Christian Celebrities

In an interview with Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson discussed Jesus, forgiveness, and mercy. The award-winning actor and filmmaker also talked about his views on the afterlife and why he is a person of faith with the popular podcast host.

Human beings are flawed, imperfect and fallen creatures. The Bible, in Romans, makes our fallen, sinful nature completely clear when it says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We’re all sinners and in need of forgiveness, grace and mercy.

However, it’s because of those flaws, stumbles and imperfections that Mel is a believer and a person of faith. In a clip posted on YouTube, he tells Joe that when confronting his problems and imperfections, he came to the point where he understood he was unable to change himself.

“And I mean, I don’t think it’s any secret that I am flawed in the fact that I am by nature born an alcoholic, right?” he said. “I did drugs, I did alcohol and there was nothing that could stop me from doing that. Nothing. So, I was really kind of on, you’re on a downhill run. So, I regard the fact that I was able to appeal to something greater than myself to help me and actually stop me from doing that. I think that’s a miracle.”

Later in the clip, Mel mentions what he regards as the best thing about being a Christian and a person of faith: human beings do not have to continue living in sin.

“And the beauty of believing is that, even for your transgressions, you can be forgiven, and you can be redeemed,” he said.

Before the clip ends, Mel adds that Jesus Christ came to Earth and showed everyone how to obtain forgiveness and eternal life.

“I believe that God sent His Son down to tell us, ‘OK, I’m going to ransom you people from your fallen nature, and I’ll give you a roadmap on how to do it,’” he said.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is not possible to be well-pleasing to him, for it is necessary for anyone who comes to God to have the belief that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who make a serious search for him.”

Anthony Hopkins is marking nearly 50 years sober by offering advice and sharing hope with those who may be struggling with a similar problem. The award-winning actor recognized the important milestone in his life by informing other people who have issues with alcohol that they are not alone and help is available. Watch the short video to hear Anthony’s important message.

People are not perfect—far from it. We all have issues and problems and have made our fair share of mistakes. We’re all sinners, and everyone has fallen well short of the glory of God, as the Bible states. Luckily, one – Jesus Christ - offers forgiveness, grace and mercy. He even has the power to break addictions.

In a clip posted on Facebook, Anthony, a recovering alcoholic, has now been sober for 49 years. He says that while drinking, he realized he was in “big, big trouble” because “he couldn’t remember anything, and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull.” He knew he needed help.

He says that he proceeded to reach out to a group made up of people like him, individuals who have problems with alcohol. Now, in the nearly 50 years since he’s been sober, Anthony says that he’s had “more fun these 49 years than ever.”

He then proceeds to talk to people who may be having trouble with alcohol, telling them that there is help available and letting them know they are not alone.

Later in the clip, he reflects on his life and career.

“Anyway, I got sober, and sounds a dull word,” he said. “But I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me. They still give me jobs. I’m going to be 87 in two day's time. So, I’m celebrating my long life, my unexpectedly long life.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble.’ Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me.”

TODAY host Savannah Guthrie discussed God’s unending, amazing love and her faith journey. She shared some powerful thoughts and insights about God, His love, being a parent and the importance of faith in her life. Watch the video to hear what Savannah says about these topics and others.

Talking to people about God and faith isn’t always easy. While Christians are called to witness and share Christ’s message of love and hope with others, it’s much easier said than done. When considering bringing up faith or God in a conversation, there is an ever-present fear that you will be rejected, dismissed or even mocked.

Now, discuss faith and God in front of a television camera and millions of people watching at home, and there is a lot more room for ridicule and mockery. However, those fears have not kept Savannah from discussing God and her faith. In a clip posted on YouTube, the mother of two discussed those subjects, sharing some insightful thoughts and comments.

A big part of being Christian involves having faith and trust in Him even when we may not understand why this or that happened. However, everyone experiences doubts or has questions at some point. Savannah has some straightforward but powerful advice for those experiencing doubt or questions.

“But I don’t think it is a mistake, and I don’t think it is a lack of faith to grapple with those doubts,” she said. “The number one thing I say is, ‘Bring those doubts to God. Bring your whole self to God. He’s not afraid of our questions.’”

Later in the clip, Savannah mentions that she has gone through difficult periods that have caused her to question and even blame God. But it was in those trials and heartaches that her faith and trust in God grew. She adds that while circumstances on Earth may cause us to become angry with Him, our thoughts and feelings toward God will never impact or change His love for us.

