Jonathan Roumie, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Jesus in the globally acclaimed series The Chosen, recently shared powerful reflections on his spiritual journey, the responsibility of embodying Christ on screen, and his hopes for the audience that follows the show. “Life is only better with Jesus in it,” Roumie stated with conviction, underscoring the heart of the series’ message.
Roumie and the cast of The Chosen had the rare opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday morning following the Pope’s General Audience. As a token of reverence and gratitude, they presented him with a handcrafted wooden box not just any box, but one fashioned from the wood of a cross used during filming. Inside were symbolic artifacts from Season 7: nails from the crucifixion scene, a replica Crown of Thorns, and a fragment of a blood-stained garment. These items, steeped in the storytelling of Jesus' passion, represented not just cinematic art but a deeper spiritual offering.
Speaking to Vatican News, Roumie admitted that The Chosen began without any certainty of success. “When we first started,” he recalled, “we didn’t even know if we’d make it past four episodes.” Now, with Season 6 in production and all five released seasons ranking in the top ten on Amazon Prime, the project has far surpassed expectations.
Roumie attributes the show's incredible rise to God’s providence. “Thankfully, God had other plans,” he reflected. “This has turned into the most extraordinary experience of my life.”
One of Roumie’s greatest artistic and spiritual challenges has been portraying both the humanity and divinity of Jesus in a way that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. His goal, he says, is to “reveal Christ’s humanity in a way people might not have encountered before.” This has been transformative for many viewers, helping them see the Savior not just as a distant, divine figure but as someone deeply relatable.
“There’s a sacred balance,” Roumie explained, “between portraying Jesus as the Son of God and as a man who walked among us. That tension is where the real connection happens.”
Filming emotionally intense scenes especially those centered around Christ’s crucifixion was particularly moving for Roumie. “Those days were incredibly heavy,” he said, referencing scenes filmed in May. Still, what made these moments bearable was the strong bond he shares with his fellow cast members. “I try to love them the way I believe Jesus loves us all without reserve.”
Roumie’s quiet leadership and reverence for his role have created a unique spiritual atmosphere on set. “I give everything I have to the people I work with,” he said. “It’s part of my own effort to live out what I’m portraying.”
Beyond storytelling, Roumie hopes The Chosen serves as a pathway for spiritual encounter. He believes the show should not only inform audiences about the miracles and ministry of Jesus but also invite them into a personal relationship with Him.
His prayer is simple yet profound: that viewers feel the unconditional love of Christ and understand that “every life can be transformed for the better.”
At the heart of his message is a truth he’s come to embody on screen and off:
“Life is only better with Jesus in it.”