Kevin Sorbo: From Strokes to Starring in Supergirl

Known for his roles in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Andromeda, Kevin Sorbo has had a rich and varied career in Hollywood, far from the typical A-list mainstream roles. This article delves into his journey, from his near-death experience to his work in faith-based films and his recent involvement in the hit TV show Supergirl.

The Near-Death Experience

In 2012, Kevin Sorbo published a book titled True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal — How Nearly Dying Saved My Life, revealing a harrowing episode in his life. Sorbo suffered three strokes in 1997 following an aneurysm. This event happened during a tour for the film Kull the Conqueror. Doctors initially dismissed his symptoms, but Sorbo eventually underwent surgery to treat the aneurysm.

After returning to work, Sorbo faced significant challenges, including fatigue, depression, and anxiety attacks. Despite these obstacles, he continued to act and even reprise his role as Hercules in 2010 in a more modest capacity. In 2014, he returned to the screen, this time in fantasy and faith-based projects.

Post-Strokes Career

The injuries and subsequent treatments had a profound impact on Sorbo's career choices. He shifted his focus towards independent films and faith-based projects, in which he felt he could express his faith more deeply. In 2016, Kevin Sorbo took up the voice role of God for the Breathe Bible Audio New Testament, a project that further cemented his dedication to religious themes in entertainment.

Sorbo has also ventured into movies like Mythica: A Quest for Heroes, The Darkspore, The Necromancer, The Iron Crown, and The Godslayer. His recent inclusion in the Supergirl series as Mon-Els' father, Lar Gand, showcases his ability to tackle varied roles, even in well-established franchises.

The Hollywood Tangle

Hollywood, as Sorbo's career journey reveals, is a complex web of expectations and challenges. His political views and social media presence have sometimes put him at odds with industry expectations. In 2014, Sorbo expressed his right-wing political views, leading to some backlash. His comments in 2014 about his desire for cameo roles in Hercules movies, which he was eventually rejected from, further highlighted his status as a unique actor in the industry.

One of the more controversial events was Sorbo's opinion on the 2016 presidential election. When TMZ initially asked who he thought Jesus would vote for, Sorbo answered Trump. In 2017, when Trump was already in office, Sorbo reaffirmed his stance, stating he would not rethink his answer. This reaffirmed his position and perhaps helped solidify his role in faith-based films and discussions.

Conclusion

Kevin Sorbo's career is a testament to resilience and faith. Starting with a life-threatening illness, he has worked tirelessly to continue his acting career, often in faith-based films and on the convention circuit. His recent role in Supergirl adds another layer to his storied career, reinforcing his presence in mainstream entertainment.

For those interested in learning more about Kevin Sorbo, his films, and his contributions to the entertainment industry, these resources are available: