When the new film “Ordinary Angels” open this week, audiences will experience the inspiring true story of the extra-ordinary Sharon Stevens Evans, portrayed by two-time Academy-Award-winner Hilary Swank.
Stepping into the shoes of the hairdresser-turned advocate who launched a campaign to a family struggling through impossible challenges was a “blessing,” Swank said.
“I feel like it’s people like Sharon that really remind us of what’s important in life,” she said. “It’s people who are larger than life —and sometimes not larger than life—to get out there and get it done. She’s imperfect. She has her flaws, which reminds us that no one has to be perfect to help one another and that we all deserve a second chance.”
Swank said Sharon’s story reminded her that good deeds don’t always have to be big and flashy but everyday small acts of kindness and service can help make the world a better place.
“This is a reminder of how beautiful life can be when you really look around,” she said. “It can be a small gesture every single day, a few times a day. And I think that that’s something that we all need reminding of, we’re in this very, very strange time. It’s nice to see good happening—wherever it is—and to see it and acknowledge it and give gratitude for it, too.”
The actress was so affected by the character that she admitted she wished she could have Sharon in her life every day; “I guess she is because she is in my heart.” She also expressed hope for more inspirational true stories.
“I wish there were more movies like ‘Ordinary Angels,” she said. “That was one of the things when I read this script—I just thought, ‘Wow, this is so nice to read because there’s just not material like this out there anymore.’ And I am so happy to be a part of it.”
“Ordinary Angels,” directed by Jon Gunn and starring Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, and Tamala Jones, releases February 23, 2024, in theaters from Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate.
Watch below for an interview with Hillary Swank, Alan Ritchson and DeWayne Hamby.
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