Jon Voight: A Hollywood Legend’s Journey from Stardom to Spiritual Awakening

Jon Voight, one of Hollywood’s most decorated actors, has lived a life that many would envy. With an Academy Award, four Golden Globes, and a career spanning over six decades, Voight’s legacy is cemented in the annals of cinematic history. Yet, for the 85-year-old actor, all these accolades pale in comparison to one thing: his faith in Jesus Christ.

“Faith as the Cornerstone”

In a candid interview with The Christian Post, Voight opened up about his spiritual journey, reflecting on how faith has shaped his life and career. “I was raised Catholic, but I got a little bit away from it and made some very bad mistakes on my own,” Voight confessed. His words resonate with the humility of a man who has seen the peaks and valleys of life and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. “I know that God is real, and I know that our whole lives are only meaningful in relation to God. I’m very fortunate to have had that understanding in my life,” Voight shared, emphasizing the profound impact his faith has had on his extended career.

For Voight, faith is not just a personal belief but the foundation of his identity. “As Christians, we have the great guidance of Jesus and His help from above. That’s all real, and it’s what gives us hope to become our greater selves,” he explained. Voight’s words echo the sentiments of a man who has found peace and direction through his connection with the divine. “Our souls are pieces of God, pure God each one of our souls. Once we stand up to that and identify ourselves as that, our lives change.”

“Reagan” and the Power of Faith

Voight’s latest role in the upcoming film “Reagan” is a testament to his enduring passion for acting and his commitment to portraying characters with depth and conviction. In the film, Voight takes on the role of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life intersects with that of Ronald Reagan, played by Dennis Quaid. The movie, based on Paul Kengor’s 2007 book The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, delves into Reagan’s influence on global politics and his role in ending the Cold War.

Voight, who narrates the film, offers a powerful reflection through his character, Petrovich. “I knew he was the one who would bring us down, not with missiles or guns or even politics, but with something much greater … people give their lives for one another, for the freedom to live their lives as they choose and for God. We took that away. The Crusader gave it back to them,” Petrovich remarks, capturing the essence of Reagan’s legacy.

For Voight, the role of Petrovich is more than just another character; it’s an opportunity to connect with a deeper truth. Having spent time in Russia during the 1990s, Voight developed a profound understanding of the Russian spirit, which he believes is rooted in its rich cultural heritage rather than the oppressive ideology of Communism. “I feel that I understand this man from the inside. I love the Russian people and the Russian artists,” Voight said, highlighting his admiration for the country’s great thinkers and artists. “Stanislavski, Chekhov — they’re a part of the Russian spirit, the true motherland. In the film, I say, ‘Communism is not the motherland.’ To me, that’s what I believe.”

Voight’s critique of Communism is not just a historical observation but a cautionary warning for the present. He expressed concern that the same dangerous ideology that once plagued Soviet Russia is now infiltrating the United States. “The Russian people suffered under it, and now we’re being attacked by those same values,” Voight warned. “Ronald Reagan helped them survive it. He got rid of the Soviet Union, got rid of Communism in that country. What a blessing for those people.”

Watch Movie Trailer Here:

“A Legacy of Love and Faith”

As the release of “Reagan” approaches, Voight’s reflections on faith, politics, and the power of art offer a refreshing and educative perspective for audiences. The film not only showcases the extraordinary life of Ronald Reagan but also serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges.

Screenwriter Howard Klausner, who crafted the script for “Reagan,” emphasized the integral role that faith played in Reagan’s life. “Reagan’s faith was integral from childhood on,” Klausner explained. “It wasn’t just politically expedient. The man believed in the Lord, and that belief guided him throughout his life.”

In an era where political discourse is often divisive, Klausner pointed to the underlying message of love in Reagan’s approach. “He loved his family. He loved people, whether they agreed with him or not. He loved the United States. He loved God. And I think that is what is so desperately missing in this political dialog and what we’re living in right now.”

Voight’s portrayal of Viktor Petrovich in “Reagan” is more than just a role—it is a reflection of his own journey of faith, a journey that has brought him to a place of peace and understanding. As Voight himself noted, “I’ve had an extended career because of it.”

“Reagan” releases exclusively in theaters nationwide on Aug. 30, 2024. For more information, visit www.reagan.movie.