Looking Back at ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ the NBC TV-Mini-Series of 1977

Robert Powell as Jesus in NBC’s “Jesus of Nazareth,” which premiered in 1977.

[Note: This article is a work of nonfiction based on the author's opinion. It features edited material from the upcoming book, The Greatest Stories Ever Told On Screen: A Cinematic Religious Experience.]

Over the last few years, The Chosen, starring Jonathan Roumie, has become one of the most popular big-and-small-screen adaptations of the life of Jesus Christ. A new animated rendition of Christ’s life, The King of Kings, premiered this year, featuring actor and former Christian ska band member Oscar Isaac as Jesus. Both productons are noble attempts to tell a reverent story on a mainstream media platform. As a result, millions will be introduced to who Jesus was on Earth and who He remains to be in Heaven and the hearts, minds and souls of countless true believers around the world.

Many Have Played The Messiah

Previous films, and TV shows have also explored the life of Jesus with grace, dignity, and elegance, and at times, controversy.

H.B. Warner portrayed Jesus the Christ (note the “the”) in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1927 original, haunting silent black-and-white film version of The King of Kings. Jeffrey Hunter played Jesus as directed by Nicholas Ray in the 1961 remake, titled King of Kings (minus “The”). Max Van Sydow was the Messiah…