Q&A With Christian Actor Daniel Bostic

(Photo : Daniel Bostic)

Daniel Bostic is more than just a pretty face.

Sure, he's a working model, but he's also a rising star on the acting scene with a passion for the craft and for spreading the Word of God.

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Bostic was first bit by the "acting bug" after being cast as a last-minute featured extra for Lifetime's Army Wives. His part may have been small, but its impact on his life and career was huge.

"I showed up and was on set for 16 hours," says Daniel. "I was completely exhausted at the end of the day but loved the experience of the cast working together on set, plus I got to meet some amazing people! Observing professional actors in their environment really inspired me and that's when I knew this was something I wanted to do."

Recently, BREATHEcast caught up with Bostic to learn what it's like as a Christian in the liberal film industry and why he believes Christians need to be more involved in the arts.

When did you first gain an interest in acting?

Growing up I was always the super shy kid, but once you got to know me really well I was a super dramatic chatterbox. However, because I never really talked to anyone and was content staying in my books, no one knew that about me! My mom, however, knew me better than anyone and even better than I knew myself. She felt I would be a great fit for a drama class that met a couple times a week. I hated the idea. I begged, pleaded, promised to do anything so I didn't have to go to this class and stand up in front of people. To my terror, she had already decided. I was going to drama class. Well long story short, my mom was right, I fell in love with it. I loved the class and it led to my eventual request to be an extra on Lifetime's Army Wives. I made some awesome friends and connections while on set, and the rest is history.

How is your faith perceived by your others you've encountered in the industry? 

It's interesting how most people in the film industry have adopted the liberal worldview of relativism, or, "what's right for me may not be right for you" or vice versa." The reality is, though, the tolerance they preach so adamantly often doesn't extend to Christians, and I do take criticism both on- and off-set for my faith. However I realize that God has given me the passion for acting and I'm not going to let those few critical voices deter me from my God given passion. That being said, there are some who accept my faith and even admire me for living out my beliefs in a secular environment.

Do you remember your first testimony to God?

I was saved at the age of 12 after realizing there was no way I could ever earn my way to heaven. One night the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and I came to realize that it was by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that I would be saved. Once I came to that realization and made that commitment, it revolutionized my whole life. Even when I started working in the film industry as a newcomer I remember meeting with prospective agents and casting directors only to be chewed out and asked to leave because I wouldn't do adult themed scenes on camera. Little did they know that their criticisms and audacity only solidified my resolve to keep a clear testimony on- and off-screen.

Tell me about your new project, Mila 2.0. What is it about and what is your role?

Mila 2.0 is a Harper Collins teen action/romance book by author Debra Driza. It will be released in the coming months and will be in stores nationwide. Frequently, large scale book releases will hire a film production company to produce a movie-style trailer for their books in order to help the potential reader visualize the concepts presented in the book and to help draw them into the plot. This is what we tried to do with Mila 2.0, and after seeing some of the unreleased footage - even I want to buy the book!

What role do you believe religion plays in the performing arts community?

I think the bigger issue is what role a person's worldview plays in the performing arts community. Worldview is our lens through which we see the world, and it is a lens that is primarily shaped by a person's faith or religion. Everyone has a worldview whether they acknowledge it or not. The reality is, worldview is everything in the performing arts. As you look back over the arts of the ancients you can tell a tremendous amount about the belief's they held to at the time. I feel it is critical that Christians of all denominations harness the performing arts to leave a lasting impression on people's lives both in the present, and in the future. 

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