Kirk Cameron was a household name in the late 1980s because of his heartthrob image. As a teen, he was adored by girls all around the world as the classic pin-up.
Cameron played Mike Seaver on Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992, when the sitcom ran for seven seasons. He appeared in the film with a young Leonardo DiCaprio and a then-unknown Brad Pitt.
In the nearly 30 years since the end of Growing Pains, Cameron’s career has taken a turn and his public image has changed significantly. He’s now in this location.
Kirk Cameron the born-again Christian
‘How Do You Know He’s Real’ reveals that when Cameron first became famous, he was a “staunch atheist” who believed he “was just too brilliant to believe in a fairytale-like that.”
He became a Christian during the height of his acting career on Growing Pains.
The things I desired were all within reach. As long as I had the money, I could spend it as I pleased. When I was on the road, I had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most famous people.
I was a well-known figure… There is one thing you don’t have, though, Kirk, and it’s the girl’s father’s opinion that you need to hear. What you lack is the presence of God in your life,” he said.
He claims that one chat ignited his interest and ultimately led to his conversion to Christianity. Before the show was cancelled in 1992 because of his religious beliefs, he became estranged from his co-stars. Ex-colleagues did not contact Cameron after his departure.
In 2000, Cameron told the Los Angeles Times, “I definitely kind of made an about-face, going into another element of my life.” When I left the show, I put all of my energy into my new life, and left the programme and even the friendships that were a part of it with zero per cent of my energy.” In retrospect, I believe that I could have made better decisions for the cast if I could go back in time and explain to them why I only wanted my family at my wedding.”
Kirk Cameron’s wife
Growing Pains actress Chelsea Noble became Cameron’s on-screen lover after he converted to Christianity at the age of 17.
When they wed in 1991, Cameron was just 20 years old and Noble was just 26 years old. After over three decades of marriage, the couple still has six children, four of whom were adopted.
According to Cameron’s own words, he is “committed to not kiss any other lady” on film except for his wife. According to an interview he gave to USA Today, his wife would dress up as the female character and the scenario will be shot in silhouette.
“Wives are to honour and respect and follow their husband’s lead, not to tell their spouse how he ought to be a better husband,” Cameron told the Christian Post in 2016.
“A lot of individuals don’t realise that marriage comes with a manual. And they’re right there in God’s word, waiting for us.
A deluge of criticism followed, which he’d grown accustomed to since leaving the Growing Pains stage.
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Countless Controversies
Over the years, Cameron has been the subject of a number of high-profile disputes relating to his conservative beliefs.
When it comes to his stance on homosexuality, the actor has been outspoken for decades, despite receiving a great deal of hostility for his views.
In 2012, Cameron caused a stir when he appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight and aired homophobic comments.
It was in the garden between Adam and Eve that the institution of marriage was first defined, according to Cameron. “Till death do you part, a man and women are one and the same.”
Since this is the case, I would never consider changing the definition of marriage. So does Cameron, and he doesn’t think anyone else should either. What do you think about gay marriage??” My answer is “no”
Homosexuality is “unnatural… harmful, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations for civilisation,” according to the actor.
Abortion is “wrong under any circumstances,” Cameron added during the same interview.
Later, journalist Piers Morgan tweeted, “I don’t think this Kirk Cameron interview went entirely how he hoped it would… #CNN.”
I don't think this Kirk Cameron interview went entirely how he thought it would… #CNN
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 3, 2012
With GLAAD’s petition headed “Tell Kirk Cameron It’s Time to Finally Grow Up,” they responded to the interview.
Members of Growing Pains have also voiced their displeasure with his remarks.
’80s sitcom dad Alan Thicke tweeted, “I’m going to buy him some new books.” I don’t think anyone can expect the Old Testament to explain everything.”
Actress Tracey Gold, best known for her role as Cameron’s sister, tweeted: “I am a staunch supporter of the #LGBT Community and I believe in equal rights for all. Not a fan of the hashtags #NOH8 and #LOVE.
I am a strong supporter of the #LGBT Community, and I believe in equal rights for all. #NOH8 #LOVE
— Tracey Gold 🇺🇦 (@TheTraceyGold) March 5, 2012
She also spoke with E! Online, claiming she “wanted to disassociate [herself] from such sentiments.”
In my opinion, “I think it’s extremely vital for every one individual who is negative, that we are louder with love and support.”.”
“Some individuals believe my reactions were not loving toward folks in the gay community,” Cameron said in a statement.
This is not the case,” he said. It’s my life’s mission to love everyone, and I can confidently state that.
In response to his speech, GLAAD slammed him for “using his position to bash gay Americans and now attempting to play the victim in order to promote his upcoming movie.” Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure was being pushed at the time.)
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Kirk Cameron’s Christian films
Unlike his previous co-stars, Cameron’s career has taken an entirely different path. He has remained active in the film industry, but primarily in evangelical-themed projects.
A firefighter’s marriage is saved when he turns to God in the 2008 film Fireproof, which stars Caleb Holt as Caleb Holt. “It hardly sounds like a prescription for box office success, let alone a best-selling book,” wrote the New York Times in their review of the picture. However, that’s what the film ‘Fireproof’ has generated.
Unfortunately, his following film did not go as well.
Earlier this year, Cameron starred in the film Saving Christmas, in which he played Christian, a guy who is concerned that Christmas has deviated too far from its biblical roots. The “‘Christ’ back in “Christmas” is what he attempts to do to save it.
Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a score of 0%, and IMDb users voted it the “worst movie ever.” According to CNN, Saving Christmas won four Razzies in the categories of worst picture, best screenplay and best actor and screen combo, which were awarded to Cameron “and his ego” in the annual award event honouring the worst of film.
His early professional success in Hollywood has since been associated with controversies and critically panned films for the once-Hollywood hunk.
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