"I've had some tragic times. I have wrestled with those and worked my way through them," Kelsey Grammar said.
Despite giving the show, Jesus Revolution a straight-to-series order last fall, ABC has decided not to move forward with a comedy series starring Alec Baldwin and Kelsey Grammer according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news comes after the previous controversial involuntary manslaughter charges against Grammer’s co-star Baldwin. Well-known and lauded for his roles in Frasier, The Simpsons, and Boss, Kelsey Grammer who has received five Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe awards said he believes that the Christian drama may be his best work.
The acclaimed actor said he won’t apologize for his faith amidst the unexpected decision by ABC. The actor reminisced about the adventure and the amount of research that went in during its making when asked how his relationship with faith evolved over the years by USA Today correspondent. He said, “I've had hiccups. I've had some tragic times. I have wrestled with those and worked my way through them…Sometimes rejecting faith, sometimes rejecting God even, in a period of being pretty angry about it, like, "Where were you?" That kind of thing.”
“But I have come to terms with it and have found great peace in my faith and Jesus. It's not cavalier – Jesus made a difference in my life. That's not anything I'll apologize for,” he revealed.
Don’t miss the @JesusRevMovie in theaters today! See how God worked in the lives of @GregLaurie, Chuck Smith, and others to bring about what @TIME magazine called the #JesusRevolution. pic.twitter.com/ePCafYUpaW
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) February 23, 2023
Grammer and Baldwin had previously seen together in NBC's 30 Rock, and ABC’s decision was a great turn-off for many who loved the duo together on screen. When asked about his views Grammer replied, “I was sad to see that, too. It was a good show. Whatever – they make their decisions based on what they think is important. We were funny, I think people would've really enjoyed it. And so much has happened since then,” he added.
I remember when some Jesus freaks rented a house in my little Ohio town in the early 70s. Quite a phenomenon. That’s what made watching #JesusRevolution so much fun - I never really knew the backstory of how that whole thing started. It opened yesterday and it’s a lovely movie! pic.twitter.com/p8uya4JgrH
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) February 25, 2023
While talking about Jesus Revolution he said, "It's really uplifting. It's a good movie. My wife and I saw it together. She was just dissolved in tears and said, 'It's the best thing you've ever done,' " the actor said as per the outlet. In the faith-based movie, Grammer plays real-life pastor Chuck Smith, who, with the aid of street preacher Lonnie Frisbee (played by Jonathan Roumie), revived his flagging congregation by bringing in young hippies and rock music. Raised as a Christian Scientist, Grammer is familiar with the "Jesus movement" of the 1960s and 1970s. "They were energized and optimistic, and I thought that was a great thing to see," said the 68-year-old star.
I LOVED "The Jesus Revolution" movie. Five years after Time magazine asked the provocative question: Is God Dead? The world got its answer, loud and clear: NO! A rebellious, young generation seeking Truth in all the wrong places, finally found it in Jesus. #JesusRevolution #Now pic.twitter.com/6ViVhpQj8J
— Dr. Michael Guillen (@DrMGuillen) February 25, 2023
Talking to the outlet in an exclusive interview he talks about the latest project and how it impacted his beliefs. Speaking about his character in the drama he shared, “What Chuck did went back to one of the basic precepts of Christianity, which is inclusion. He thought, 'Well, I'm doing it this way and people aren't listening,' so he finally surrendered.” He added, "'You show me a hippie and I'll listen'." Sure enough, it became a very dynamic relationship between him and Lonnie Frisbee. It became a great adventure, which is still going on."
Reference:
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jeff Spicer