Did Finding Jesus Hurt Stephen Baldwin's Career?

What comes into your mind when you think about Stephen Baldwin? Is it his whacky personality? How about his creative sense of humor? Or perhaps how he was once a drug addict who lived a crazy life style? For many years he lived and partied like a young teenager with money in the bank and not a care in the world. Over the past nine years this hasn’t been the case for Mr. Baldwin. Today, he is a born again Christian who advocates the praise and love of Jesus and is as straight-laced as they come. Although, Baldwin grew up in a Catholic family it would seem that he didn’t truly find God until after he became born-again. If you wondering what caused Baldwin to venture down this holy path the answer is the tragedies of September 11^th. For some reason the events of September 11^th took a drastic toll on his psyche causing him to make a change in his life. Now, the events of 9/11 were so devastating I can totally understand why someone would seek a change in their own life. Robin Quivers, of the Howard Stern Show, became a vegan and started to eat healthier after 9/11. Her epiphany came when she realized that if she were stuck in those burning towers she would have never made it down the all those stairs due to her weight and life style. As a result, she lost at least 50 lbs. (Some of that can be attributed to the fact that she was also getting her colon cleansed weekly...seriously.) I have no issue with Baldwin, or Robin, changing their life style in the manners they did. My question is this: Did becoming a born again Christian hurt Stephen Baldwin’s career? In my opinion, yes it absolutely hurt his career.

As you know Stephen’s career was never like his brother’s Alec. None of the brothers even come close to the talent or success Alec has, but Stephen did manage to have consistent work throughout his career. His greatest role was easily in Brian Singer’s The Usual Suspects, which showed people his range as an actor. Baldwin really stood out in his portrayal of Michael McManus, a cutthroat thief you didn’t want to cross. Baldwin also shined in Bio-Dome with Pauly Shore, a personal favorite of mine. In Bio-Dome he beautifully illustrated his comedic abilities and chemistry with his co-star. While Bio-Dome was no blockbuster movie it will always remain a cult classic for many. The rest of his films are not worthy enough to mention but those two movies, especially The Usual Suspects, are extremely popular and display his skill. You’re probably asking yourself, “If he only starred in two good movies what’s the issue? He wasn’t ever really that important.” While I can’t disagree with that statement entirely, as I said, he still had consistent work that paid fairly well. Since his rebirth Baldwin has become very selective about the roles he agrees to and he will not star in anything that offends his Christian values. Personally, I think that is a very big mistake because he needs all the work he can get. He needs it more then ever since he declared bankruptcy in 2009 due to the millions of dollars of debt he is in. Not only did he declare bankruptcy but also his house in Nyack was foreclosed because he and his wife failed to pay their mortgage.

As a way to supplement his income over the years Baldwin has done various things such as co-hosting a conservative talk radio show with Kevin McCullough, establishing several religious organizations, and participating in reality T.V shows such as I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Big Brother. If you ever watched those two shows you would have clearly witnessed his strange behavior. For example, on I’m a Celebrity…he baptized The Hill’s “star” and world-renowned moron Spencer Pratt. Personally, I believe Baldwin’s involvement with these organizations led to him to spend most his money. As a result of spending and losing so much money a website has been created in order to restore Baldwin. This website is called RestoreStephenBaldwin.org and accepts donations from anyone willing. Baldwin is not affiliated with the website but is aware of its existence.

It’s safe to say Stephen Baldwin’s life has been caught in quick sand. The more he struggles and attempts to get out the more he gets pulled down. His actions and behavior force many people to not like him thus creating tension in his relationships. The thing that he doesn’t seem to understand is that no one wants religion pushed in his or her face. People are tolerant of others faith and religious beliefs. There is no problem in having a religious conversation or debate with your peers. Personally, I find it intellectually stimulating. However, the last thing I need is some whacked out has been actor telling me my soul is going to burn in hell or that I’m living a sinful life because I haven’t accepted Jesus and God into my life. Fuck off! Please, don’t get me wrong I’m not attacking Christianity, the Church (even though it has numerous imperfections), or people who are born again. I’m simply stating my distaste for someone who arrogantly forces religion on other people. I believe its wrong and it shows that’s Baldwin is highly self-involved and cannot maintain new relationships. Stephen Baldwin needs to seriously reevaluate his actions because his career has suffered tremendously. I would like to see some remnants of the old Stephen Baldwin. Not the partying and drug addicted Baldwin but the man who delivered amazing performances such as in The Usual Suspects and Bio-Dome.