said I’m no longer just going to speak through my work. I’m going to make a conscious effort to get up and speak about what God has done for me.”
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