Taking the minor part in biopic about evangelist Billy Graham, the 'Would You Go with Me' singer opens up about his role as George Beverly Shea and the meaning of playing Shea for him.
- Aug 13, 2008
AceShowbiz - Many may have been aware with the fact that the deep-voiced country singer Josh Turner will be making his big screen debut as Billy Graham's music director, George Beverly Shea in an upcoming biopic "Billy: The Early Years". What they may not know is the reason behind his involvement on the movie project.
Sharing his insight about his role in the film, the 2007 Grammy Awards-nominated singer revealed that his part is more like a tribute to the famed-as-spiritual adviser to multiple U.S. presidents evangelist and the prominent gospel singer/songwriter. "It was my way of honoring the legacy of George Beverly Shea and Billy Graham and what they've done in their lives and their careers and the lives they've touched - obviously including mine," he said.
On the person whom he is depicting in the movie, he stated, "A lot of people don't know who George Beverly Shea is, and I'm always kind of surprised by that. I've always been familiar with what they've done, what they've been about. So when this part was offered to me, I said yes right off the bat, absolutely. There was no thinking about it. It was a great opportunity."
Chronicling Graham's life through his decision to be a minister and the unruly decade following that, "Billy: The Early Years" features Martin Landau, Armie Hammer, Lindsay Wagner and others. Directed by Robby Benson, the drama movie from Rocky Mountain Pictures will be released in limited theaters on October 10.
