Jonathan Roumie, acclaimed for his role as Jesus in the popular series “The Chosen,” was overcome with emotion as he reflected on the unexpected success of the show. In an exclusive interview, Roumie shared with PEOPLE the disbelief he experienced as the series, initially a passion project, evolved into a cultural phenomenon with a staggering 280 million viewers. The 50-year-old actor revealed that when he first joined the historical drama five seasons ago, no one anticipated the tremendous impact the show would have. Roumie reminisced, “When I initially did four episodes of this crowdfunded show that nobody thought would go anywhere, it was an opportunity just to put this story out there.”
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As “The Chosen” gained momentum, Roumie embraced the chance to delve deeper into his portrayal of Jesus, a character he deeply admires and who has profoundly influenced his own life. The actor expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to spend more time embodying a character that inspires him to strive for personal growth daily. Roumie’s connection to playing Jesus goes back to his childhood, where he fondly recalls staging passion plays and reenacting scenes from the Jesus of Nazareth miniseries. His journey with “The Chosen” has been transformative, leading Roumie to a closer relationship with Jesus and a profound understanding of his character’s teachings.
Roumie shared touching anecdotes about the impact of his portrayal of Jesus on viewers. He recounted a moving encounter with someone whose faith was reignited by watching the show, leading to significant personal growth and overcoming anxiety. Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus has resonated deeply with audiences, fostering reflection and spiritual connection for many viewers. As the series approaches its fifth season, coinciding with Holy Week and Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice, Roumie described the experience as “deep and emotional” for him.
With the upcoming release of “The Chosen: Last Supper,” Roumie faced the reality that this chapter of his journey portraying Jesus would soon come to an end. The actor became visibly emotional as he acknowledged the inevitable conclusion of this phase, reflecting on the profound impact the role has had on his life and the impending sense of loss. Despite the upcoming conclusion of the series, Roumie sees this as a pivotal moment, a final opportunity to honour the character of Jesus and the impact of the show.
“The Chosen: Last Supper” will be unveiled in three parts, offering audiences a poignant portrayal of the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. For Roumie, this marks a significant milestone in his portrayal of Jesus, showcasing the emotional depth and spiritual resonance of the character. As the series progresses towards its conclusion, Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus continues to inspire and uplift viewers, solidifying the show’s enduring legacy and cultural impact.