Kevin Sorbo, the former star of the television series “Hercules” and “Andromeda,” is making headlines from his home state of Minnesota as he pivots toward faith‑based filmmaking. The 67‑year‑old actor, who grew up attending St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mound, recently spoke about his latest project, the film “Elijah Peel,” which is currently in theaters. In the movie Sorbo portrays the manager of a rock star battling drug addiction who finds Christianity after meeting a cancer patient.
Why Faith Films?
Sorbo explained that early faith‑based movies often seemed cheap, but today they are produced with higher quality, rivaling even Hallmark productions. He said his current choices reflect a desire for lower‑stress projects that convey a positive message. “I want to keep doing movies like ‘Peel,’ where the stress factor is low and everyone is having a good time,” he told reporters after a day of shooting in West Virginia.
Hollywood and Politics
The actor acknowledged that his public support for President Donald Trump has affected his career. He recalled a 2005 charity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe where he met Trump, Jesse Ventura and the future president. While Sorbo does not agree with every decision Trump makes, he praised the former president’s business background and humor. “When Trump ran in 2016, it was refreshing to have a no‑nonsense guy,” Sorbo said.
He also noted that his political stance has led to fewer invitations to mainstream talk shows and may have limited some Hollywood opportunities. Nonetheless, Sorbo emphasized that he does not harbor anger toward those with differing views, calling the entertainment industry’s tolerance of opposing opinions “hypocrisy.”
Independent Film Work
Sorbo highlighted the rapid pace of independent film production, noting that many projects can be shot in as little as four to eight days. He recently directed a film that was completed in a month and mentioned an upcoming shoot at the Brainerd race track in September, likening his role to the Paul Newman character in “Cars.” He no longer works with a manager or agent, handling negotiations himself and often working with budgets around $2 million—“that’s the catering budget for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’” he joked.
Early Life and Faith Roots
Reflecting on his upbringing, Sorbo recalled a powerful moment at age 13 when evangelist Billy Graham spoke at an outdoor revival in St. Paul. Sorbo described feeling a hand on his head and a conversation with Graham that left a lasting impression, reinforcing his lifelong connection to Christianity.
From his early love of acting—sparked by a performance of “The Merchant of Venice” at the Guthrie Theatre at age 11—to his recent focus on movies that promote a hopeful message, Sorbo’s career illustrates a shift toward projects that align with his faith and personal values.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
