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Jonathan Roumies popularity has seen quite a bounce following his latest roles, one in the hit faith-based series The Chosen and now with his part in the Jesus Revolution film blowing up at the box office.

The 48-year-old actor and devout Catholics screen credits go back at least two decades, with roles in shows like 2019s Ballers and 2020s Chicago Med, according to IMDb . But it has arguably been his role in the popular series that explores Jesus through the eyes and lives of those close to him that has catapulted his career.

Roumie a ministry leader who has served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion within the Catholic Church was born in New York City. He got his start in the entertainment industry with a series of behind-the-scenes gigs that included voice-over work for video games and TV shows.

He worked as a production assistant and location scout for movies like Spider Man, I Am Legend, and National Treasure. Later, he appeared in a handful of TV shows such as Law and Order, As The World Turns and All My Children, before landing a role on the big screen for the part of John Wilkes Booth in the 2012 movie Saving Lincoln.

But after a few years, the acting gigs started drying up and the star said he found himself overdrawn on his finances and with only enough food to last one day.

Roumie has previously shared that, while faith had always been a part of his life, things changed five years ago when he surrendered his career to God. View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jesus Revolution (@jesusrevolutionmovie)

Life literally backed me into a corner until I got on my knees in front of my crucifix and poured out my heart to God, Roumie told Fox News .

I couldnt even get a catering job, and I had bills come in and I had rent. And I got to the point on a Saturday morning in May in 2018 where I was out of money, he said.

Id always had a relationship with my faith, but I had never surrendered my career so viscerally or felt that I had no other choice before, he added. So, I think God kind of knew that and said, I need everything from you.'

And in order to do that, I need to bring you to the edge of the cliff and give it all to Him, Roumie continued. And I did that day. That morning. And I said, Its no longer my problem. Its your problem, God. So, youre going to see me through this? Your yoke is easy. Your burden is light. Im giving you mine. And whatever happens, happens.'

Roumie said he returned to his apartment later that day to find four checks in his mailbox from unknown sources. All I can say is that God provided me a financial miracle when I needed it, when I completely gave myself over to his care. A few months later, Roumie got a phone call from The Chosen series creator Dallas Jenkins and the rest is history.

Speaking recently on the Ozarks Live , Roumie called the opportunity to play Jesus the greatest and most humbling honor of his life.

The impact has been profound, the actor explained. Not just on viewers but on me personally. So its been something that I dont think anything else can compare to.

One critic called his portrayal of Jesus, Damn good in the hardest role ever played, according to his website .

The Atlantic called the character he portrayed, someone youd actually like to hang out with, projecting divine gravity accented with easygoing warmth.

His work on the show has also given him the first recognition from the industry. In 2020, 2022, and 2023 he was nominated by the Movie Guide Awards for the Grace Prize for Most Inspiring Performance for TV and took home the award in 2020.

In Roumies latest project, he plays charismatic hippie preacher Lonnie Frisbee in the Jesus Revolution alongside actor Kelsey Grammar. The move is based on the true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California.

Conservative television and movie star Grammar plays the late Chuck Smith, the pastor who founded the Calvary Chapel movement and mentor to Pastor Greg Laurie. Frisbee who Roumie called a bit of a tortured soul with deep, deep wounds was abused as a child and struggled with drug addiction before he found God.

In the film, we focus on his [Frisbees] time where hes got God sort of lifting him up and sending him out as an apostle with these amazing, charismatic spiritual gifts gifts of the Holy Spirit in very overt ways, Roumie told OSV News .

When you talk to some of the people that saw him do healings, (they say) it was like walking with an apostle. It was that extraordinary, he added. He wasnt a god. He was a man that God used fully, to his service.

Critics have called Roumies on-screen portrayal of Frisbee a breakout performance and more.

[A] Breakout performance of Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, one critic wrote. Roumie brings an unparalleled warmth, gentleness, and humor to this daunting role, lighting up the screen.

Another wrote, Superb acting by Jonathan Roumie. While another opined that, Roumie has such a quiet but commanding presence he speaks with such calm authority, and it carries throughout the series as he brings such humanity and sincerity to this role.

During Roumies interview on Ozarks Live he also talked about where he thought his career would go from here and answered if he planned to stick in just the faith-based genre.

Im open to good stories, Roumie said. I dont have any limitations. Before The Chosen I was working almost explicitly in TV and films in traditional Hollywood settings. If the stories are good and theyre inspiring I will do them.

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Entertainment

YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

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YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has defeated one of the greatest-ever fighters, former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, who’s more than twice his age.

The bout was won on a unanimous points decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – home of the Dallas Cowboys and the biggest NFL stadium in the US.

The fight was already controversial but then arguably failed to live up to the hype. Boos were heard from the crowd in the final two rounds, after a perceived lack of action.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
The heavyweight boxing match took place in Arlington, Texas. Pic: AP

Boxing careers compared

This was not Paul’s first professional fight. The 27-year-old American YouTube star made his debut in 2020 with his most high-profile clash against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy Fury last year, which he lost by a split decision.

The so-called “Problem Child” has since defeated former UFC contender Nate Diaz, professional boxer Andre August, former Gold Gloves champion Ryan Bourland and most recently MMA fighter Mike Perry.

In contrast, “Iron Mike” Tyson, 58, was ranked among the best heavyweight boxers of all time.

More on Jake Paul

During his career, he knocked out 44 opponents – retiring from professional boxing in 2005 after defeat against Kevin McBride.

He returned to the ring in 2020 for a bout against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones, which ended in an unofficial draw.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Mike Tyson struggled at times against Jake Paul, 31 years his junior. Pic: AP

‘Someone’s getting put to sleep’

Earlier this week, Paul said he believed the bout would not go the distance. “No, someone’s getting put to sleep,” he said. “It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”

Tyson was more reflective: “I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” he said.

“I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”

Several states would not allow the bout to go ahead, and the Texas Athletic Commission only agreed to the fight if there were changes, due to Tyson’s age.

It limited the contest to eight rounds lasting a maximum of two minutes instead of three. Both boxers were also required to wear heavier gloves, designed to lessen the force of punches.

The fight was initially scheduled for 20 July, but was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup.

Taylor defends title

Katie Taylor, center, celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano in Texas. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, among the undercard fights, Irish boxer Katie Taylor successfully defended her super lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano.

But it was tight. Taylor claimed the rematch 95-94 for all three judges in an epic battle.

The bout came two and a half years after the pair fought at Madison Square Garden, which Taylor won on a split decision.

Bout suffered from buffering

Earlier in the evening thousands of Netflix users in the US reported problems seeing the coverage, with some posting on social media about buffering.

At one point, more than 98,000 people had reported issues according to Downdetector, which tracks outages.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

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US

YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

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YouTuber Jake Paul strikes defeat against former boxing champ Mike Tyson in Texas

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has defeated one of the greatest-ever fighters, former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, who’s more than twice his age.

The bout was won on a unanimous points decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – home of the Dallas Cowboys and the biggest NFL stadium in the US.

The fight was already controversial but then arguably failed to live up to the hype. Boos were heard from the crowd in the final two rounds, after a perceived lack of action.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
The heavyweight boxing match took place in Arlington, Texas. Pic: AP

Boxing careers compared

This was not Paul’s first professional fight. The 27-year-old American YouTube star made his debut in 2020 with his most high-profile clash against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy Fury last year, which he lost by a split decision.

The so-called “Problem Child” has since defeated former UFC contender Nate Diaz, professional boxer Andre August, former Gold Gloves champion Ryan Bourland and most recently MMA fighter Mike Perry.

In contrast, “Iron Mike” Tyson, 58, was ranked among the best heavyweight boxers of all time.

More on Jake Paul

During his career, he knocked out 44 opponents – retiring from professional boxing in 2005 after defeat against Kevin McBride.

He returned to the ring in 2020 for a bout against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones, which ended in an unofficial draw.

Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Mike Tyson struggled at times against Jake Paul, 31 years his junior. Pic: AP

‘Someone’s getting put to sleep’

Earlier this week, Paul said he believed the bout would not go the distance. “No, someone’s getting put to sleep,” he said. “It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”

Tyson was more reflective: “I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” he said.

“I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”

Several states would not allow the bout to go ahead, and the Texas Athletic Commission only agreed to the fight if there were changes, due to Tyson’s age.

It limited the contest to eight rounds lasting a maximum of two minutes instead of three. Both boxers were also required to wear heavier gloves, designed to lessen the force of punches.

The fight was initially scheduled for 20 July, but was postponed when Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup.

Taylor defends title

Katie Taylor, center, celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Image:
Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano in Texas. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, among the undercard fights, Irish boxer Katie Taylor successfully defended her super lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano.

But it was tight. Taylor claimed the rematch 95-94 for all three judges in an epic battle.

The bout came two and a half years after the pair fought at Madison Square Garden, which Taylor won on a split decision.

Bout suffered from buffering

Earlier in the evening thousands of Netflix users in the US reported problems seeing the coverage, with some posting on social media about buffering.

At one point, more than 98,000 people had reported issues according to Downdetector, which tracks outages.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

Politics

Elon Musk ‘shot down’ OpenAI’s ICO plan in 2018 over credibility concerns

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<div>Elon Musk 'shot down' OpenAI's ICO plan in 2018 over credibility concerns</div>

According to a court filing, Elon Musk said that the proposed initial coin offering (ICO) “would simply result in a massive loss of credibility for OpenAI.”

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