Whether it’s fighting Decepticons in an intergalactic battle in Transformers, or voicing an ambitious penguin in Surf’s Up, actor Shia LaBeouf is always keeping audiences on their toes.
His latest cinematic endeavour tackled the portrayal of Franciscan Capuchin friar Padre Pio, a role which inspired his conversion to Catholicism.
The 36-year-old actor discussed his newfound faith during a recorded interview with Bishop Robert Barron of the World on Fire Catholic Ministries.
Mr LaBeouf said he entered the filming process of Padre Pio during a dark period in his life.
In 2020 musician FKA twigs accused LaBeouf of sexual assault and battery.
The case will go to trial in April 2023.
The actor said he struggled with suicidal thoughts and felt unworthy of “embracing God or being welcomed into any religion”.
“I didn’t want to be an actor anymore, and my life was a complete mess,” he said.
“I had hurt a lot of people, and I felt deep shame and deep guilt.”
However, the actor said he “had a deep desire to hold on”.
Mr LaBeouf said he believed God resurrected his career to put him on a path to healing and personal peace.
He decided to live in a monastery with Franciscan Capuchin friars to prepare for his role as Padre Pio.
“It was seeing other people who have sinned beyond anything I could ever conceptualise also being found in Christ that made me feel like, ‘Oh, that gives me hope’,” he said.
“I know now that God was using my ego to draw me to Him, drawing me away from worldly desires.”
Mr LaBeouf said traditional Latin mass affected him deeply.
“When I attend [Latin Mass] it feels like I’m being let into something very special.
“It activates something within me.”
The Padre Pio biopic will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.
To watch Shia LaBeouf’s full interview please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxKG4mR3U4&t=1327s
