David Henrie Talks About Rejecting Hollywood’s Secular Lifestyle

Former Disney star David Henrie recently shared his decision to move away from the secular Hollywood lifestyle following an influential visit to a monastery. In a conversation on Raymond Arroyo’s “Arroyo Grande” podcast, the “Wizards of Waverly Place” actor highlighted how his relationship with fellow actor Kevin James played a pivotal role in his journey of faith.

Henrie expressed his need for an objective belief system, contrasting it with his upbringing in Hollywood, which he described as relativistic, materialistic, and empty. “I call it the bubblegum theory of pleasure,” Henrie explained, drawing a parallel between fleeting pleasures and the temporary enjoyment of chewing gum. Prior to meeting James, this was the cycle Henrie found himself in.

“Every time you eat a piece of bubblegum, it loses its flavor. In a few moments, you pop another one in. At the end of the day, you’ve gone through the whole pack, and now you just feel worse,” he said.

James invited Henrie to visit St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County in 2012, where Henrie made his general confession. Henrie admitted he was unfamiliar with the concept at first, but embraced the experience by preparing a chapter book to present to the priest.

Recalling the visit, Henrie felt immense relief. “It was the monastery that changed my life,” he stated, linking this transformative experience to the inspiration behind his documentary series, “Seeking Beauty.” The series delves into the art, architecture, food, music, and culture of Italy’s scenic locales, first premiering on January 19 on EWTN+. A second season set in Spain is currently under development.

Henrie’s revelations offer an insightful look into his personal growth and the influence of faith. The actor continues to explore deeper meanings through his documentary work, discovering the richness of cultures and traditions.