Who is Jonathan Roumie? His Faith, Family, and Role as Jesus in The Chosen

Q: Who is Jonathan Roumie?

Jonathan Roumie is a celebrated actor from New York City who portrays Jesus Christ in the hit series, *The Chosen*. His portrayal is widely acclaimed for offering an authentic and fresh perspective on the Gospels, deepening the faith of countless viewers. Roumie's journey to this role was not easy, marked by early career challenges. However, his deep faith served as an anchor, and he believes his surrender to God's will was a turning point. He views his work as a ministry and uses his platform to glorify Jesus Christ, serving as a powerful witness to how faith can transform a vocation.

Q: Is Jonathan Roumie religious?

Yes, Jonathan Roumie is a deeply religious man and a devout Catholic. His faith is central to his life and profoundly influences his work, especially his portrayal of Jesus. He openly shares his commitment through regular Mass attendance and spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Before landing his role in "The Chosen," Roumie faced professional and financial hardship, leading him to an act of complete surrender to God in 2018. This pivotal moment transformed his life and career. Beyond acting, he engages in public ministry, speaking at events to share his testimony and point others toward Jesus Christ.

Q: What ethnicity is Jonathan Roumie?

Jonathan Roumie possesses a rich and diverse heritage. He was born to a father of Egyptian descent and a mother of Irish ancestry. This blend of Middle Eastern and European roots contributes to his unique identity.

Posted on 22 October 2025

Jonathan Roumie is an American actor most famous for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the acclaimed television series, ‘The Chosen.’ He is a devout Roman Catholic whose personal faith profoundly influences his life and his approach to this significant role, using his platform to share a message of hope and faith in Jesus.

The groundbreaking series “The Chosen” has emerged to meet a global desire for authentic spiritual truth, inviting millions to witness the life of Jesus Christ in a deeply personal way. Central to this transformative experience is Jonathan Roumie, the gifted actor entrusted with the sacred role of embodying our Lord and Savior. His performance resonates with viewers not merely as acting, but as a powerful reflection of the divine compassion and unwavering love of Jesus, the Son of God.

Here at Just Jesus Time, we believe every testimony pointing to Christ reveals His enduring presence. Jonathan Roumie’s journey, both on and off the screen, is one such testimony, offering a unique perspective on the man behind the role. This article will explore Roumie’s life, from his personal faith and family background to the career path that prepared him to portray the most important figure in human history.

By exploring the details of Jonathan Roumie’s life, our aim is to celebrate how God uses individuals to share His eternal truth. We will examine how his convictions shape his work and how his commitment to Christ illuminates his portrayal. Ultimately, his performance helps guide viewers to a deeper relationship with the One he represents: Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Who is Jonathan Roumie?

From New York City to Portraying the Son of God

A celebrated actor from New York City, Jonathan Roumie has become a familiar face to millions through his extraordinary role as Jesus Christ in the hit series, *The Chosen* ^[1]. His widely acclaimed performance profoundly impacts viewers globally, offering what many see as an authentic and fresh perspective on the Gospels. For Roumie, this is no mere acting job but a divine calling that serves a higher purpose. Believing God is using him to share the Gospel message, his performance helps bring scripture to life and deepens the faith of countless individuals. With grace, he embodies the Son of God, making his role a testament to God’s perfect timing and His ability to use willing vessels. Ultimately, Jonathan Roumie’s journey is a powerful reflection of God’s guiding hand.

A Career Guided by Faith

Jonathan Roumie’s path was not always easy, marked by numerous challenges in his early career. However, his deep faith served as an anchor, prompting him to seek God’s guidance consistently. This commitment profoundly shaped his choices, leading to a turning point when he surrendered his ambitions to God’s will ^[2].

His experience reflects the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Believing God equipped him for this sacred role, Roumie views his work as a form of ministry, using his platform to glorify Jesus Christ. His life exemplifies how God honors faithfulness, serving as a powerful witness that inspires others to trust in divine providence and see how faith can transform a vocation.

Is Jonathan Roumie religious?

His Devout Catholic Faith

Jonathan Roumie is a devout Catholic whose faith is central to his entire being, guiding his life choices and profoundly influencing his work. His personal walk with God informs his deep understanding of the character of Jesus Christ. Openly sharing his commitment, Roumie regularly attends Mass and practices spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. For him, faith is not merely a label but a lived experience that shapes his worldview and inspires his portrayal of the Son of God. He views his role as a sacred calling, not just an acting job, and seeks to honor Jesus Christ in every performance. This approach is perfectly encapsulated by the scripture, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

How Surrender Transformed His Life and Career

Before his iconic role in “The Chosen,” Jonathan Roumie faced significant financial hardship and professional uncertainty, reaching a point of profound desperation. In a turning point in 2018, he made an act of radical faith: he surrendered his struggles to God, trusting completely in divine providence. He emptied his bank account to tithe, and shortly after this act of surrender, he received the offer to play Jesus in “The Chosen” ^[3]. This experience utterly transformed his life, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and serving as a powerful testament to the power of faith. His journey echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

A Leap of Faith: Roumie chose to prioritize God’s will over his own anxieties.
Divine Intervention: His surrender immediately preceded his biggest professional opportunity.
Life-Altering Impact: This experience deepened his faith and redefined his purpose.

Public Ministry and Speaking Engagements

Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus extends beyond the screen, as he now uses his platform for public ministry. Speaking at conferences, churches, and faith-based events, he frequently shares his testimony to encourage others. Roumie consistently points audiences to the true Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of faith, hope, and love. His message is clear: God is real and desires a relationship with everyone. His vulnerability in discussing his own spiritual journey resonates deeply with many, as he views his platform as a mission field to share the Gospel message. In his life and work, Jonathan Roumie embodies the call to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15), always directing attention to the Savior.

What ethnicity is Jonathan Roumie?

Exploring His Heritage

Many viewers of The Chosen are curious about the background of Jonathan Roumie, the actor who powerfully portrays Jesus. Roumie has a rich and diverse heritage, born to a father of Egyptian descent and a mother of Irish ancestry ^[4]. This unique blend gives him both Middle Eastern and European roots.

His father’s Egyptian lineage connects him to the ancient lands of the Bible, while his mother’s Irish background adds a distinct cultural thread. This combination provides a compelling example of the beautiful tapestry of humanity.

A Diverse Background Reflecting God’s Creation

Jonathan Roumie’s heritage is a beautiful reflection of God’s glorious creation. As the Bible teaches, God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26). This scripture reminds us of our shared origin and His sovereign plan for all peoples.

While our ethnicity is an important part of our earthly identity, it does not define our spiritual standing. In Christ, all believers are united. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This means our ultimate identity is found in our relationship with Him.

God delights in the variety of His creation, including the many different peoples and cultures. Jonathan Roumie’s background serves as a gentle reminder of the Gospel’s universal message: salvation through Jesus is for everyone, regardless of their ethnic origin. Indeed, Christ commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). His boundless love extends to every tribe, tongue, and people group on earth.

Is Jonathan Roumie married or not?

Understanding His Personal Life and Vocation

Many viewers are curious about Jonathan Roumie’s personal life, specifically whether the beloved actor is married. To answer the common question, Roumie is not currently married.

He has, however, openly shared insights into his personal journey and deeply held Catholic faith. This commitment to his spiritual path clearly guides many of his life choices.

In fact, Roumie has spoken candidly about vocational discernment, sharing that he once considered a priestly vocation, which includes a call to celibacy ^[5]. This openness showcases his profound dedication to a life of spiritual discernment.

His journey serves as a testament to surrendering to God’s will, mirroring the universal call to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Whether a person is married or single, the ultimate purpose remains the same: to glorify and serve Jesus Christ in every aspect of life (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Ultimately, Jonathan Roumie’s focus remains on his faith as he continues to embody Christ in his work. His personal choices reflect a sincere desire to follow God’s plan above all else, a commitment that inspires many believers.

Why is Jonathan Roumie leaving The Chosen?

Addressing the Rumors

In the world of Christian media, rumors can sometimes arise. Recently, some viewers of ‘The Chosen’ have heard speculation that Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus Christ, might be leaving the series. To be clear, these reports are entirely false. Jonathan Roumie remains deeply committed to his role and to the show’s production.

While such rumors are common for television productions, our faith calls us to seek the truth (Hebrews 13:8). In this case, the facts are straightforward: both the production team and Roumie himself have consistently affirmed his ongoing involvement. Therefore, fans can rest assured that his powerful portrayal of Jesus will continue to bless audiences worldwide.

His Continued Commitment to the Series

Jonathan Roumie’s dedication to portraying Jesus in ‘The Chosen’ is more than a professional obligation—he considers it a profound spiritual calling. He has repeatedly expressed his commitment to seeing the series through to its completion [source: https://aleteia.org/2023/12/04/jonathan-roumie-im-going-to-stick-with-this-until-the-end/]. This unwavering resolve is a testament to his faith and his understanding of the immense responsibility the role entails.

His public statements and interviews also highlight his desire to honor God through his work. He sees himself as an instrument for the Holy Spirit to bring the story of Jesus to life for millions. This commitment reflects the scriptural call to faithfulness: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, ESV). Ultimately, Jonathan Roumie’s continued presence ensures the mission of ‘The Chosen’—introducing people to the true Savior—will continue to flourish.

What Are Jonathan Roumie’s Movies and TV Shows?