“And what I learned is it doesn’t matter how much we think of God,” she said. “It does not matter what we think of God. It doesn’t change how He thinks of us. It does not matter. It does not change how He treats us.”

God’s love is unending, knowing no bounds or limits.

“His love has nothing to do with our thoughts of Him,” she added. “It has nothing to do with our actions – good or bad. It has nothing to do with who we are. It has everything to do with who He is.”

Before the clip ends, Savannah stated that when she became a mother, she started to realize and understand God’s love for her.

“Because it’s the closest, I think, we’ll ever come to understanding how God relates to us,” she said. “Because a mother or father’s love for their child is unconditional. Again, it doesn’t matter how they act. On their worst day, your love is not any different for your daughter.”

1 John 4:16 “And we have seen and had faith in the love which God has for us. God is love, and everyone who has love is in God, and God is in him.”

Brandon Lake has shared an uplifting and encouraging message for anyone hurting and struggling. His powerful words are meant for those who are going through a difficult time and feel like the entire world is against them. Watch the short clip to hear Brandon’s moving words.

Life is a truly wonderful gift from the good Lord above. However, that does not mean our time on Earth will be nothing but rainbows and roses. In fact, it can often be the very opposite. Of course, anyone who has been alive for any period of time knows this all too well.

Christ never promised us an easy experience or that we’d never encounter hardship or difficulties. Jesus Christ was perfect, and He was tortured and crucified. How could we ever believe or think for one second that life would be easy when Christ did nothing wrong and He was put to death?

In a short clip posted on social media, the popular Christian musician, while speaking directly to the camera, mentioned how he knows some people are going through less-than-ideal, miserable circumstances.

“So many of you guys are going through hell,” he said. “You’re going through the hardest season of your lives. I’m speaking to you.”

After acknowledging that some people are undoubtedly dealing with troubling, heartbreaking, and painful situations, Brandon offers some heartfelt advice and encouragement.

“If you’re going through a really hard time, just remind you, honestly, as much as you don’t feel it, like, God is with you,” Brandon said. “He’s for you. He has the best plans for your lives.”

Later in the video, Brandon offers even more hope and encouragement to the hurting and brokenhearted. He summarizes one of the most popular verses in all of the Bible: Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Patricia Heaton shared how God used her career struggles to change and adjust her priorities in life. The Everybody Loves Raymond actress discussed her early acting career and how the Lord used her struggles and failings to redirect her concerns and goals. Watch the video to hear how Patricia’s early struggles as an actress led to a massive change in her life.

Hollywood is not a place typically friendly to people of faith. However, Patricia Heaton has never shied away from talking about God and sharing her faith. In multiple interviews and posts on social media, The Middle actress talks about God and how her faith influences her life and career choices.

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Patricia talked about her early struggles as an actress. In the clip on social media, she mentions that she was in New York City for nearly a decade, and nothing worked out for her. It even got to the point, she reveals, that she became mad at God.

“And I was so angry at God,” she said. “And I was like, ‘You put this in me, and you’ve shut every door. What is going on?’”

Later in the clip, she mentions that something came up that led her to Los Angeles. In California, she made a significant discovery about herself that would ultimately change her life.

“I got an opportunity to go to LA,” she said. “I had this huge sense of peace that I had never had before. And I realized that I had been making the acting career the center of my life. And you know there’s only one thing that can be the center of your life, and that’s your faith.”

At that point, Patricia understood the reason and purpose for her early career struggles.

“I wasn’t doing that, and I think God was withholding everything until He was the center of my life and not the career.”

As Patricia wisely adds in the clip, careers come and go; they do not last. She also mentions that “you have to know that the purpose of your life is glorifying God with your life, not glorifying yourself.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

In an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Henry Winkler reminisced about his iconic role in the beloved television series Happy Days. In the interview, Henry talked about his long and storied career, including his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the popular 1970s sitcom. Watch the video to hear what Henry had to say about playing the Fonz.

Hollywood is a very fickle place. Tastes and preferences are constantly changing. That means what is popular now may not and probably will not be five minutes from now. Because tastes change so rapidly, actors and actresses can often have trouble securing steady work. That’s why pursuing a career in the entertainment industry is such a crapshoot.

