Arzen Rose Dulzura

Gloria Romero, Cynthia Erivo, and more stars who played religious roles and brought faith to life

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Over the years, both local and international celebrities have taken on the challenge of portraying religious icons that require not only talent, but also depth, sensitivity, and respect. </p><p>From theater and TV to globally recognized films, these portrayals have left lasting impressions, reminding viewers of the enduring power of storytelling rooted in faith. </p><div>  </div><div><strong>Gloria Romero </strong></div><p>With an acting career spanning six decades, the Queen of Philippine Cinema took on a wide range of roles with grace and dedication. In 1954, she portrayed the Blessed Virgin Mary in <em>Martir sa Golgota</em>, a Holy Week presentation by Dramatic Philippines. Her angelic beauty and timeless presence made her a fitting embodiment of the blessed figure. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753503138541775350444249.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/3/icymi-cynthia-erivo-played-the-role-of-jesus-christ-in-jesus-christ-superstar-1000"><strong><u>READ: ICYMI: Cynthia Erivo played the role of Jesus Christ in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Directed by Narciso Pimentel Jr., the play ran from April 12 to 18 at the Manila Grand Opera House and opened with a gala premiere attended by former President Ramon Magsaysay.  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753502741341775350404449.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rocco Nacino </strong></div><p>Taking on the role of a Filipino saint, he starred in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival entry <em>Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir.  </em></p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753502134731775350343576.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Directed by Francis Villacorta, the film highlighted the life and martyrdom of the young Cebuano saint who died in the name of Christian faith. The role was originally intended for JM De Guzman, who later withdrew due to health reasons, paving the way for Rocco to bring the story to life on screen. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/4/2/here-are-7-meaningful-films-to-guide-your-holy-week-reflection-1537"><strong><u>READ: Here are 7 meaningful films to guide your Holy Week reflection</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Matt Ranillo III </strong></div><p>Remembered for his work in the 1996 Filipino biblical drama <em>Kristo</em>, Matt led a film that offered a uniquely Filipino interpretation of the life and death of Jesus, weaving in local customs and traditions observed by the faithful.  </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753501131331775350242415.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Spot PH</span></span></span></div><p>His performance was complemented by appearances from prominent actors such as Aga Muhlach, Gabby Concepcion, Christopher de Leon, Amy Austria, and Lorna Tolentino, forming a strong ensemble that elevated the film’s impact. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753500656561775350196033.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Pinoy Pop Culture</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jao Mapa </strong></div><p>Best known as a &#x27;90s heartthrob, he took on a deeply spiritual role when he portrayed Jesus Christ in the 2008 staging of <em>Martir sa Golgota.</em> The production also featured Bodjie Pascua as John the Baptist. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753500018541775350131938.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><p>Tagailog Special Presents</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Love Thadani </strong></div><p>On television, he became part of one of the most memorable faith-based portrayals through the 2010 series<em> May Bukas Pa.</em> As the unseen face behind “Bro,” the figure who guided Santino, played by Zaijian Jaranilla, he appeared as a glowing presence clad in white. Though his face was never revealed, his calm and compassionate guidance left a lasting impression on viewers. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="695" height="391" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ATlVGEhAUFA" title="Bro gives Santino advice about losing a loved one | May Bukas Pa" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/4/3/four-star-cinema-family-films-that-reflect-on-love-forgiveness-and-hope-to-watch-this-holy-week-1100"><strong><u>READ: Four Star Cinema family films that reflect on love, forgiveness, and hope to watch this Holy Week</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Morgan Freeman </strong></div><p>Bringing a gentle and unconventional take on God, Morgan starred in the 2003 comedy-fantasy film <em>Bruce Almighty</em> alongside Jim Carrey. His portrayal of a soft-spoken, hands-on deity, who is disguised as a janitor, emphasized compassion and responsibility.  </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1782648152501953%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>He later reprised the role in<em> Evan Almighty</em> in 2007, guiding Congressman Evan Baxter, played by Steve Carell, in building an ark ahead of a great flood. </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUniPicsAtHome%2Fvideos%2F392223087309864%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Christian Bale </strong></div><p>Taking on the role of Moses, he starred in the 2014 epic <em>Exodus: Gods and Kings.</em> Moses led hundreds of thousands of slaves to freedom amid devastating plagues. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753498338321775349962178.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">20th Century Fox </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jim Caviezel </strong></div><p>Becoming one of the most recognized portrayals of Jesus Christ, he led the 2004 Mel Gibson film, <em>The Passion of the Christ.</em> The role was marked not only by emotional depth but also by physical challenges, as he experienced a torn shoulder, a 14-inch lash wound, was hit by the cross he carried, and was even struck by lightning during filming. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnetflixus%2Fvideos%2F995807049346515%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Ben Affleck </strong></div><p>Lending his voice to the biblical figure Joseph the Dreamer, he starred in the 2000 animated musical <em>Joseph: King of Dreams.</em> Produced by DreamWorks, the film serves as a companion piece to the 1998 film The Prince of Egypt.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/00srDTJp51I" title="Joseph: King of Dreams - Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Russell Crowe </strong></div><p>Taking on the titular role in the 2014 biblical epic <em>Noah</em>, he portrayed a gritty and tormented version of the man chosen by God to survive a catastrophic flood. His performance anchored the film’s blend of faith-driven storytelling and large-scale action. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdu10cX3pWA" title="NOAH | Official Trailer [HD] | Paramount Movies" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Cynthia Erivo </strong></div><p>Breaking new ground in religious portrayals, Cynthia starred as Jesus in a major production of <em>Jesus Christ Superstar </em>at the Hollywood Bowl in August 2025. Known for her role as Elphaba in <em>Wicked</em>, her casting marked the first time a woman played Jesus in such a major production. While widely praised for its power, the performance also sparked conversations about race, gender, and artistic interpretation. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17753497037731775349830669.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Broadway Body Positivity Project / Facebook Page</span></span></span></div><p>These portrayals show how stories of faith continue to evolve across generations and cultures. Through their performances, these actors have brought sacred narratives closer to audiences, making them more relatable and deeply felt. </p>

<p>These celebrities took on deeply spiritual roles and made them especially meaningful to revisit this Holy Week. </p>

These celebrities took on deeply spiritual roles and made them especially meaningful to revisit this Holy Week.