The Daily - 'The Interview': Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense.
Jonathan Rumi, known for his portrayal of Jesus in 'The Chosen,' explores the unique challenges and opportunities of playing such a significant religious figure. He emphasizes the importance of portraying Jesus as relatable and human, which has contributed to the show's success. Rumi's personal faith as a devout Catholic informs his performance, providing authenticity and depth to the character. He discusses the unexpected path his career took, attributing his success to surrendering control to a higher power. Rumi also addresses the public's perception of him as a faith leader, the psychological impact of his role, and the balance between his personal beliefs and public persona. He highlights the show's appeal to both religious and non-religious audiences, noting its success in reaching a broad demographic. Rumi reflects on the secularization of Christmas and the challenges of discussing faith in Hollywood, advocating for a more open dialogue about spirituality in media.
Key Points:
- Rumi's portrayal of Jesus focuses on humanity and relatability, contributing to the show's success.
- His personal faith as a Catholic adds authenticity to his role, enhancing his performance.
- Rumi attributes his career breakthrough to surrendering control to a higher power.
- 'The Chosen' appeals to both religious and non-religious audiences, broadening its impact.
- Rumi advocates for open discussions about faith in media, challenging Hollywood's hesitance.