Kirk Cameron Refused To Kiss Actress On Set
Growing Pains' lovable older brother Kirk Cameron had an issue with kissing his movie wife on the set of his new film, Fireproof.
A firefighter (Cameron) and his wife (Bethea) begin a 40-day experiment
known as "The Love Dare" in an attempt to save their marriage.
I'm shocked this man is still working as I haven't heard anything about him professionally in years. I know he is a religious activist, but I didn't think he was still dabbling in acting. All these 80s stars taking back Hollywood one step at a time!
Kirk told Kathie Lee Gifford on Today that he wouldn't do what was asked of him in the script because of his belief in the sanctity of marriage. Instead, he requested that his wife replace the woman actress for those intimate scenes and the studio allowed the change.
“I have a commitment not to kiss any other woman,” the former child star of “Growing Pains” told Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford Monday on TODAY in New York.
To get around the conflict, the filmmakers employed a bit of movie magic, Cameron explained. They dressed his wife, actress Chelsea Noble, like the movie’s female lead and shot the scene in silhouette.
“So when I’m kissing my wife, we’re actually husband and wife honoring marriage behind the scenes,” Cameron said as Gifford and Kotb melted from the romanticism of the moment.
What do you think about this? Is the kissing part of the job requirement and something that should be expected? Or is Kirk just doing what more actors should consider?
um he is not a true actor then! if he cant act to his potential then DONT! no one wants to see his loser a$$ anymore.
Uhhhmmm, excuse me, but the movie is AWESOME and I'll take seeing his cute "loser a$$" as you put it over any other stars anytime! Jesus Rules!
3415 points
His last comment makes no sense. He says he's honoring marriage behind the scenes. It's not behind the scenes, you douche. It's IN the scene. Stupid idiot shouldn't act if he doesn't know the difference between acting and real life.
Douche! LOL!
I think this is great. I mean he is saying to the world no matter what he is not going to do something that would harm his marriage. I think more people should follow suit. It is not for every actor maybe, and should not be a requirement. I am really suprised people are so against him having a certain standard and not backing down. That he has a lull in his career is further evidence, he is not a hollywood heavyweight but he is still going to stand up to someone who could take this movie away. I think he is very admirable.
8590 points
I give him props for not doing it. Just because it is standard does not mean that everyone agrees with it.
does anyone really care about him as an actor anymore? if it's so offensive to him then why take the role in the first place?
8535 points
sometime love is more important than money
3250 points
I think its awesome........ and so romantic :-)
300 points
Meh...I understand where he is coming from, and I am sure it is alot less stressful on a marriage to not see your spouse kissing/touching another person, even if it is ACTING and for a role.
Odd. But I still think he is a cutie!
300 points
Good for him BUT, this is probably why we never see him anymore. Too difficult to work with!
Why did he even bother with the part? Geez Kirk its ACTING-hes always looking for an oppourtunity to act like hes better than everyone else. I guess a sex scene is out of the question?
Good for him! At least you know that his marriage will last in Hollywood unlike so many others. How many times do you see in the headlines that actors fall for their co-stars and leave their spouse. His actions will prevent that because he isn't taking a chance that kissing someone else will effect his marriage and create "chemistry". This is a decision I totally and completely respect!
As an actor, I say that's completely unnecessary.
When you go into acting (granted he was a kid) you know that kissing someone other than your significant other is always a possibility.
It means nothing, so I don't think it's a big deal at all.
I guess if he does, okay. Just doesn't seem necessary!
2335 points
Hmmm in the Christian movie scene, he's a big deal - he headlined the Left Behind Series. I think it's absolutely awesome that he honoring his marriage, wife and God. Kudos to him!
Kirk is awesome. All of you that "hate" him can just skip the movie. He is an awesome man Christian, Husband, and Father. We should all be so lucky. Riviera - Jealous much?
Maybe he has herpes and doesn't want to pass it on ;-)
300 points
Personally, I think this is a little silly. I completely understand and respect Kirk's decision not to kiss another woman, but then maybe you shouldn't be an actor. I'm thrilled that Kirk is acting again (I had such a crush on him as a kid!!) but let's be realistic here...if the role you're accepting involves kissing, nudity, cussing, etc. and you have a problem with any of that, then you shouldn't accept the role. I had a friend who was offered a role in a show and her part was to portray a Burlesque dancer (no nudity, the costumes weren't even that skimpy) and she felt uncomfortable doing it. So she didn't accept the part. I think that's only fair to the actor and the other people involved.
i'm really really happy to hear this. nowadays people like to say they're 'christian' or 'religious' but then do NOTHING in accordance with that. They say they're christian then have relationships outside of marriage, children outside of marriage, and no one questions how this can fit with their religion which treasures the sanctity of marriage.
