David Henrie, known for starring in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ recently shared insights into his shift away from the “secular” Hollywood life. During an appearance on Raymond Arroyo’s ‘Arroyo Grande’ podcast, Henrie discussed the significant impact of his friendship with actor Kevin James on his spiritual path.
Henrie reflected on his experiences in Hollywood, stating, “I started changing my whole perspective on life and faith. I so craved an objective belief system. I grew up in relativistic Hollywood and, you know, a partying lifestyle, secular life, worldliness, materialism, and it left me empty.” For Henrie, a visit to a monastery in 2012 was pivotal. He recalled a concept he termed the “bubblegum theory of pleasure,” where he likened continual search for fleeting pleasures to chewing flavorless gum.
In 2012, Kevin James invited Henrie to visit St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, leading Henrie to write a detailed confession to share with the priest there. This visit brought him a sense of relief and perspective he hadn’t previously found.
The experience influenced Henrie’s work, inspiring his documentary series ‘Seeking Beauty.’ This series delves into the art, architecture, food, music, and cultural depths in Italy. The first season of this series premiered in January on EWTN+, with a second season currently in development.
David Henrie’s journey highlights the profound effect of faith and new perspectives on personal transformation, setting a contrast against his earlier life in Hollywood.