Despite the entertainment industry's unpredictability, Henry has enjoyed a long and successful career, appearing in films and on television for decades. But his most famous role, which he’s most closely associated with, is the Fonz. His character was the definition of cool, but as Henry hilariously explains, that didn’t always translate to him.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Henry says that he wasn’t great with Fonzie’s motorcycle, only riding it once, which ended in disaster.

“There was a moment when they had me on Soundstage 5 at Paramount,” he said. “I was on the bike, and all I had to do was rev it and move it five feet. I revved it and was so dyslexic I had no idea where the brake was, where the gear was, and I shot forward.”

He adds he “put the bike down and we slid under the truck on the soundstage,” causing people to come running to see what had transpired. He hilariously adds that people were more concerned about the bike because it was a rental and then proceeded to check on him.

“I never rode it again,” he said.

Another interesting fact Henry mentions about Fonzie’s bike is that it was the same one used by Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape.”

Later in the interview, it was stated that Henry and his wife had been married for 45 years. He shared what he believes is the secret to a long, happy marriage.

Job 8:21 “The time will come when your mouth will be full of laughing, and cries of joy will come from your lips.”

Actress Alexa PenaVega, in an interview, discussed her faith and navigating grief, pain and loss. Additionally, she talked about motherhood and how that influences and impacts the roles she selects. Watch the clip to hear Alexa’s heartbreaking and inspiring journey as she and her husband have dealt with the painful loss of a child.

Unfortunately, there will be times of great pain and sadness in life. It does not matter how much fame or money one has; those devastating and gut-wrenching circumstances have a way of finding us at one time or another. It’s impossible to go through life without experiencing immense heartache and sorrow.

However, there is still hope even during the heartache, pain and sadness. Jesus Christ offers comfort and healing to those who have been hurt. He also provides rest for those who are weary and tired. He is the calm amid the storm and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Alexa and her husband, Carlos, experienced a stillbirth. The “Spy Kids” star said it was an unexpected loss because there was a heartbeat two minutes before their daughter was born. It was a devastating and heartbreaking loss. But even during the pain and the hurt, Alexa said there was an unexplainable peace.

“There was a lot of pain, but it was pain with purpose,” she said. “And for people who haven’t had to walk through something heavy like this, it’s, it’s really hard to understand. Like, how can you find joy after that? How can you experience this crazy peace? It was supernatural peace right away. Like, it was painful. Like, we would just, we would cry, and we hurt and we grieved.”

She added that going through that experience caused her to hold and hug her other children a little tighter. Alexa knows precisely where her late daughter is at this very moment.

“But I still feel so connected to Indy,” she said. “I know she’s up in heaven. I know she’s dancing with Jesus and having the best time ever. And you know, while I wish she was here, I always tell people, like, ‘That girl changed the world without even taking a breath.’ And I’m like, ‘That’s powerful.’”

Earlier in the clip, Alexa said that being a mother and a Christian has impacted her project decisions.

“Not that I wouldn’t be this way anyway,” she said. “Ever since I found my faith, just the roles I was taking in general were just, I was just way more aware of the content I was putting out.”

She said she does not want the movies and television shows she appears in to contradict what she is teaching and telling her children. 

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Russell Brand marked 22 years of sobriety by declaring, “God is Real.” The actor, author and podcast host celebrated more than two decades of sobriety by recognizing God's help getting and staying clean. Check out the video to hear Russell’s powerful and inspiring words about the important milestone in his life and sobriety.

The world is a lost and fallen place filled with hurting and struggling people. As the Bible says, all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. We’re all sinners who have willingly turned our backs on Him. None of us deserves or will ever deserve the love, forgiveness and mercy that He so freely offers all.

He has the ability and power to forgive and cleanse even the most wretched, lost sinner of them all. He can mend hearts, lives and relationships. He even has the power to break addictions that have consumed and taken control of someone’s life for years.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Russell celebrates being sober for more than 20 years. He mentions that one of the most important things he’s learned in that time has been the importance of his spiritual life.

“What the great gift of recovery is is the ability to know and practice that the spiritual life has to come first, and the most important thing in your life is the way that you serve other people,” he said.

Near the end of the clip, Russell offers those who are struggling and who might be amid an addiction some advice.

