BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

A Hollywood actor best known for his role as Hercules, Kevin Sorbo has never shied away from discussing his roots—not only as a performer but also as a person of deep faith. 

In a recent interview, Sorbo revisited a pivotal moment from his youth that left a lasting impression and helped solidify his belief in God. That moment involved none other than the legendary evangelist Billy Graham.

Growing up in a small town near Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, Sorbo was raised in a home where Christian values were not just taught, but lived. His parents, devoted believers, were consistent in their faith. “My mom’s still alive at 92,” Sorbo shared. “My father passed 12 years ago. I miss him every day.”

At the age of 13, Sorbo attended a Billy Graham crusade at the St. Paul Fairgrounds. “It was a hot August night,” he recalled. “There were about 300,000 people gathered under the full moon.” The energy was palpable, and though Graham was far away on the stage, Sorbo felt deeply moved. Then something unforgettable happened. As Sorbo chatted with friends, he suddenly felt a hand on his head. Turning around, he saw Billy Graham himself.

“His head was perfectly behind the full moon,” Sorbo remembered. “It looked like rays were coming out. And I… got goosebumps.” That brief but powerful encounter became a cornerstone of Sorbo’s spiritual journey.

Years later, Sorbo would recount the story during an interview with Larry King. The moment gained attention, eventually leading to an invitation to share the story in a “Chicken Soup” book about Billy Graham. The experience came full circle when Sorbo assisted in promoting the book and developed a friendship with Franklin Graham, Billy’s son.

Despite the allure and distractions of Hollywood, Sorbo says he never walked away from his faith. “I did a lot of stupid things in my 20s,” he admitted. “But I never had a crisis where I didn’t believe in God or Jesus.” Acting may have taken him far from home, but it never pulled him away from the values instilled in him from the beginning.

Sorbo’s career trajectory began at 11, after a field trip to a theater production. The performance captivated him, and on the bus ride home, he confidently told his mother, “I’m going to be an actor.” 

Though he was a typical jock in school, Sorbo pursued drama in college and later took acting classes in Dallas. His career truly took off after he was discovered in Italy by Gianni Versace, leading to modeling and acting opportunities.

From the spotlight of “Hercules” to faith-based films like God’s Not Dead, Sorbo has made it his mission to use entertainment as a vehicle for positive and faith-affirming messages. His encounter with Billy Graham was more than a moment—it was a divine nudge, guiding his path both personally and professionally.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from shutterstock.com