Stephen Baldwin quits Hollywood to pursue born‑again Christian ministry

Actor Stephen Baldwin, known for his role in the Oscar‑winning 1995 film *The Usual Suspects*, said he left mainstream Hollywood in the early 2000s after becoming a born‑again Christian. In a People interview he explained, “I didn’t want to be Tom Cruise and make $100 million at the box office. I’d rather be a schmuck from Massapequa.”

Baldwin said a prophecy from his Brazilian housekeeper, Augusta, that he and his wife Kennya would become Christians and start a ministry sparked his skepticism, which later turned into conviction after attending an evangelical skate‑boarding event. The experience led him to produce the Christian skate video *Livin’ It*, distribute 10,000 copies in six months, and tour more than 125 churches with a youth outreach program.

Since then Baldwin has focused on faith‑based projects, describing Jesus and the Holy Spirit as his guiding force and expressing no regrets about stepping away from a potential blockbuster career.