Will Graham, grandson of famed evangelist Billy Graham, stepped in front of the cameras in Unbroken: Path to Redemption to play a crucial part in the life story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic runner and prisoner of war.
“I’m grateful to have a chance to play my granddad and to tell the bigger story of how God changed Louie and Cynthia’s (lives),” Graham said.
Graham, who is quick to point out that he’s “not an actor,” studied his grandfather’s sermons, which he said often were as quick as a “machine gun,” with the evangelist rarely taking a breath.
“He went eight weeks, preached every day, and twice on Sunday, and so I didn’t get to listen to all those sermons, but I try to pick out the few that were meaningful to Louis,” he said. “Actually, we used his sermon as my script in the movie.”
To see an exclusive interview with Graham and Zamperini, watch the video. {eoa}
DeWayne Hamby is a communications specialist and longtime journalist covering faith-based music, entertainment, books and the retail industry. He is also the editor of the White Wing Messenger, director of communications for the Church of God of Prophecy, and author of the book Gratitude Adjustment. Connect with him at dewaynehamby.com or on Twitter, @dewaynehamby.