5 Celebrities Who Brought Jesus to Hollywood

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Over the past five years, Hollywood has truly embraced faith-filled films into a more high profile category. Before then many films were somewhat of a gamble as to whether or not they would be successful if their main focus was primarily on Jesus Christ and the great things that he does. Of course it has taken a great deal of dedication from actors, actresses, directors, producers and film crews to come together to make this movement come into fruition – and not just happen, but successfully happen.

Thanks to the many hours of dedication that are put forth towards writing scripts, filming actors, researching history, developing and producing sets, and directing the project Jesus is showcased within Hollywood. Of course you’ve heard of the talented Mark Burnett and his wife Roma Downey. Their production of The Bible and A.D have changed the industry and made the story of Jesus Christ a main stream event. Years before their project development, Mel Gibson captivated many viewers with The Passion of the Christ. The Passion brought in a ground breaking $612 million dollars in just box office sales.

Moreover, bringing Jesus to Hollywood doesn’t mean simply staring in a film about Jesus Christ – it means talking about his presence and life on high profiled platforms. Whether it be during an interview or on a professional web page, many great celebrities have brought Jesus to a more mainstream lens. What great people are behind the movement to bring Jesus to Hollywood?

Devon Franklin

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Devon Franklin is the author of the New York best-selling book Produced by Faith. He is also the producer of the film Miracles from Heaven starring Jennifer Garner and managed production for the film Heaven Is for Real which is another popular faith film. Heaven Is for Real was produced on a modest budget of $12 million and grossed more than $100 million worldwide at the box office.

In addition to author and producer, Franklin is also a preacher and motivational speaker. He serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment which is a new first-look production company with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Before he was the Senior Vice President of Production at Columbia Pictures and a studio executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Oprah has referred to Franklin as, “A bonafied dynamo…a different kind of spiritual teacher for our times.” Franklin’s faith is very near and dear to his heart. Every time he takes on a major project or position, he makes it a priority to spread the love he has for Jesus Christ within it all.

Chuck Norris

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Throughout his career, Chuck Norris has been very outspoken about being a Christian. Norris has written several Christian themed books – one of the most notable ones being The Justice Riders. He has also appeared in a handful of TV commercials that promote the Bible and prayer within public schools. Norris is a highly respected actor, martial artist, producer and screenwriter. His willingness to stand on the podium and discuss his Christian faith speaks volumes to many and has inspired others to be candid about their own love for Jesus Christ.

Norris is not afraid to discuss his beliefs on mainstream television shows and speak out about how the world needs to stop being so scared of showcasing and supporting their faith. Norris has used his star status within Hollywood interviews and openly discussed his support for prayer to be incorporated within schools. He believes that implementing Jesus into the lives of our youth will help to preserve our faith and allow our children to spread the appreciation and love for Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior.

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron made his biggest landmark in Hollywood with his role as Mike Seaver on the ABC sitcom Growing Pains which was on air from 1985 to 1992. Cameron was a child actor that made several television and film appearances in the 80s and 90s. As Cameron entered his adult acting years, he began to make films that resonated with his Christian faith. He is not afraid to take a hard supporting stance as an Evangelical Christian in real life and on the big screen.

Cameron wasn’t always a hard core Christian, in fact in his early teen years he resonated as an atheist. However, as he entered into his late teens he became a born again Christian. Instead of succumbing to Hollywood’s sleazy and stereotypical standards, Cameron spoke up and made sure that his acting was appropriate and didn’t incorporate any inappropriate lines within his scripts. The media has constantly criticized Cameron for his strong sense of faith and outspoken nature; however he has never shied away from standing up for Jesus Christ.

Kevin and Sam Sorbo

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Kevin and Sam Sorbo are one of Hollywood’s power couples. Kevin starred in the 2014 hit ‘God’s Not Dead,’ and the film was surprisingly very successful. He played an atheist college professor who mocks a student’s Christian faith, but then ends up going through a conversion himself. Both Kevin and Sam have openly discussed their faith and love for Jesus Christ on and off the screen. The couple teamed up to make the film ‘Let There Be Light’ which is set to be released by Christmas 2017. Sam wrote the script and served as the producer. Kevin plays the main role in the film. His character plays a famous atheist author who has a near death experience. The movie is set in New York and Connecticut, but most of the scenes for those locations were actually shot in Birmingham. The Sorbos know, based on their views and the success of the film God’s Not Dead, that families want their films to be faith filled.

Tyler Perry

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Tyler Perry is very successful at just about everything he does – acting, producing, directing, and writing. While Perry is known for creating and performing the character Madea, there is no doubt that he has used his star status to talk about his faith and Jesus. Perry’s film I Can Do Bad All by myself was a family focused film that struck a chord with many audience because it was filled with love and faith. The movie took the number one spot when it debuted and sold 23 million in ticket sales for the first week. Perry incorporated big names like Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson and Grammy winners Mary J. Blige and Gladys Knight. For the most part all of Perry’s films are focus on faith and love because God represents God. He is not afraid to tell the world that he is a follower of Jesus Christ and with that wants to share his love for Jesus with everyone.

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As long as celebrities and notable figures continue to share their love for Jesus openly, the world will continue to embrace Jesus’ position in Hollywood. It’s important that we, the audience, continue to support the efforts to bring Jesus to the big screen and openly discuss on major platforms his sacrifice. Instead of shying away from talking about the Christian faith, we must open our arms and embrace this entertainment.

It’s great that actors, producers, writers and directors are so supportive of faith filled entertainment. As long as they continue to be brave and put their faith on the mainstream platforms we will continue to see great works featuring Jesus and the values that he would want to instill into our day-to-day lives. Remember if we don’t go and see the faith filled movies that we are passionate about, then the industry will not know that we truly love seeing Jesus in Hollywood.

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