Reflections on a Journey

As a child, I had this deep love for books, particularly comics. I remember staying up late, using a flashlight under the covers to explore stories filled with larger-than-life heroes. They inspired big dreams in my little heart. There was something about their strength that seemed to call out to me.

Thinking back, those late nights felt like a little act of rebellion against the bedtime calls from my mom, who would shout from the next room, “Kevin, turn off the light and go to bed!” Those moments of sneaking in just one more page turned into a kind of late-night army of my own.

Years later, it suddenly felt like a little spark of Hercules nudged me. At that time, I couldn’t quite articulate it, but I could feel it echoing within me.

Fast forward a bit, and the pages transformed into real-life adventures when I got the opportunity to play Hercules on a sound stage in New Zealand—a role that became part of one of the most watched shows globally. But before reaching that milestone, there were countless moments when I could have walked away and simply closed the book.

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I often think about how I could have just stayed in Minnesota. Maybe I should have? Voices in my head insisted it was the realistic choice. But that would have meant ignoring something deeply sacred within me, something that, while uncertain, was filled with purpose.

This reflection isn’t primarily to reminisce about Hercules or my rise to fame. Instead, it’s about the power of listening to those inner nudges and the “what ifs” we often overlook.

For instance, I recall making a film with Dallas Jenkins about 15 years ago, inspired by the same kind of nudge. It was something fresh and meaningful. It was a creative exploration of choices and the lives we might have led.

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After enjoying years of success, I felt an undeniable shift that I couldn’t ignore, no matter how hard I tried. Deep down, I craved that my work reflected my beliefs and my inner faith—something eternal. At first, those desires seemed to quietly grow inside of me.

But that trust I had in my instincts led me to Hercules long ago, a figure I’d followed as a child. It eventually guided me toward a small script written by Dallas. It presented a modern take on “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Producing that film, on a shoestring budget, was daunting—I had no idea what to expect. Yet, now, looking back 15 years later, we both consider it among our favorites.

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Since then, Dallas has been working on “The Chosen,” which has become one of the most successful faith-based series ever. But there was a time before all of that when those questions lingered—what if Dallas had ignored that initial nudge? What if he’d never embarked on that first faith-based project?

That film felt like a pivotal moment for me. It marked my first significant faith role, and honestly, it’s what I’m most proud of—not just for my career but for its impact on others. I still hear from people touched by its message. Remember, it’s never too late to change direction.

People crave meaning, a second chance, something that leads them beyond the chaos. I don’t take my career lightly; I recognize the responsibility that comes with it. In the end, it’s not the spotlight that truly matters, but the voice and the call within us.

We all experience those nudges; some are soft whispers while others can feel destructive. They might push us toward new jobs, tough conversations, or fresh starts. The real question is: will we listen? Will we act on those nudges, or will we let them fade away?

What if I hadn’t pursued this path?

I can tell you—I’m thankful I did.