From Music to Messiah

Jonathan Roumie's journey to playing Jesus in 'The Chosen' was far from straightforward. Growing up in New York City, music was his first love. As a child, he was always part of a band - jazz, orchestras, you name it. He even recorded an album and performed live in NYC venues. But as he grew older, the realities of making a living from music began to sink in. He decided to pivot, studying film and eventually moving into production work. Acting was always a side hustle, but it slowly started to take center stage. Roumie made the bold move to Los Angeles, where he spent eight years chasing his dreams, often with little to show for it. By 2018, his finances were in shambles. He was barely scraping by, and doubts were creeping in. It was a tough time, but Roumie made a conscious decision to let go and trust that there was a bigger plan at work.

He surrendered to a higher power, and that moment of surrender changed everything. Shortly after, he received a surprise windfall - four unexpected checks that added up to $1,100. For Roumie, it was a sign that he was on the right path. Fast forward three months, and he landed the role of a lifetime - Jesus in 'The Chosen'. The series started small, with funding for just four episodes. But no one could have predicted its meteoric rise. Today, it's a global phenomenon, viewed by hundreds of millions in over 125 languages. Roumie feels the weight of responsibility acutely. Portraying Jesus is no easy task, especially when fans start to see him as more than just an actor. He wants to help, to heal, but he knows his limits. So he offers what he can - a hug, a prayer, and a listening ear.

Actions