Divine intervention? He claimed playing Jesus in Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ wrecked his career... but Jim Caviezel is a Person of Interest again
Actor Jim Caviezel claimed his Hollywood career was wrecked by playing Jesus in Mel Gibson's controversial movie, The Passion of the Christ, but he's finally back at the top of his game.
He's been in a lead in CBS drama Person of Interest since it exploded onto our screens last year with the highest rating in the past 15 years for a series pilot.
Since then its had over ten million viewers in weekly ratings.
Before this break, Caviezel said he was ‘rejected in my own industry’ after taking on the lead role in Mel Gibson's controversial movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
Since playing the son of God in the 2004 film he said offers had dried up and he is shunned by many within the industry.
Although a box office hit taking more than $400million worldwide it was condemned as being anti-Semitic.
Gibson, the film's director, was later accused of making anti-Jewish remarks after being arrested for drink driving.
Caviezel said he was warned against taking the part by Gibson who warned him he would never work in Hollywood again.
'He said, "You'll never work in this town again." I told him, "We all have to embrace our crosses".' Caviezel told an audience of churchgoers in Orlando, Florida.
Prior to playing Jesus he was considered one of Hollywood rising stars and appeared in The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘Angel Eyes with Jennifer Lopez.
One of his biggest hits was in 2000 with time-travel thriller Frequency opposite Dennis Quaid.
Caviezel, a devout Roman Catholic, said he knew playing Jesus would be risky.
'Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been,’ Caviezel said. ‘Not much has changed in 2,000 years.’
He said he wasn't worried about the stalling of his career.
During his 20 minute talk, Caviezel spoke of the troubles that have dogged Gibson.
‘Mel Gibson, he's a horrible sinner, isn't he?’ Caviezel said. ‘Mel Gibson doesn't need your judgment, he needs your prayers.’
Caviezel said that his faith is his guide, both personally and professionally.
He said it was no coincidence that ‘in my 33rd year, I was called to play Jesus,’ and joked about his initials also being the same as Jesus Christ.
The actor has also just completed the film Savannah and has two more, Bliss! and The Tomb, in the works.
Caviezel in "Person of Interest"
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