‘Passion of the Christ’ star says playing Jesus wrecked his career

London: Actor Jim Caviezel has spoken out about how playing Jesus in Mel Gibson`s controversial movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ has wrecked his career. Since playing the Son of God in the 2004 film he said offers had dried up and was shunned by many within his own industry.

Although a box office hit taking more than 400million dollars worldwide the movie was condemned as being anti-Semitic. Gibson, the film`s director, was later accused of making anti-Jewish remarks after being arrested for drink driving. Caviezel recalled how he was warned against taking the role by Gibson himself who warned him he would never work in Hollywood again. "He said, ``You``ll never work in this town again.`` I told him, ``We all have to embrace our crosses``,” the Daily Mail quoted him as telling an audience of churchgoers in Orlando, Florida. Prior to playing Jesus, Caviezel was considered one of Hollywood rising stars and appeared in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘ngel Eyes’ with Jennifer Lopez. Caviezel, a devout Roman Catholic, said he knew playing Jesus would be risky. “Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been. Not much has changed in 2,000 years,” he added. ANI