Bruce Marchiano (born February 5, 1956) is an American actor and author best known for his portrayals of Jesus Christ in the Visual Bible film series.
Early life Marchiano was born in Los Angeles, California on February 5, 1956. His father is of Italian descent and his mother is of Syrian descent and he has one brother. He attended Catholic schools until graduating from Servite High School in Anaheim, California in 1973.Yearbook 1973, Servite High School, Volume XII, Anaheim, California. A Dustin Hoffman film he saw in theaters when he was young inspired him to be an actor and he acted throughout high school.
Marchiano earned his B.A. in economics from California State University, Fullerton and a J.D. degree from Western State University. He passed the State Bar of California in 1980 but only actively practiced law in 2019.
Career Acting career Marchiano's first role was a 1985 episode of Murder, She Wrote, which was followed by appearances in LA Law, Columbo, and the low-budget horror film, Curse II: The Bite.
As of 2021, he has played Jesus in at least ten films; Higher Level Agency claims he has appeared as Jesus in more movies than any other actor. In the 2009 film Road to Emmaus, he portrayed Jesus' mysterious post-resurrection appearance to two disciples as described in the Gospel of Luke. He also voiced an animated Jesus in the children's animation Lion of Judah. In 2012, Marchiano portrayed Jesus in Apostle Peter and the Last Supper, a film about St. Peter recalling his early days as he prepares for his martyrdom in Rome. In 2014 he appeared as Jesus in The Week that Changed the World.
Writing career Marchiano has written four books, mostly about his experiences portraying Jesus: In the Footsteps of Jesus: One Man’s Journey (1997), Harvest House Jesus, the Man Who Loved Women: He Treasures, Esteems, and Delights in You (2008), Howard Books The Character of a Man: Reflecting the Image of Jesus (2010), Howard Books Jesus Wept (2012), Howard Books
He also wrote, directed, and appeared in the pro-life film Alison's Choice
Marchiano Ministries Marchiano runs Marchiano Ministries, a non-profit ministry based out of North Hollywood, California that goes on missionary trips to South Africa. He has given talks at schools and churches since 1993.
Personal life Marchiano grew up in the Catholic Church but became a Protestant in 1989. He and his wife Maria have two children, Shane and Brooke.
Filmography Films Year Title Role Notes 1987 The Three Kings 1989 Curse II: The Bite Deputy Barney 1993 The Visual Bible: Matthew Jesus 1994 The Visual Bible: Acts Uncredited 2001 Final Solution Jake 2002 Jesus the Christ Jesus 2006 Faith Happens Peter 2010 The EncounterJesus 2011 The Lion of Judah Jesus (voice) 2012 The Encounter: Paradise Lost Jesus Apostle Peter and the Last Supper 2013 Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End The Stranger This is Our Time Professor Callahan For Love's Sake Dr. Clement Lloyd Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire The Stranger Come Follow Me Jesus 2014 Revelation Road: The Black Rider The Stranger 2015 Alison's Choice The Janitor/Jesus Writer, director, producer 2015 My Son, My Savior Jesus 2018 Grace and Gravity John Palmer 2019 Overcomer Pastor Mark 2020 The Author, the Star, and the Keeper Author2023Stand in the GapAuthor
Television Year Title Role Notes 1985 Murder, She Wrote Assistant Director Episode: "Murder to a Jazz Beat" 1987 The New Mike Hammer Gerald Episode: "Green Blizzard" 1989 Hardball Episode: "The Silver Scream" Freddy's Nightmares Rick Episode: "Dream Come True"Days of Our Lives Scofini 3 episodes L.A. Law Catcher Episode: "The Unsterile Cuckoo" 1990 Generations Starvos 3 episodes 1991 Columbo 2nd Technician Episode: "Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star" 1995 Models Inc. Minister Episode: "Sometimes a Great Commotion"2001Legend of the Candy CaneJohn Sonneman (voice)TV Movie2010Road to EmmausJesus2011The Heart of ChristmasDr. McDowell 2016-2020 The Encounter Jesus, Victor, The Man 14 episodes2021Banking on ChristmasBob WestTV Movie
References
External links
https://web.archive.org/web/20071030094648/http://www.vineyardboise.org/publications/articles/2000/quarter_2/bruce.htm
http://www.brucemarchiano.com/