This man is christian, and he's acting in accordance with his faith, which should be respected and admired.
435 points
He's an actor, they are meant to seperate life in front of the camera and real life. Like jackid1208 said, don't accept the part if you have issues with it. And I'd like to point out to Milly, no offence, but there is nothing wrong with having children outside of marriage. I agree that people often label themselves "christian" when they're clearly not, but keeping to certain church rules are pretty much impossible in modern life, for example, contraception. Married couples can't support multiple unplanned children nowadays. Just to make clear; I come from an Irish Catholic family, in Ireland, and I don't consider myself catholic. And I don't have any children.
Wow I'm in a controversial mood today!!
510 points
i think it is super romantic & i understand where he is coming from, however acting is still a job. if we were to inconvenience our bosses by doing something like that we would be fired...then again its not like he is acting in a major feature film. i am sure its some kind of christian movie going straight to DVD, so they were happy to accomodate his wishes.
That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard!!!:)
300 points
I think it's sweet. Look at what happens in some instances with movie stars playing husband and wife. If it didn't make a big deal for the movie and they could work around it well then what's the issue?
300 points
I recently read his book, (yes he has one) and he talks a lot about being the type of person to throw himself into something completely. Which means if he's going to be a husband and a Christian, he's doing it all the way and not letting up because of a movie roll. If they didn't want to "put up with" his ways, they would have said no and gotten another actor. It first happened back on the set of Growing Pains and while it was hard to stand up for what he believed, he did it. More than one can say about most people in the business.
I think he did the right thing. Love scenes are intimate and I'm sure it would be hard for someone to watch their spouse in an intimate setting with someone else. If it was just acting and no big deal, I would bet that a lot of cheaters out there would be using that as their excuse.... "I was just acting, honey" Marriage and family are my top priorities and it's always nice to see that in others. Good for him!
2895 points
I'm not sure why anyone would have a problem with him doing this. Obviously there are performers out there that have no problem simulating sex on film with another performer. For the record, I don't consider that "acting". Showing sex on screen is not necessary for most plots, people. That's not saying that I turn my head or close my eyes when it happens, but be logical.
Gia - Do you have a job that involves you having to be physically intimate with a stranger on camera? Didn't think so.
Kirk's convictions may have sounded to crazy but he is selling the movie to a large audience of desporate Christian woman who will be flocking to this movie to save thier marriages- what better way to get them buying tickets then commiting to something gooey and overly romantic what better way. play on thier weakness. That being said, I know enough about him though his ministry to know he lives what he says-and I think it is great that he is an individual and not someone who just wants to be popular. I Think he most certainly does live by this standard, but I think he is also using it in kind of a manipulative way sell tickets. Is that a bad thing...he also didn't kiss the chick he married in the leftbehind series either- that was editing- but that was never mentioned in the press at all. So in a nutshell he is standing by tall conviction- but he is exploiting it to sell tickets..so you decide if he is really crazy after all. I say no, he's more of a regular guy then I would have guessed. And by the way I saw Fireproof at an early screening and he really was fantastic in it- he just may be in more movies in the future.
1935 points
Don't take the part if you can't complete it 10)% to you bosses liking. It's wonderful that he is so committed to his marriage, but there are still pleanty of other jobs that don't require kissing.
13990 points
sweet, but he should try a different career (if he still has one).
300 points
Can't believe he's still acting!
"Gia - Do you have a job that involves you having to be physically intimate with a stranger on camera? Didn't think so."
Ha your comment to Gia has zero logic.
This man CHOSE to be an actor. As an actor, you have to know that you may be called upon to kiss or simulate love making to someone other than your wife or husband. If this is uncomfortable for an actor or actress, he or she needs to seek another profession or pick very specific movie roles.
2895 points
Acting requires that you be wiling to simulate lovemaking on film? Actually, it doesn't and they found a way around that, didn't they? Good for them.
If the studio agreed, then who cares? If he doesn't work again because of it, then who cares?
300 points
I dont think that if you choose to be an actor, you MUST be expected to kiss or have sex scenes, and that if you dont, its basically suicide to your career. Take a look at Morgan Freeman for example. He has NEVER kissed another woman on screen, at least not during his entire marriage to his wife. And yet he is considered a GREAT actor of our time.
Good for him. Committed Christian men are hard to find. Hollyweird would be better off with a few more like Kirk Cameron.
Thank God there is still someone with morals and values out there. Way to go, Kirk!
20555 points
There are not too many "christians" I have run across who dont think they are better then the rest of mankind. Its sickening. Course most of them are born-agains so maybe thats the reason.
1845 points
So glad he stands up for what he believes in.
