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Young acting star Julian Silva ties success to Christian faith

 
Julian Silva  moved from Tampa to New York and remains ready to go where God leads him.
Julian Silva moved from Tampa to New York and remains ready to go where God leads him.
Published Nov. 5, 2015

For 12-year-old Julian Silva, the opportunity to play young Simba in Broadway's The Lion King came by faith, not luck.

The Hillsborough County native, who attended the Crossing Church in Ruskin before moving to New York last summer, thanks God for his successes.

Julian began singing at age 5 and shortly after, performing in Tampa area musical productions. At 9, he became involved with Actors Models and Talent for Christ, a nonprofit ministry that uses faith-based education to train and launch performers into the entertainment business. In 2012, Julian won AMTC's overall child singer competition at its national SHINE conference, annually held in Orlando.

Julian says acting coaches with AMTC helped prepare him for the role of Gavroche on the 25th National Tour of Les Miserables, a part in the Christian film Gracia (coming soon to theaters) and his Broadway debut in The Lion King.

Julian, along with his parents, Maria and Dan, continue to work closely with AMTC. The organization instills in actors the importance of humility, excellence, virtue and unity among Christians in the entertainment business. Famous names to get their start at SHINE include Megan Fox and Abbie Cobb of Disney's Good Luck Charlie and ABC's Suburgatory.

"It's about being part of the body of Christ," Julian says in his biographical video on the AMTC website.

I asked him about letting his faith shine on and off the stage.

How does being a Christian impact your work?

My faith has helped me trust that if this is where God wanted me, then he would open the doors. It has also helped me through some difficult times while on tour and it has given me opportunities to share my faith with others. I would like to think it allows me to be an example to the other cast members.

Why is it important in all aspects of your life?

I think because God gives each of us a platform and I think he wants us to use that platform to shine for him and him alone.

Do you think it is important for Christian actors to share their faith publicly? Why or why not?

1000 percent yes. God puts each and every one of us where we are for a reason, and one of those reasons is to share your faith with others.

What are your goals as an entertainer?

I would love to continue my career on Broadway and I would also love to be able to do more movies and television as well.

Whom do you most admire in the entertainment industry?

Hugh Jackman and Chris Pratt. They are two very influential performers who are not scared to stand up for their Christian convictions.

What role have your parents played in your journey, as a Christian and as an entertainer?

My parents have guided me and encouraged me along the way. They always remind me that God has given me this platform for a reason.

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How do you stay grounded and faithful in the industry?

Prayer, reading the Bible and church.

How often are you in Tampa?

I haven't been back to Tampa since I started with The Lion King however, I hope to go back and visit as much as possible. My main residence is now New York City, at least for the next two to three years unless God has other plans for us.

For more information on AMTC, visit amtcworld.com.

Contact Sarah Whitman at sarahrothwhitman@gmail.com.