Actor Stephen Baldwin says faith, not fame, drew him away from Hollywood

Stephen Baldwin says he never particularly wanted blockbuster stardom, and after becoming a born-again Christian in 2001, he eventually stepped away from mainstream Hollywood to pursue ministry work.

The 60-year-old actor, in an interview published by People this week, said his 1995 role in “The Usual Suspects” put him on a path toward major stardom. He said he didn’t want to be “Tom Cruise” and joked he’d “rather be a schmuck from Massapequa,” referring to his hometown on Long Island.

Mr. Baldwin, the youngest of the four Baldwin acting brothers, said his turn toward faith began unexpectedly through the family’s Brazilian housekeeper, who he said told his wife, Kennya, that the couple would become born-again Christians and start a ministry together. He said he initially found the prediction strange.

The prophecy, he said, came true. Mr. Baldwin later felt drawn to a beachside skateboarding ministry in Florida, where skaters preached to crowds of young people between tricks. He went on to produce a Christian-themed skate film, “Livin’ It,” distributing thousands of copies and touring more than 100 churches over four years.

Mr. Baldwin has spoken about his faith journey for years. In a separate, earlier interview with CBN News, he said he believes he has a calling “to stand up in a new and hardcore, radical way for the Lord.”