Jan, I don't understand your statement. We're all born again Christians, when you accept Christ, you give up your past ways and are "born again".
Sooo, if I am married, and my job is being a stripper it is ok, because it is my job?!
20555 points
Born again to me means someone who has lived a life without the church ( and please note I say church not GOD because I think they are two completely different things ) and then decide they are going to change their ways and become "good". Then they spend their time banging everyone else over the head with their new beliefs and how anyone who doesnt believe as they do are bad. Prime example - my sister spends her time classifying every single person she knows or meets as Christian or Non Christian. That is insulting to me and proves she thinks she is better then everyone else. In no way am I saying anyone else is that way - I was giving my POV on those I have met in MY life.
1845 points
I understand you're point. There are a lot of people like that. I'm not sure why either. No one's better than anyone else...ever.
300 points
honestly, i'm surprised they hired him with as many willing and able actors there are. but good for him!!!
300 points
Uh...that's his job. It has nothing to do with religion.
I think what he did is AMAZING.
Good for him. He has values unlike most of Hollywood where divorce is like the soup du jour.
Homeboy is ape-sh*t crazy!! This is why he is never seen, he is a terrible actor, and is a grade A diva!!!! Please give me break and stop reporting on this psuedo-star!! Let him go back to his wife and 50,000 kids and get out of my face!!!
300 points
I'm glad he stayed true to his convictions
Blech. Honestly. Actors pretend, that's what they do. Can't do it, don't be one.
Also, not all of us should be so lucky - some of us are exceedingly happy to be Jewish and do just fine without Jesus.
Good for him! He's christian and he honors his wife Chelsea, that's the way it's suppose to be. True love.
300 points
Good for him - for me personally, I don't think you have to have sex/make-out sessions in a film for it to succeed - simply implying the act is enough.
520 points
Wow! I think it super sweet and romantic. What an incredible way to honor and protect his marriage and his wife!
Ah...I have a growing pain listening to him (corny I know). It's a little kiss! I'm sure wifey isn't going to cry over a kiss for a paycheck.
puke.
I love that he's honoring his marriage! Acting comes with kissing, it's inevitable but we are also all human and have these physical hormonal urges and they are hard to control and for him to recognize that is amazing in my opinion! It's not always about love - it's lust too.
Wow What character, This man will be blessed by Honoring God & His Marriage with his purity. So refreshing to see that there are still men with charater in this world.
This world would be a better place if everyone felt like Kirk Cameron, Christian values. Our country was based on Christian Values and that has gone down the toilet too. I'll see the movie because it is Christian based without sex. Everyone else in this country has rights, why can't an actor have the right not to kiss another woman other than his wife. I say "GO KIRK"!!!!!. I pray everyday that my son will grow up to be the man that God wants him to be too.
300 points
I love that. Not necessarily because I feel that every actor should do that, but because he was able to stay within his boundaries. It is a romantic idea, for sure, but I think it is amazing.
I think there are those that have a hard time with the value of marriage since they don't value marriage. How many hollywood marriages have broken up because they "fell in love" with the actors/actresses they were in the movie with. Or those that aren't married and they date the next person they're in the movie with and then the next.
Or how about Tia Leona's husband who is in a series called californication and now needs help with a sex addiction.
You can't do things in life and not have it effect your life.
why doesn*t he get a job in Walmart then?
I agree with those that say right on why should he kiss another woman even if its acting when you are kissing its not just scene because you have to make it real for the viewers to believe. His not an activist by the way his a christian with christian values something hollywood is VERY short off.
Someone with standards in lala land fantastic
Way to go Kirk! Awesome movie! Everyone should see it!
Brad and Jolie, Afleck and Loopez, Diaz and whoever, Madonna and everyone. Promiscuity is the norm? All a youse are doushes.
i am so proud of kirk cameron, i mean that is a true man he is honoring God and his wife i mean no one does that anymore now, what is good they say its bad?wow why dont we just analyze all the hollywood actors marriages and see how they turned out to be . He is setting a great example and his movie is awesome i encourage everyone to see it God Bless and i continue to root for Kirk Cameron May God Bless Him.
I think what he did it's great. I don't think that an actor who kisses someone else is unfaithful to her wife, but I think it's simply great that a man could be so devoted to his wife and his marriage.
His decision took back to him a huge amount of bad (and stupid) comments. But he was brave enough to do it anyway and to stand for his belief.
He's not working very much in Holliwood because of his belief and, anyway, he's still standing for it. I admire him. It would be amazing if other famous people had the same courage.
Go Kirk go!!!
Post new comment
When commenting, please be respectful to other INO readers. No racial, sexual or homophobic slurs will be tolerated.