The Bible' Actor Diogo Morgado Talks Challenge and Joy of Starring Jesus in the Epic TV Series

GRACE HILL MEDIA

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Diogo Morgado, the actor who portrays Jesus in the upcoming "The Bible" which is set to kick off on The History Channel Sunday night, opened up about his role in the epic TV series.

"The Bible," created by TV producer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, draws powerful pictures of the historical events recorded in the Bible, including Noah's Ark, the Exodus, Abraham and Isaac, and the life story of Jesus Christ.

The much-anticipated TV series have been praised as "the best" among Biblical films ever created.

"I was scared when I knew I was going to play Jesus," Morgado told The Christian Post of his monumental role as Jesus.

"I went to the place where everything [in the Bible] supposedly happened and got involved with this energy."

Visiting Israel, where Jesus spent his life, gave him a "magical energy" which allowed him to take the role, the Portuguese actor said.

"The opportunity to participate in this project made me go back to my spirituality and communion with God," said Morgado, whom Burnett and Downey handpicked for "The Bible."

"He has a gentleness and humanity about him," Downey told CP while speaking about the series in 2012.

Asked whether playing Jesus was his most challenging role to date, the 33-year-old actor said, "Is that even a question?"

"Sure! There is nothing harder than this [role- Jesus is the most complete and complex figure of mankind," Morgado said.

"We're talking about someone that billions of people died for and live by."

"Everything in society is basically touched by Jesus' words, Jesus was the living proof of God and that is what the Bible was all about," Morgado continued.

"So yes, it is and I bet it will be the most difficult challenge I'll ever have."

"The Bible" series will be premiered this Sunday at 8 p.m.(EST) on the History Channel, with the 10-hour series' finale airing on Easter Sunday, March 31.

"I know that there are a lot of people out there that simply don't know the Bible," the actor said, emphasizing that the TV program serves education purposes for those who want to explore the Bible.

"Ultimately, this is a beautiful [take] on why the Bible is one of the most important books in history. I think that people who aren't spiritual or connected to their spiritual side, will be more connected after seeing this."