Actor Kelsey Grammer became emotional while discussing his depiction of Pastor Chuck Smith in a new film called “Jesus Revolution” while appearing on a recent episode of “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” After the show aired a clip from the film, Grammer said through tears, “I love this movie. I really love it.”

He also said that his wife Kayte Walsh loved it when they watched the film’s first cut in their home. Grammar recalled, “When Kayte saw it, she said, ‘Oh my God, it’s the best thing you’ve ever done.’ She started crying.” As he became emotional, Grammer told hosts Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Rip that his character is a man searching for his faith and finds it. His church is empty, he’s losing traction, and he thinks he’ll be fired from his pastoral job.

Grammer continued, “This hippie comes into his life. And he finds a new purpose and started a movement that’s still going. It’s extraordinary.” When Ripa asked if the film was a true story, Grammer said yes. Then, Grammer told Seacrest and Ripa that he’d been approached by numerous people who told him he was portraying Chuck Smith, telling him how Smith either baptized or married them. Grammar described how their eyes would light up before breaking into tears again.

Pastor Greg Laurie’s story is also included in the film. Laurie was a teen when the Jesus People Movement started in the 1970s. The film centers on Laurie as he meets a hippie street preacher named Lonnie Frisbee, and the two eventually connect with Grammer’s character, Pastor Chuck Smith. Smith, who died in 2013, was the real-life pastor of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa and played a role in the spiritual awakening in Southern California in the 1960s and 1970s. Laurie founded Harvest Christian Fellowship in California, one of America’s largest churches. Laurie explained in the film’s special feature posted to YouTube, “The Jesus Movement was an awakening. Not only was it the last great American awakening, I think it may have been the most significant of all.”

Grammer is a 67-year-old Christian known best for his character of Frasier Crane, who he played for 20 years in the TV series “Cheers” and “Frasier.” In previous interviews, Grammer has been open about his faith and its “profound” part in his life.” Jesus has been a profound influence in my life,” Grammer told the outlet Christian Headlines. “I am proud to be a part of this film.” “Jesus Revolution” is a film directed by Jon Erwin, who also directed “American Underdog” and “I Can Only Imagine.” Other cast members include Anna Grace Barlow, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Joel Courtney.

Courtney, who plays the teenage Laurie in the movie, agrees but thinks another great movement could be just around the corner. “Our country and the world is primed for another revival,” he said. There’s nothing wrong with being overcome with emotion while discussing something you’re passionate about. It’s clear that Kelsey Grammer is passionate about this film, which premieres on February 24, 2023.