Beliefnet
2017-08-04

Here’s our top list of born again Christian celebrities who found God in remarkable ways.

While being exposed to a number of religions growing up, including Catholicism, Mormonism and the Church of the Nazarene, Tom Hanks was born again in high school and firmly believes in God. Though it’s unclear which denomination he belongs to, he has said in a number of interviews that he is a church-going Christian.

The “Growing Pains” actor was born again at age 17, and at the height of his career left mainstream Hollywood behind to dedicate his life to God and now focuses much of his energy on Christian projects.

With little exposure to the church growing up, Academy Award winning actress Jane Fonda didn’t know Christ, and considered herself an atheist. It wasn’t until her friends in her home-state of Georgia, who found comfort and inspiration in their church community, exposed her to Christ’s love that she started seeing things differently. At the end of her marriage with media mogul, Ted Turner she became a Christian. Today, she is very open about her faith.

After having a near death experience in a fight in 1977, retired professional boxer, two-time heavy weight champion and entrepreneur George Foreman was born again. Not long after that life-changing experience, he became an ordained Christian minister.

Mr. T, an iconic figure known popularly for pitying fools, was the son of a minister but it wasn’t until 1977 that he became born-again. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, he gave away all his gold, a signature of his look expressing that it would be a sin before God for him to continue wearing it after seeing people lose their lives, land and property. You go, Mr. T.

For many years Martial artist, actor and cult-action star Chuck Norris was known mostly for his tough image but today, is a born again Christian who is very proud of his faith. He has written several Christian books and believes that Bible studies should be incorporated into public schools.

After Tucker’s role in the movie “Money Talks,” the comedian and “Friday” actor wanted to become a Christian and grow closer in his relationship with God. The comedian in recent years has let go of foul language, with his stand-up tours being free of profanity.

While growing up Pentecostal, the “U Can’t Touch This” rapper strayed away from his faith, especially during the height of his career and success. After losing $30 million and going bankrupt, he rededicated his life to Christ and today is a pastor, who has devoted much of his time to prison and youth ministries.

American actor Mickey Rooney who passed in 2014, had a celebrated career that spanned nearly nine decades, eventually turned to religion after struggling with drug and gambling addiction. God helped him deal with his battles with addictions and bankruptcy, eventually bringing him to a place of happiness.

Don’t let the look fool you. The Godfather of Shock Rock, known for his eccentricity, let go of his rock-star lifestyle in an effort to get closer to God. Today, he considers himself a Christian and trusts God’s Word entirely.

Actor Stephen Baldwin, one of the four well-known Baldwin brothers, became a born-again Christian after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is very vocal about his faith. After giving his life to Christ, he was involved with three ministries.

Candace Cameron Bure found her faith in her ‘20s after her brother “Growing Pains” actor Kirk Cameron gave her Ray Comfort’s book, “The Way of the Master” and her life was changed forever. The “Full House” actress has said in a number of interviews that her Christian faith defines who she is and plays a major role in the decisions she makes career-wise. While her faith has had both positive and negative effects on her career in Hollywood, she is committed to playing in family-friendly roles.

The “Facts of Life” and “Living Single” actress is a strong believer in Christ and recognized as one of the most outspoken born again Christians in Hollywood. With a back and forth relationship with Hollywood, she today focuses her efforts on raising a family and speaking at Christian conferences for women.

Recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest artists of all time, Soul sensation Al Green (also recognized as Reverend Al Green) was born again while on touring in 1973, but it wasn’t until a traumatic incident that his life took a major turn. After being attacked in 1974 by the woman he was with, with a pan of boiling hot grits, he suffered from major third-degree burns and in his recovery, devoted himself to his faith. While still participating in some secular music, gospel and inspirational music and religious vocation has been a major area of focus.

British actor David Oyelowo who portrayed Dr. King in the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic, Selma said that he knows the voice of God, and that voice called him to play King’s role. At age 16, he gave his life to Christ, a decision that largely influences his career and life choices today.


Recommended For You
Beliefnet Columnists
the bliss blog

Look For the Good Moments

I am an optimist by nature, thinking I am hardwired that...

safe place

Forgiveness is Unfair!

I recently published a book on forgiveness. Not that I am...