Actor Abe Bueno Jarado Delves Deep into Biblical Research

Actor Abe Bueno Jarado has spent the last five years immersing himself in the Bible, driven by his role in a popular TV series. He portrays James, the son of Zebedee, in the show I Was Chosen, which features prominent figures like Peter and John as part of the “Inner Circle.” Joining the cast in Season 2, Bueno Jarado found that a deeper understanding of the Bible significantly enriched his portrayal of the character known as “Big James.”

In a recent interview, Bueno Jarado expressed, “The last five years represent the most research I have ever done in the Bible.” He explained that he not only examined the four Gospels but also engaged with the Old Testament, as it reflects the context in which James lived. “James probably doesn’t know the New Testament,” he noted, suggesting that to truly embody his character, familiarity with the Old Testament was essential.

To prepare for specific scenes, Bueno Jarado often reviews the Gospel of Luke, though he occasionally consults other Gospels as well. “This will make the Sunday School folks happy,” he said with a chuckle. After joining the show in Season 2, he has since become a recognizable face. The show’s fifth season has just been released on Prime Video, with Season 6 currently in production.

Bueno Jarado reflected on the series, saying, “It’s more than just entertainment. It’s the fact that it resonates with so many people.” He seems confident that viewers understand the biblical basis of the show. “If anyone is confused, that’s fine. They can refer to the text,” he added. “It feels like we’ve stumbled into this realm by chance or perhaps by a higher power, and it’s fascinating to see how it connects with viewers.”

Describing the show as a unique phenomenon, he remarked on its impact beyond American television. He mentioned that the creation of such programming has encouraged growth in faith-based entertainment globally, noting other projects like House of David and Netflix’s Mary.

Interestingly, when fans think of Bueno Jarado, they can’t imagine him as anyone but Big James. Yet, he auditioned for several other roles prior to landing this one. “I was always a bridesmaid and never a bride,” he joked about his earlier experiences in casting calls.

Eventually, the casting team approached him directly about Big James. “They told me, ‘We already know your work. You don’t need to read for this role. We believe in you,’” he recounted, marking the start of his journey in the series.

Though he has specific roles he won’t disclose — out of respect for the talented actors who portrayed them — he still finds joy in the audience’s reactions. Once, at an airport, a young fan expressed how much I Was Chosen meant to him and how it positively changed his life.

“If you reach even one person through a show that’s seen by so many, that’s a blessing,” Bueno Jarado concluded.