Jonathan Roumie Opens Up About Challenges of Playing Jesus in The Chosen
Jonathan Roumie discusses the emotional challenges of playing Jesus in The Chosen, including touching fan encounters and the weight of expectations. His openness reveals the struggles and joys of portraying such a significant character while staying true to his faith.
In a revealing chat, actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the popular series The Chosen, opened up about the unique challenges that come with embodying such a monumental figure. The 50-year-old actor doesn’t just don the robe for the cameras; he actively immerses himself in faith-based events, connecting with fans all over the world. One particular encounter deeply affected him when a fan showed up with her child in a wheelchair, hoping for a miraculous healing. Roumie recounted, “I said, ‘Yeah, that would be amazing, but I gotta be honest with you, as far as I know, I don’t have that gift.’ I offered to pray with her instead, but that moment really hit home for me.
His heartfelt response wasn’t without its emotional fallout. Roumie admitted that he ended up in tears afterwards, worrying he’d let the mother down. Since stepping into the role of Jesus in 2017, he’s grappled with the juxtaposition between his character and the real-life expectations people place on him. “Psychologically they know I’m not Jesus, but they want me to be the next best thing,” he candidly shared. He continued reflecting, stating, “I’m in this position for a reason. I was cast as Jesus and somebody else wasn’t. God only knows why.” It’s clear that with great roles come great responsibilities—especially when you’re portraying the Son of God.
Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen brings both admiration and challenges. His commitment to the role, intertwined with his genuine faith, has led to unexpected and sometimes difficult encounters with fans. As he continues to navigate these responsibilities, Roumie highlights the emotional complexity of embodying such a revered figure. It’s a balancing act that he approaches with humility and grace.
Original Source: starmagazine.com
