Hollywood and faith are often mutually exclusive. There are many outspoken celebrities who seem willing to tear down faith and seek to promote alternative lifestyles and disbelief, while few seem to be people of faith.
However, according to Believnet, the following celebrities make up some of the few who have chosen to step away from their fame and commit their life to faith.
Chris Tucker
Best known for his role in the “Friday” and “Rush Hour” franchises, accomplished actor and comedian Chris Tucker found immense career success from the mid ‘90s to 2000s. While working on the film “Money Talks,” Tucker changed the focus of his life when he became a born-again Christian. Since that time, he has stopped appearing in roles similar to the ones he previously took, feeling they were too vulgar for his newfound faith. Being a comedian, he has even shifted his stand-up routines, removing vulgarity and profanity. Though he hasn’t completely stopped acting, Tucker has dialed back his involvement in Hollywood after finding faith.
Angus T. Jones
Though his name might not be instantly recognizable, Angus T. Jones was an accomplished actor, starring as the son in the hit show “Two and a Half Men” for years. He stepped away from his role on the show, saying that the show was “filth” during a YouTube clip. He then proceeded to join the work of World Harvest Outreach Church in Houston. Today, he wants to use his fame to share the light of Christ, because he knows that’s where true healing resides.
Kirk Cameron
The beloved “Growing Pains” actor has likely experienced the greatest transformation on this list after finding faith. For years, Cameron was a professed atheist before becoming a Christian at the age of 17. He was still acting in the popular sitcom at the time, and lobbied to have his script changed whenever his lines contradicted his faith. Once the show ended, Cameron decided to move away from mainstream Hollywood altogether. He has worked closely with Christian companies to produce and act in various movies promoting morals, family values and the Christian faith.
“The Hollywood lifestyle was just overwhelming,” Cameron said about his decision to follow Christ. “A party here, an interview there, magazine and modeling shoots daily, your face everywhere and girls throwing themselves at you. As great as it felt at the time, I still felt something missing, and that I needed to change.”
Montell Jordan
Best known for singing the ‘90s anthem “This is How We do It,” Montell Jordan decided to tranistion his music career after feeling the Lord move him to do so. Jordan became a dedicated member and Worship Minister at the Atlanta area Victory World Church. Though he did move away from mainstream Hollywood, Jordan hasn’t stopped singing, as he recently released “Shake Heaven” — a gospel album.
Michelle Williams
As a key member of the ultra popular “Destiny’s Child,” Michelle Williams had everything a singer could want. Fame, notoriety, the admiration of others within her industry, Williams had it all. However, once the mega group split, Williams opted to take her career in a different direction. Instead of recording her own pop album as a solo artist, she decided to go back to her roots and release her own gospel album.
“I am to speak the word of God through my music and I even have opportunities, say in theater, or other things that I do individually…to just be a light,” Williams said.
The celebrities listed above are just a few individuals who have stepped away from their traditional careers and focused more on their faith. They should be admired for their willingness to step away from riches and fame to pursue their true calling from God.
~ 1776 Christian
