JONATHAN ROUMIE ON PLAYING JESUS IN 'THE CHOSEN': MY LIFE WAS COMPLETELY CHANGED

AMERICAN ACTOR Jonathan Roumie has shared how his life got "completely changed" after being cast as Jesus in the most popular faith-based series, "The Chosen"

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

He recently flew here to attend a fan meeting and led the special screening of the Christmas special, "Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night," at SM Megamall Cinema 4 on Friday.

Set for official release via SM Cinemas nationwide starting Dec. 11, the retelling of the birth of Jesus—as seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph—weaves together the stories of "The Messengers" and "The Shepherd" into an all-new, remastered feature in time for the holiday season, according to a media release.

Apart from his close encounter with Filipino fans, Roumie also met, early in the day, with the local press, including The STAR, for a series of one-on-ones. Yours truly had the chance to also witness first-hand the 50-year-old actor's calming and charismatic onscreen presence, which has been credited by viewers to have helped bring to life a "relatable and approachable" Jesus in "The Chosen."

Interestingly, this writer learned during the interview that when Roumie first landed the part, he was supposed to film four episodes only. But the role has since expanded along with the show's successful four-season run (going on five seasons by April 2025), making him a global sensation.

He has met Pope Francis twice, been named one of Catholic media network Aleteia.org's "10 Catholics who restored our faith in humanity" in 2021, is one of the high-profile narrators on the "No. 1 Catholic meditation, prayer and sleep app" alongside Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg, and has received this year an honorary doctorate at the Catholic University of America for his work that "advocates for Catholic faith and teachings."