“If you’re struggling, there’s a way out of that struggle,” he said. “God is real. And the things in your life that feel like punishments are lessons and opportunities to move closer to God. And the closer to God you get, the more beautiful life can be.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.”

Denzel Washington has found his purpose in God and will continue to thank Him daily. The Academy Award-winning actor understands that his role and purpose on Earth is not to act but to be an instrument of God. Watch the short clip to hear Denzel’s powerful words about God and his desire and need to praise and thank Him.

Hollywood is not known for being friendly or welcoming to those of faith and people who believe in and trust God. Many of the movies and television programs produced by Hollywood mock and ridicule people of faith, often making them the butt of jokes. Sadly, this seems to be a growing trend in popular media.

With such an obviously hostile environment toward people of faith, many Christians working in Hollywood are likely to remain quiet about their beliefs. However, one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Denzel Washington, has spoken out about God and religion on multiple occasions. 

A clip posted on YouTube shows the “Training Day” actor saying that he understands that acting and being on the big screen is not his purpose. He knows that God has a much bigger role for him.

“I wasn’t put on this earth to act,” Denzel said. “I was put on this earth to share and to be an example of the power and wisdom and grace and mercy of God in my life.”

Later in the clip, Denzel adds that he is grateful for every single day the Lord gives him. He understands that every day is a gift because we are not promised tomorrow.

“And I appreciate every day that I wake up,” he said. “And I will give thanks to the Lord every day for the rest of my days.”

Hebrews 13:15 “Let us then make offerings of praise to God at all times through him, that is to say, the fruit of lips giving witness to his name.”

Actress, author and podcast host Candace Cameron Bure’s husband helped change her approach to lending money. She said her husband’s stance on lending money to others changed her life. Check out the short video to hear exactly what her husband, Val, told her that dramatically changed her outlook on lending money.

Money can be a tricky and sensitive topic. Whenever the subject of money comes up in conversation, it can cause people to become tense and feel ill at ease. That is especially true when someone asks a friend or family member if they could lend them money. That request can strain relationships considerably and possibly even destroy them.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Candace mentions a time when a friend of hers and her husband asked if they would mind lending him some money. Candace admits that she was uneasy at first and did not necessarily want to lend this person money.

“And I was the person who went, ‘Yeah, we could give it to him, but I don’t think he’s going to pay us back,’” she said. “He says he’s going to pay us back. I don’t think he’s going to pay us back.”

Candace says that she and her husband prayed over the matter. Then, according to Candace, her husband made a statement that changed her entire life.

“And then my husband was like, ‘I don’t want it back, and if we ever give anything to anyone, even if they ask us for it, I want to give with no expectation,’” she recalled. “’ We’re never going to lend money to anyone; if we decide, we’re going to give money to someone.’” And that, that’s changed my life. It’s a very different thing to give without expectation.”

Luke 6:38 “Give and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete with, it shall be measured to you again.”

Actress, author and podcast host Candace Cameron Bure made a powerful request to help her husband see God and His love. She mentions how she approached the Lord and asked Him to help her show her husband God. Check out the clip to hear how Candace dealt with this situation.

Marriage is, at times, challenging. It’s a relationship involving two flawed people who have agreed and committed to remaining with one another through thick and thin. No matter what life throws at them, they have vowed to stick it out together in front of God, family and friends.

However, despite commitment, that marriage relationship will still be difficult to maneuver and navigate at times. For instance, issues will arise if one person is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and the other is not or refuses to hear anything about God and His love. Candace admits that she was in that situation with her husband at one point in their marriage.

“I was so enthusiastic to tell Val (her husband) about God,” she said. “He was, like, ‘Don’t talk to me about Him. It’s making me take two steps back.’”

In a clip posted on YouTube, Candace describes how she navigated that situation. She adds what verse in the Bible she used to help her.

“There had to be a verse in the Bible, and I found the verse,” Candace said. “1 Peter 3:1 “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husband so that even if they do not obey the Word, they without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wife.’”

Later in the clip, Candace said she prayed to God, asking Him for help and guidance.

“Then, I started praying, ‘God, mold me into the woman that you’ve called me to be to show Val who you are by how I treat him, how I care for him as a wife.’ I prayed those every day, but I was focusing on ‘Lord, mold me and change me into the woman you want me to be so I can show him who you are through my actions.’”

1 Peter 3:1 “Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of their wives;”