David Henrie talks Catholic faith ahead of new role in ‘Reagan’ movie
David Henrie talks Catholic faith ahead of new role in ‘Reagan’ movie
Actor David Henrie discusses faith as a new film about the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan hits theaters.
“I believe the key takeaway is, does your existence hold significance or not?” Henrie, who appears in the movie, “Reagan,” as a youthful Reagan remarked. “And excel in that, whatever it may be. Do not underestimate God.”
Henrie, a Catholic, discussed the film with Our Sunday Visitor prior to its release in theaters nationwide on Aug. 30. The movie, classified PG-13, chronicles Reagan’s ascent to the presidency and his involvement in the collapse of the Soviet Union, as recounted by ex-KGB operative, Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight). The two hour, 15 minute feature also includes the romantic tale of Reagan (Dennis Quaid) and his spouse, Nancy (Penelope Ann Miller), along with a narrative of belief.
“A core value in my life is participating only in initiatives that enhance truth, goodness, and beauty,” Henrie stated. “I believe this film has a great deal that can achieve that.”
Henrie gained prominence following his roles in well-known TV shows like “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “How I Met Your Mother.” Currently, he revealed his motivation for wanting to be in the movie concerning the 40th president of the United States.
“Reagan was someone who ought to have never held the presidency, and this movie truly pulls back the curtain and reveals a narrative about a man triumphing over challenges,” the 35-year-old performer stated. “That’s what appealed to me about it.”
“It’s not strictly a political movie,” he mentioned. “It’s merely about a man who never should have reached his position, and his belief truly guided him.”
In his most recent role, Henrie unveiled that he found out Reagan was raised by a father who struggled with alcoholism.
“That can be an extremely damaging experience and lead to lasting adverse consequences,” he remarked. “Yet Reagan utilized it as if it were a superpower. … He managed to transform that challenging circumstance and turn it into something positive.”
A purpose from God
Throughout the movie, numerous references to faith can be seen, such as a moment when Reagan’s mother informs him that God has a plan for his life. Henrie remarked that God has a plan for everyone’s life.
“I am convinced that God has a plan for my life,” he stated. “I hold the belief that God has a plan for everyone’s life.”
“It doesn’t need to be something large and magnificent; it can be something minor and unnoticed,” he remarked. “However, we are all urged to excel in that purpose, regardless of what that purpose may be.”
Almost a decade ago, in previous interviews, Henrie disclosed that he briefly experienced a more agnostic perspective. Currently, he candidly shares his journey of practicing Catholicism and frequently discusses it on social media.
“What prompted me to reevaluate my way of living back then was witnessing its ineffectiveness,” he stated. “It wasn’t delivering any kind of joy that wasn’t merely depleting.”
“Merely observing that lack of fulfillment and realizing that it wouldn’t bring me joy,” he elaborated. “I had to discover something different … that was the search, that marked the start of my journey and brought me back home.”
Faith in action
In one video he shared on Instagram this summer, he advertised the “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” film — a documentary about the Eucharist, Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity are present under the forms of bread and wine.
“To me, it is everything and it’s vital to my faith,” Henrie shared with Our Sunday Visitor regarding the Eucharist. “That’s the reason I attend church each Sunday.”
He additionally disclosed several of his preferred saints. Being Italian, he mentioned that he was raised with knowledge of St. Padre Pio. He pointed out St. Philomena (the middle name of one of his daughters) and St. Thomas Aquinas. He emphasized Our Lady, especially Our Lady of Sorrows.
When he isn’t performing, Henrie engages in Catholic ministries. He shared his enthusiasm for getting involved Cross Catholic Outreach — a nonprofit dedicated to delivering food, clean water, shelter, educational opportunities, support for orphans, healthcare, microenterprise initiatives, disaster assistance, and the love of Christ to the most impoverished individuals in more than 30 nations — serving as an ambassador.
His choice was made following his trip with the group to the Dominican Republic last year, where he and his family took part in their “Box of Joy” program, where they selected Christmas presents to send to kids in underprivileged nations.
The through line
Returning to his part in “REAGAN,” Henrie urged both older and younger viewers to see the movie that highlights faith.
“Starting off as a lifeguard to becoming someone who struggled to find his path and faced challenges in securing employment, and then eventually landing a role announcing ball games — and before you know it — he’s an actor, the president of the Screen Actors Guild, followed by taking on the role of governor, and later serving as a spokesperson for General Electric,” he outlined Reagan’s journey. “His career trajectory is astonishing, but the common thread was his belief.”
