Growing up as wide-eyed youngster in Derry, Ireland, Malibu’s Roma Downey dreamed of living in the spot- light. Little did she know that a few years later, she’d go from Hollywood coat check girl to a household name with her popular “Touched by an Angel” TV show. She’s produced mega remakes of mega stories like “The Bible” and “A.D.” and now has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“I certainly had a dream that I might be there,” she told Malibu Seen. “Twenty-five years ago I skipped down the street like Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It felt like Yellow Brick Road noticing all these heroes and now here I am there right next to (hubby) Mark (Burnett). It just goes to show you dreams can come true.”
With a newly unveiled star: “I dedicate this to everyone with a dream in their hearts.”
But last week’s Hall of Fame ceremony wasn’t the only big production for Roma. She also longed to build a faith-based entertainment company spreading the words of love, faith and hope. That wish manifested itself in her new Lightworkers Media company that has not only released blockbusters like “The Bible” and “A.D.” but is soon to release what could be the biggest epic of them all — “Ben-Hur.” The inspirational chariot scene alone is worth your while, but the tale’s inspiration is priceless. Roma produced the film with loving care alongside her TV titan husband who is the man behind such mega hits like “The Voice” and “Survivor.” Together, they said they wanted to touch on universal themes and today those themes couldn’t be timelier. True, it is a grand and glorious epic film but it also contains the messages of justice and mercy, hope and reconciliation. Also by her side during the project has been dear friend and “Touched by an Angel” co-star Della Reese and pastor Rick Warren of Saddle Back Church.
The director even looked to NASCAR footage to put zip in the chariot scene. Remarkably, no horses were injured. Morgan Freeman adds his powerful, one-of-a-kind voice to the blockbuster in a way only he can. But most of all, says Roma, “This is movie magic and resonates the story of hope.”
“Ben-Hur” opens this week.
“Not only is this an action adventure movie — it has a message of peace. Which we need now more than ever,” Roma says.