Who Played God in Ben-Hur?

Claude Heater
Claude Heater, the famed opera singer who appeared with his face unseen as Jesus Christ in William Wyler’s epic 1959 production of Ben-Hur, has died. He was 92.

Is there Jesus in Ben-Hur?

The story recounts the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is enslaved by the Romans at the beginning of the first century and becomes a charioteer and a Christian. Running in parallel with Judah’s narrative is the unfolding story of Jesus, from the same region and around the same age.

Who acted the role of Jesus?

List of actors who have played Jesus

Actor(s) Movie Year
Robert Powell Jesus of Nazareth 1977
Liam Neeson Pilgrim’s Progress 1978
Vijayachander Karunamayudu (Dayamayudu) 1978
Kenneth Colley Monty Python’s Life of Brian 1979

Do you see Jesus face in Ben-Hur?

Out of reverence, the face of Jesus Christ is never shown on screen during “Ben-Hur,” and the actor playing him is not credited in the film. It was opera singer Claude Heater, an American tenor the filmmakers had discovered during a concert in Rome.

Why was Jesus not shown in Ben-Hur?

In the 1959 movie version of Ben Hur the character of Jesus Christ was played by the late American actor Claude Heater. He was not included in the credits for the movie. All the shots of Heater in the film showed him facing away from the camera as it was decided not to show his face in the film.

Who played Jesus best?

1. Jim Caviezel, “The Last Passion of the Christ.” (2004) Considered one of the most realistic performances, Caviezel’s was sparked by his own strong religious beliefs.

Was there a Ben-Hur in the Bible?

The name Ben-Hur does make a brief appearance in the Bible, although it doesn’t seem to have any literary connection to the novel and films’ titular character. In First Kings 4:1-19, there’s a list of 12 district governors appointed by Solomon during his reign as King of Israel—and Ben-Hur was one of them.

Where does the story of Ben-Hur come from?

So where did the story begin? In a book, actually. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is an 1880 novel by American author Lew Wallace. And since it’s a novel, that means the tale of Ben-Hur is 100 percent fiction, wholly created by Wallace.

Were any animals hurt in Ben-Hur?

“Ben-Hur” (1959) But according to film historians, as many as 100 horses were killed during the production of the iconic film. The second-unit director of “Ben-Hur” reportedly ordered horses be shot and killed “if they limped,” without seeking veterinary care.