Actor Lucas Black says stepping away from NCIS: New Orleans in 2019 was a decision rooted in faith and family—one he has never regretted. The 41-year-old father of three explained that the demanding schedule eventually led him and his wife to realize ‘enough was enough.’
‘I chose to walk away because the hours were long and exhausting,’ Black explained, adding there was only ‘a limited amount of time’ he could spend away from family before it became unhealthy. As a husband and father, he reflected that chasing career success too heavily can damage relationships with wives and children, saying, ‘There needs to be healthy balance in life.’
Black now appears in the faith-based film Unsung Hero, which follows the Smallbone family’s journey from Australia to Nashville and their reliance on prayer, unity, and community through hardship. He said the story resonates deeply because it highlights that ‘the most important relationships are first with God and then with family.’
Calling the movie ‘a story about faith and family,’ Black believes audiences are searching for uplifting content that honors marriage, perseverance, and biblical values. He emphasized that the film does not avoid hardship but instead focuses on forgiveness, restoration, and growth.
Now more selective about roles, Black says he looks for projects that ‘encourage, uplift, and reflect Christian values’ while helping ‘point people toward God.’ Though aware of Hollywood’s changing culture, he remains cautious about broader industry influences.
Open about his beliefs despite criticism, Black shared that he feels called ‘to encourage the Body of Christ.’ He added, ‘I stand firm for what I believe, I stand firm for the Gospel,’ hoping to inspire unbelievers and strengthen Christians to remain courageous in faith.
