Former Disney actor David Henrie stated that a visit to a monastery in 2012 profoundly altered his life, leading him to reject the "secular" Hollywood lifestyle.
Henrie, known for his role in "Wizards of Waverly Place," detailed his experience on Raymond Arroyo's "Arroyo Grande" podcast. He explained that his friendship with actor Kevin James played a significant role in his spiritual journey.
"I started changing my whole perspective on life and faith," Henrie said. "I so craved an objective belief system. I grew up in relativistic Hollywood and, you know, a partying lifestyle, secular life, worldliness, materialism, and it left me empty."
He described his pre-conversion lifestyle as akin to the "bubblegum theory of pleasure," where seeking fleeting enjoyment ultimately led to dissatisfaction. "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 than you did when you started," he added.
Henrie recounted that James invited him to St. Michael's Abbey in Orange County in 2012 for a general confession, an experience that marked a turning point. He prepared for the confession by writing a book for the priest.
"It was the monastery that changed my life," Henrie stated, expressing a sense of relief following the visit.
This transformative experience has influenced his work, including his documentary series "Seeking Beauty." The series, which premiered on EWTN+, explores the cultural and artistic significance of various locations in Italy. A second season, filmed in Spain, is currently in development.