Jim Caviezel

September 26, 1968.

Mount Vernon, Washington.

He had a bit part in Gus Van Sant's cult hit "My Own Private Idaho."

His performance as Private Witt in Terrence Mallik's "Thin Blue Line."

The actor, who is known for his strong religious convictions, was cast as Jesus Christ by Mel Gibson in "The Passion of the Christ."

Is reported to have been struck by lightning while filming "The Passion of the Christ."

Refused to film a love scene with on-screen wife Ashley Judd for their film, "High Crimes" (2002). The idea of possible nudity conflicted with Jim's personal beliefs, based on his strong Catholic faith

Caviezel met with the Pope on Monday, March 15, 2004. The pontiff hen blessed the devoutly Roman Catholic actor.

A native of Washington State, Jim Caviezel was born in Mount Vernon on September 26, 1968. One of five children, he grew up as part of a devout Catholic family. After making his film debut with a bit part as an airline clerk in Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho". Caviezel had supporting roles in numerous films including "Diggstown," "Wyatt Earp," "The Rock" "G.I. Jane," and "Ed."

In 1998, Caviezel had his breakthrough role in Terrence Mallik's "The Thin Red Line." The film received a number of Oscar nominations, and its cast, which included Ben Chaplin, Sean Penn, George Clooney, and Nick Nolte, earned almost unanimous acclaim. The following year, Caviezel gained further recognition with his role as one of a group of renegade Civil War soldiers in Ang Lee's "Ride With the Devil" and his portrayal of a football coach's embittered son in Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday." In 2000, Caviezel starred in the supernatural thriller "Frequency," and played a junkie in "Pay It Forward." Caciezel then starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in the the little seen romantic drama "Angel Eyes." He followed that with the period adventure "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Jim Caviezel stars as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ." Already known for on sets for the his faith, Caviezel suffered in the making of the relifious film. His shoulder was seperated during the crucifiction sequence.