Max Ehrich Baptized on Set of SOUTHERN GOSPEL: ‘My Faith Will Never Be Where It Was Before’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actor Max Ehrich’s work on his upcoming movie SOUTHERN GOSPEL impacted his faith so deeply that he decided to get baptized while on set.
The Emmy-nominated actor plays Sam Allen, a 1960s rock and roll star who gets a second chance after getting arrested and becomes a pastor.
“I cried when I read the script,” Ehrich shared. “I really fought hard for this role because I knew deep in my soul—I was so drawn to it.”
The actor’s faith grew as he prepared for the role and shot scenes.
“I really was studying the Bible so much, and it really deepened my faith intensely to the point that when the character got baptized, I actually, in real life, decided to get baptized,” Ehrich said. “That’s how deeply it impacted me.”
The movie’s director Jeffrey Smith, who serves as a pastor in Florida, baptized Ehrich.
Ehrich continued, “This movie never left me in a sense. I feel like my character and my faith will never be where it was before… It’s so much stronger now that I’ve done this film—that I get to carry it out with my art, being able to spread not only my faith but also the gifts that God has given me.”
Ehrich shared that the SOUTHERN GOSPEL’s theme of redemption particularly inspired him.
“I knew that a film like this was so needed,” the actor explained. “It’s a film that has morals and spreads a lot of light.”
“It’s really about forgiveness and grace,” he added. “It’s really about the grace of God.”
He also added that he would be open to taking on more roles like this one, saying, “I would love to do roles that have great messages and are faith-based.”
Also a musician, Ehrich explained how his faith is “definitely impacting the type of music I’m making—and just me having more awareness of the impact that art has on society and how we really can help.”
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