ICN interview: Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen

Jo Siedlecka with Jonathan Roumie

What did Jesus look like? He probably wasn't the pale, blue-eyed young man we see on so many holy pictures. I've always imagined the closest image is the icon from St Catherine's Monastery in Egypt. But much more important than His physical appearance must have been how He made people feel. Actor Jonathan Roumie certainly looks the part - but its his performance in the television series The Chosen that really conveys the humanity and warmth of Our Lord.

This groundbreaking show, covering the whole of Jesus' ministry - with the back stories of several of its memorable characters and the effect Jesus has on their lives - is an absolute phenomenon. The first series, released free online during the first covid lockdown attracted huge numbers. The second series has so far been seen by more than 250 million viewers around the world. Another six series are planned.

The award-winning actor was in London recently - and he really is as approachable in person as he appears on screen - very simpatico - unpretentious and thoughtful.

Roumie has a very International background, which I'm sure has been a good preparation for this role. Born and raised in New York, to an Irish Catholic mother (originally from Fermanagh) and an Egyptian Coptic Orthodox father, the family all became Catholic when he was a child. At the March for the Martyrs, last year in Washington DC which campaigns for persecuted Christians around the world, Roumie gave an improvised speech in which he mentioned them, saying: " We have a whole history of immigrants who came to this country in search of religious freedom… My own father left Egypt in the 60s because of religious persecution. I'm first generation American. My mother is also an immigrant…. The fact that we can be here together praising Jesus' name deserves a round of applause. God called you here to celebrate with us, to march with us. We need to band together as Christians, not fight amongst ourselves interdenominationally even within our various churches. We need to just be here, representing God, following Christ, following Jesus, the Holy Spirit and celebrate his name."

An ecumenical theme is very evident in The Chosen. Series creator Dallas Jenkins has sought input from consultants from three Christian faith traditions including Catholic priest and national director of Family Theater Productions Father David Guffey, professor of New Testament at Biola University Dr Doug Huffman. and Messianic rabbi Jason Sobel from Fusion Global Ministries. They review scripts and provide facts or context on the biblical, cultural, and history of the storyline. While the dialogue is quite contemporary, the emotions and theology feel accurate. The entire show, and Roumie's portrayal of Jesus has been praised by leaders from all denominations.

Jonathan Roumie studied Film at the School of Visual Arts in New York and initially worked in production and as a location scout, before moving into acting and voiceover work. He has known the series creator Dallas Jenkins for several years and worked him on smaller film projects in the past.

Faith has always mattered to Jonathan, but he said until a few years ago, it was more in the background "a kind of warm blanket" but not something he'd felt so deeply. One day, Jonathan said, he really hit rock bottom. He'd been struggling with his career. A number of problems had piled up at the same time. He just knelt down and prayed for God's help saying: " If this is not what I'm supposed to be doing let me know." Surrendering to God he said: "I'm going to leave all these anxieties, all of these worries, all of these problems that I have - I'm going to leave them with you and not worry about it and just trust you to take care of it." Things changed dramatically from that moment.

Three unexpected payments arrived in his mail later that day. Three months later, he was asked to take the role of Jesus in The Chosen. Describing himself as a 'born again Catholic' now, he said: "I thank God every day for everything he has given me. I take nothing for granted and am grateful to be here."

Whenever he arrives in a new place, Jonathan says he always seeks out the nearest Catholic Church. He says: "I surrender every day and pray throughout the day." Asked how he prepares for the role of Jesus, Jonathan says he prays and tries to load himself "with as much empathy, mercy and compassion as I can."

At time it feels really daunting. In a discussion with the series creator Dallas Jenkins, he admits: "I'm struggling to feel worthy for this." Jenkins comments: "Me too!" (Who wouldn't!)

The show is not without its humour. My mother used to tell me that she was sure Jesus was not serious all the time. She would say that someone who could talk about squeezing a camel through the eye of a needle or gently mocking the idea of some pious person leaving an animal stuck in a ditch because it was the Sabbath - must have a sense of humour. In The Chosen there are several respectful but comedic moments - especially one running gag where Jesus seems to have a not very good sense of direction. Look out for them.

Besides attracting a huge audience of Christians from all denominations, The Chosen also has a following among people who have no faith. (I mentioned some agnostic friends who have watched the show with me and loved it). Jonathan said he was happy to hear this. Playing the role of Jesus he says, is "A humbling honour… I hope to do justice to the role and in some way lead other people to Christ. I feel that's what I'm here to do."

Jonathan also said he hoped the show is "bringing some light to an industry that is becoming more and more dark…. There is really demonic imagery out there sometimes - In all aspects of society.... We really want to promote an agenda of light."

Besides his role in The Chosen, Jonathan Roumie also features on the Hallow App - where he reads all four Gospels. Earlier recordings on the App also include the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Sacred Heart Novena, and the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic - the language Jesus spoke. Fr William Foko SJ an expert on ancient Mediterranean languages advised him on the language. "This technology offers so many new opportunities for prayer" he said.

When asked "Who is Jesus for you?" Jonathan replied: "Jesus is my personal Saviour. The reason for my existence . My best friend."

At the end of our interview, Jonathan recited the Our Father in Aramaic.
See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mWCVok38QQ

Hear more on the Hallow App: See: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hallow-catholic-meditation/id1405323394

And Watch The Chosen here: https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen.