Famous Actors Who Have Portrayed Jesus Christ

By Autumn Meriwhether, Wednesday, September 11, 2013

While no interpretation of the life of Jesus Christ can ever tell the full story, hundreds of films and television series have been made about God's only son.

The Christian Post has compiled a list of some of the most famous actors who tried their hand at portraying Jesus Christ over the years.

1. Christian Bale

Before he was Batman in "The Dark Knight Rises," Bale portrayed Jesus in 1999's "Mary, Mother of Jesus."

2. Jim Caviezel

The actor starred in Mel Gibson's controversial meditation, "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004. Today, Caviezel stars on "Person of Interest," and he will appear in the upcoming sports drama, "When The Game Stands Tall."

3. Diogo Morgado

This Portuguese actor starred as Jesus in Mark Burnett's "Bible" series, which aired on The History Channel this year. Burnett told CP that he and his wife Roma Downey had prayed for the right actor to come along for the role just before they were introduced to Morgado.

Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus Christ in Mark Burnett and Roma Downey's 'Bible' series which will premiere on The History Channel on March 3, 2013. — Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus Christ in Mark Burnett and Roma Downey's "Bible" series which will premiere on The History Channel on March 3, 2013. | Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus Christ in Mark Burnett and Roma Downey's "Bible" series which will premiere on The History Channel on March 3, 2013.

4. Willem Dafoe

Before playing the Green Goblin in "Spider-Man," Dafoe played Jesus in 1988's "The Last Temptation of Christ." The actor is also recognized for his roles in films that include "The Boondock Saints" and "The English Patient," among many others.

Actor Willem Dafoe arrives for the premiere of the film 'Daybreakers' in New York January 7, 2010. | (Photo: Reuters/Lucas Jackson)

5. Max von Sydow

The Swedish actor played Jesus 1965's "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Von Sydow also starred in films such as "The Exorcist," "James Bond: Never Say Never," and most recently, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," which earned him his second Academy Award nomination.

Swedish actor Max von Sydow poses during a photo call at the San Sebastian's International Film Festival in Spain, September 24, 2006. | (Photo: Reuters/Pablo Sanchez)

6. Ted Neeley

Neeley's first acting break arrived with the role of Jesus in 1973 with "Jesus Christ Superstar." The actor went on to appear in films "Starsky and Hutch" as well as "Django Unchained," among many others.