When Hugh Bonneville was cast as Jesus in the 2008 BBC miniseries "The Passion," many were surprised by the choice. After all, Bonneville was known for his portrayals of affable characters like Mr. Brown in "Paddington" and the Earl of Grantham in "Downton Abbey."
However, Bonneville's performance as Jesus was widely praised, earning him a nomination for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Bonneville's portrayal of Jesus and the man behind the iconic performance.
The Role of a Lifetime
When Bonneville was approached for the role of Jesus, he was hesitant at first. "I think I was rather daunted by the idea of playing Jesus," he later admitted in an interview. "It's such an iconic role, and it's been played by so many great actors before."
However, Bonneville was ultimately convinced by the script and the opportunity to work with director Michael Offer. He spent several months preparing for the role, studying the Bible and consulting with religious experts to better understand Jesus and his teachings.
A Different Kind of Jesus
One of the things that set Bonneville's portrayal of Jesus apart from others was his emphasis on the human side of the character. "I wanted to show that Jesus was a real person with real emotions and struggles," he explained in an interview.
For example, in one scene, Bonneville's Jesus is shown weeping at the death of his friend Lazarus. This emotional depth helped to make Bonneville's portrayal of Jesus more relatable and accessible to audiences.
The Power of Faith
Bonneville's performance in "The Passion" was also notable for its portrayal of Jesus' unwavering faith. Despite facing persecution and ultimately death, Bonneville's Jesus remains steadfast in his beliefs.
"I think that's one of the most powerful things about Jesus' story," Bonneville said in an interview. "No matter what happens to him, he never loses faith. That's something that I think we can all learn from."
A Personal Connection
For Bonneville, playing Jesus was more than just a job. In fact, he found that the experience had a profound impact on his own faith.
"I think when you spend that much time studying the Bible and trying to understand Jesus, it's impossible not to be affected by it," he said in an interview. "I feel like I have a much deeper appreciation for what he stood for and what he accomplished."
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the passing of more than a decade since "The Passion" first aired, Bonneville's portrayal of Jesus continues to resonate with audiences. His nuanced approach to the character helped to humanize Jesus and make him more accessible to viewers.
For Bonneville, the experience of playing Jesus remains one of the highlights of his career. "It was such a challenging and rewarding role to play," he said. "I feel honored to have had the opportunity to bring this iconic figure to life."