Beyond ‘The Chosen’

While Jonathan Roumie is widely known for his portrayal of Jesus in “The Chosen,” his acting journey began much earlier. His career illustrates God’s timing, as he built a significant resume before taking on this globally beloved role. He showcased his versatility in television shows like “The Good Wife” ^[6], “As the World Turns,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and also appeared in several feature films. This diverse experience prepared him for his most impactful role, reflecting the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Roumie has been open about his early struggles as an actor, including periods of great uncertainty. Despite these challenges, he remained faithful to his calling. His commitment to his craft during lean times is a powerful inspiration to trust in God’s provision, echoing the instruction in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” His journey is a testament to perseverance anchored in faith.

Voice Acting and Other Roles

Beyond his live-action performances, Roumie is also a gifted voice actor. He has lent his voice to numerous video games, including popular titles like “Call of Duty” ^[6], as well as various animated projects. This field requires the unique skill of conveying complex emotion through sound alone, and it is another area where Roumie excels.

His commitment to his craft is also evident in his roles in various short films and documentaries, many of which explore themes of faith. His wide-ranging abilities reflect the message of 1 Corinthians 12:4: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” Roumie intentionally uses these God-given talents to serve a higher purpose and bring meaningful stories to life. His career is a living example of 1 Peter 4:10, which calls us to use our gifts “to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” Whether on-screen or behind a microphone, his work ultimately points back to Christ.

The Impact of Portraying Jesus Christ

A Heavy Responsibility

Portraying **Jesus Christ** in *The Chosen* is a truly unique burden for actor Jonathan Roumie. This role, unlike any other in media, demands immense spiritual and emotional depth. However, no actor can fully capture the divine nature of our Savior. As God incarnate (John 1:1, 14), Jesus is both fully God and fully man—a profound truth central to the Christian faith.

Indeed, Roumie himself often speaks of this sacred trust. He understands the profound weight of his calling and openly acknowledges his human limitations, yet he strives for authenticity and reverence in his portrayal. This responsibility serves as a constant reminder—for both the actor and the audience—of the incredible reality of who Jesus truly is and His incomparable holiness.

The role also brings intense scrutiny from a global audience, as viewers bring their own deeply held expectations and understanding of Jesus. Despite this pressure, Roumie remains grounded in his devout faith, seeking guidance through consistent prayer and diligent study of scripture. His dedication clearly reflects his personal reverence for **Christ as Lord**. Ultimately, he aims to be a humble vessel, understanding that the true focus must always remain on Jesus, not the actor.

Pointing Others to the True Savior

The impact of Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal extends far beyond the screen, reaching millions worldwide. As a global phenomenon, *The Chosen* ^[7] offers a powerful opportunity for people to encounter Jesus, especially those who might not typically engage with faith or church.

Jonathan Roumie understands his purpose clearly: to direct all attention to **Jesus Christ**. He does not seek personal glory but instead aims to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). His work on *The Chosen* serves as a crucial bridge, encouraging viewers to open their Bibles and explore the Gospels for themselves. This is where we find the true, historical, and divine Jesus.

While the series is a valuable tool for presenting a relatable and compassionate Jesus, it is crucial to remember that the show is not the source of ultimate truth. The **Bible is our absolute authority**. We are called to worship the real Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and offers eternal life to all who believe in His name.

As a modern-day storyteller, Roumie’s ultimate goal is clear: to help people know the true Lord and Savior. Therefore, while we celebrate the impact of *The Chosen* as a powerful evangelistic resource, we must also keep our eyes fixed firmly on Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Jonathan Roumie’s dedicated work serves the vital mission of drawing countless hearts closer to the living God and pointing them to the authentic **Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord**.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jonathan Roumie

What is Jonathan Roumie’s religion?

Jonathan Roumie is a devout Roman Catholic. His deep personal faith is a cornerstone of his life and work, particularly in his portrayal of Jesus Christ in *The Chosen*. Roumie often shares that his spirituality guides both his professional and personal life ^[8].

Beyond his acting, Roumie is committed to sharing his beliefs. He frequently speaks at Christian events about his personal testimony of surrender and reliance on God. This steadfast faith informs his performance and serves as a powerful witness to others, illustrating the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Who is Jonathan Roumie’s wife?

Jonathan Roumie is not married. As part of his spiritual journey and vocational calling, he has openly shared his commitment to celibacy. He considers his role in bringing the story of Jesus to life a significant part of his life’s purpose.

This dedication reflects a deep commitment to following God’s will. His choices are an example of prioritizing a relationship with the Lord, echoing the wisdom of Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

What is Jonathan Roumie’s net worth?

Estimates of Jonathan Roumie’s net worth vary, with many publications suggesting a figure of approximately $3 million ^[9]. It is important to note that these figures are speculative and can change.

From a faith perspective, however, this financial standing is secondary to spiritual wealth. Jesus taught about true riches in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This reminds us that the greatest wealth is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

How tall is Jonathan Roumie?

Jonathan Roumie is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall ^[10]. While his physical height is a common question, many viewers are more moved by his spiritual stature. His portrayal of Jesus embodies a humility and strength that resonates deeply and transcends worldly measurements.

Sources

Tags: Christian Actor, Faith, Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, The Chosen