Credit: Corbis/MediaBakery

Christians in Hollywood? It's not as unusual as you may think. Karen Covell of the Hollywood Prayer Network says "there are currently a recognized 5,000-plus Christians working or striving to work in the Hollywood entertainment industry. We're a growing community of believers experiencing unity, community, and hope as we band together seeking Jesus."

Some, such as Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond), Eric Close (Without a Trace), and Sherri Shepherd (Almost Perfect) are household names. Others, still relatively unknown, are just beginning to make a name for themselves. Today's Christian chatted with a few of these Hollywood "up and comers."

Courtesy of Damon Pfaff

"Called to Be a Light"
While studying improvisation at the legendary Groundlings Theater Company, Damon Pfaff booked the job as a waiter in The Captain, acting opposite Hollywood comedy heavyweights Cheryl Hines, Tim Bagley, Michael Hitchcock, and Mindy Sterling. That led to a role in The Wash, a short film by director Jason Naumann, who says of his star: "Damon is the perfect blend of humor and the dramatic. Of all the talent I've worked with, he's the one to watch."

Damon, how did you get into acting?

Damon: As a child I was incredibly hyperactive, so much so that my parents were desperate to find an outlet for my copious amounts of energy and imagination. When a musical at church was casting for young people, I found myself "volunteered" for participation. That was my introduction to Psalty the Singing Hymnal as well as the world of make-believe.

Now you're a working actor in Hollywood. Sum up your day-to-day existence.

Damon: Some actors find immediate success. But the rest of us are up every morning mailing headshots to casting directors, sitting for hours in overfilled rooms, elbow to elbow with scores of other actors that look just like we do.

What do most people in your industry make of your faith?

Damon: Christianity is not only a joke in Hollywood, it's seen as a source of weakness and naiveté. The challenges I receive from other actors are based on misunderstanding. Most are under the impression that the arts are labeled a "no-man's land" to Christians. I feel called to be a light in this industry, not only because it's a passion from the Lord, but also because there are so many battles to be won in His name. Not to mention the power of quality storytelling, specifically in films that edify and lift the soul. God gave us abilities that this world has taken in a dark direction. But they've been entrusted to us as a form of worship and understanding.

Staci Michelle Armao Credit: Kevin McIntyre

"It's About Excellence"
Staci Michelle Armao moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago and quickly got work on NBC's Unsolved Mysteries and in a short film on PBS. She found herself gravitating toward the world of theater when she discovered the Actor's Co-op, a theater group made up of Christian actors. Their playhouses are located on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, yet are popular among the city's theater crowd. Armao attracted attention for her role as a 1938 Kentucky Shaker woman in As It Is In Heaven, which the L.A. Times named its "Critics Choice" and LA Weekly called "a rich and vivid portrait of these deeply committed women."

Staci, how did you get involved in stage work?

Staci: I pursued going into theater for the training-and Actor's Co-op for the fellowship. Though it's a mainstream theater company, we all happen to be Christians. I really needed a sense of community, and it's absolutely done that for me. But it has also waylaid me a little, because I've been pursuing theater more than [film and TV]. I think I'm getting to a point where I realize I may have achieved what I wanted to. I may take a sabbatical to reevaluate where I'm going-to sort of "invite God" to come along.

How is the Actor's Co-Op attracting such critical praise from mainstream press?

Staci: It's surprising that LA Weekly likes us so much, but I think it's because they appreciate the work. That's what appeals. It's about excellence. Good work is good work. It's incumbent upon us as Christians to pursue excellence in what we do.

Matt Lutz Credit: Henry Garrett

"God Loves This Industry"
Matt Lutz has the face you've seen everywhere. While flashy stars dominate the tabloids and soundbytes of entertainment newsmagazines, the majority of working actors are "day players" who bounce from show to show in guest-starring roles. Lutz has turned up on shows from Las Vegas to 7th Heaven, and movies from Bringing Down The House to the Christian film End of the Spear. But he's probably best known for playing opposite John Larroquette in the Hallmark Channel series McBride.

What challenges do you face as an actor?

Matt: I've been working on a series for the last two years, bought a condo a month ago, and found out the series is coming to an end. There's definitely a huge element of having to choose to live by faith, believing God is going to provide. My constant prayer is that He will provide our mortgage every month.

So it's not all limos and red carpets?

Matt: Life for my wife and me is completely unglamorous. We spend a good portion of our time hanging around our one-bedroom condo looking for work. Not that we're in a bad place financially, but the cost of living is high in L.A. Most people here, unless they're Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts, live rather "middle class" lives.

Christians tend to have a lot of misconceptions about Hollywood in general-that it's a pit of vice and filth … and in many ways, sadly, that's true. But there are many believers living, working, ministering, and thriving here. God loves this city and this industry.

How is God teaching you to live by faith?

Matt: This town will chew you up and spit you out if you're not grounded in the Lord. My wife and I have a common prayer: "We trust you, God." I can't think of a more appropriate way of claiming that our lives are led by faith in a good and sovereign God. It reminds us that we're not doing this alone … and, more importantly, that we're not the ones steering the ship.

Dan Ewald is a journalist, screenwriter, and producer living in Los Angeles.

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