The 'Scandal' actor plays the real-life fundamentalist Mormon leader Warren Jeffs, who was found guilty for child sexual assault, in 'Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs'.
- Jun 3, 2014
AceShowbiz - Tony Goldwyn is going from a cheating president on "Scandal" to a controversial polygamist in an upcoming TV movie. He stars as the president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Warren Jeffs, in Lifetime's "Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs".
Now, a sneak-peek video for the telepic has made its way out via ET Online. "I do this, because I love you all," Goldwyn, in character as Jeffs, says in a sermon if one of the scenes. The actor said he studied Jeffs' speeches so that he could copy his voice.
Based on the book "When Men Become Gods" by Stephen Singular, the movie chronicles Jeffs' rise to power after the death of his father, Rulon Jeffs (Martin Landau). Within days of his father's passing, Warren married all of his father's wives and dictatorial control over his polygamist followers ensued. He demanded women in the sect be completely subservient to men, banned laughing and "reassigned" wives to other men at whim.
The movie gives an inside look at the psychology of a cult leader and those who blindly followed him. Even to this day with their leader behind bars, members of his polygamist cult still believe that he is the prophet chosen by God himself.
"Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs" will premiere Saturday, June 28 at 8 P.M. on Lifetime. Molly Parker takes a supporting role as one of Jeffs' wives.
The real Jeffs was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting two underage girls.
