Jim Caviezel is an American actor best recognized for his role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s controversial film “The Passion of the Christ” from 2004. ‘Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius,’ ‘Frequency,’ ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ ‘Angel Eyes,’ ‘Déjà Vu,’ and ‘The Thin Red Line’ are among his other significant works. Jim has also been in a number of television shows, including ‘The Wonder Years,’ ‘Murder, She Wrote,’ and ‘Person of Interest.’ He is also an occasional car racer in addition to being an actor. Jim’s incredible ability to play a wide range of characters, particularly those who are subjected to tremendous anguish and torture, led to his acting coach, John Kirby, referring to him as a spiritual center. Jim has established himself as a sensational actor and a true fan favorite throughout the years.
Childhood and Adolescence
On September 26, 1968, Jim Patrick Caviezel was born in Mount Vernon, Washington. Margaret, a former stage actress, and James Caviezel, a chiropractor, were his parents.
Jim has four siblings: Timothy, his younger brother, and Ann, Amy, and Erin, his three sisters.
Jim is a member of a close-knit Catholic family. He has Irish, Swiss, and Slovak ancestors.
Sports and religion were his two main passions as a child. He had the athletic ability to perform well on a basketball floor and aspired to play in the NBA. He and his family attended church on a regular basis since he was a child, and he was taught Christian values.
He started at Mount Vernon High School in 1984, but after two years transferred to O’Dea High School. He was transferred to John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Burien, Washington, the following year, where he was a top basketball player for his school’s squad. He received his diploma in 1987.
Jim completed his education and enrolled at Bellevue Collegiate, where he was selected for the college basketball team once more.
Jim’s basketball career and hopes of playing in the NBA were cut short when he suffered a foot injury while playing hoops. He gained an interest in acting while healing from his injury and chose to devote his time to it.
Jim enrolled at the University of Washington in Seattle and obtained a degree in drama and performing arts as a result of his decision. Later, he enrolled in the University of Southern California’s professional acting school.
Jim Caviezel’s Career
Jim began his professional acting career in Seattle with theater productions. In plays such as ‘The Matchmaker’ and ‘Come Blow Your Horn,’ he played the lead role.
In 1991, he had his first film part in the film “My Own Private Idaho,” in which he played a tiny role. His acting as an Airline Clerk was bang on, despite the fact that he only got two lines.
Jim relocated to Los Angeles, where he auditioned for parts while also working as a waiter to supplement his income.
His early performances included a guest appearance as a basketball player in the television series ‘The Wonder Years.’
Jim was offered a small part in the movie “Wyatt Earp,” which he accepted. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder at that time. He also struggled with dyslexia.
Jim performed in modest roles in Hollywood films of varying quality from 1996 to 1997. When he was cast in the 1998 picture ‘The Thin Red Line,’ he earned his first major break.
His outstanding acting abilities landed him numerous high-profile gigs. In his Civil War drama, ‘Ride with the Devil,’ director Ang Lee cast him as the lead. Jim starred in ‘Frequency,’ a popular dramatic picture about time travel, in 2000.
Jim starred as the male lead in the thriller ‘Angel Eyes’ the following year. He became famous while filming the film because he refused to do a nude love scene with Lopez because he felt it would be disrespectful to his marriage.
Despite such statements, Jim’s acting career progressed. In 2002, he starred as the Count of Monte Cristo is an adaptation of Alexander Dumas’ classic novel.
Caviezel is known for his meticulous film preparations, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ was no exception. He did some research on the author in addition to reading the book. He also acquired fencing and other necessary abilities for the part.
He made his acting debut in the thriller ‘High Crimes’ in 2002, followed by another dramatic thriller, ‘Highwaymen’ in 2003.
Jim’s next picture garnered him the never-before-seen recognition he desired. Jim was cast in Mel Gibson’s next film, “The Passion of the Christ,” after meeting him. After some reservations about Jim’s suitability for the role of Christ, the director decided to cast him. His soulful eyes made him the best choice to play Jesus Christ in the movie.
For the part, Jim had to learn Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, as well as put on eight hours of makeup on most days of the production.
He was acclaimed for his acting abilities after the film’s release. The praise, however, was not enough to save the film from controversy. The violent and gruesome picture of Christ being beaten and crucified was criticized by some.
In 2004, Jim followed up with two further films. In the independent film ‘Stroke of Genius,’ he portrays the great golfer Bobby Jones. He also played alongside Robin Williams and Mira Sorvino in the science-fiction thriller “The Final Cut” as a villain.
Jim’s Career in Film
The Thin Red Line — This war film, which was based on a novel by James Jones, gave Jim his big break. Jim played Private Witt, a Kentucky native, in the film, which was released on December 25, 1998.
Jim starred in the popular dramatic picture Frequency about time travel. He portrayed John Sullivan, a modern New York City homicide cop. On April 28, 2000, the picture was released to favorable reviews.
The Passion of the Christ — To date, Jim’s acting career has been marked by controversy. He portrayed Jesus Christ in this film, which centered on Christ’s final hours. The film was released on February 25, 2004, and was immediately banned in several countries owing to its violent violence and anti-Semitism.
His Private Life
On July 20, 1996, Jim married Kerri Britt. They were introduced on a blind date.
Kerri is a flutist and English teacher. Three Chinese children were adopted by the couple.
Estimated Net worth
James “Jim” Caviezel is a $15 million film and television actor from the United States. Caviezel is most recognized for his role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ,” which made $622.3 million worldwide.
Trivia
An actor mistakenly whipped Jim twice while filming a scene for ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ after missing the boarding that was shielding his back.
He was hit by lightning during the Sermon on the Mount scene.