Listening to the Inner Voice: Kevin Sorbo Reflects on Life’s What Ifs

Listening to the Inner Voice: Kevin Sorbo Reflects on Life’s What Ifs

As a child, my passion for books, especially comics, ignited a deep love for storytelling that kept me awake long past my bedtime. I would slip under the covers, flashlight in hand, captivated by tales of heroes whose extraordinary lives sparked my imagination and inspired dreams that felt larger than life. In those moments, the strength and determination of these characters nudged me toward a future that was yet to unfold.

Reflecting on those late-night reading sessions, I see them now as the seeds of my larger purpose. While my mother called out for me to turn off the lights, a small yet persistent urge drove me to embrace the night. It was a feeling I didn’t fully understand as a child, but today, I recognize that undeniable yearning.

Years later, my childhood fantasies materialized into reality when I donned the costume of Hercules on a soundstage in New Zealand. This role transformed into one of the most viewed television shows globally. Yet, before that actualization, countless moments of hesitation could have led me to close the book on my dreams for good.

There were times when I could have easily retreated to Minnesota, allowed rejection to dampen my spirit, or succumbed to the naysayers who urged me to be more realistic. However, each time I felt that inner voice urging me onward, I realized how crucial it was to honor it. It symbolized something sacred—a call to pursue a purpose that often lacks certainty but overflows with meaning.

This reflection transcends the world of Hercules or the light of fame. Instead, it centers on the importance of acknowledging those internal nudges and the “what ifs” that can often go ignored.

The film “What If,” which I produced 15 years ago in collaboration with a then-emerging director named Dallas Jenkins, sprouted from a similar kind of inner urge. This new inspiration carried deeper significance.

After years of performing in front of the camera, I began to sense a shifting tide that I could no longer brush aside. Although I attempted to suppress it, I yearned for my work to embody more than just action; I sought to express conviction, faith, hope, and something of eternal significance. What began as a whisper of desire soon transformed into a loud call.

Following my gut during my childhood propelled me into the role of Hercules, which ultimately served as proof that I could trust that inner nudge. It also led me to a simple yet profound script penned by Dallas Jenkins about a man confronted with what his life could have been if he had made different choices. Think of it as a modern twist on the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

With creativity and heartfelt passion, we produced “What If” on a modest budget, fully unaware of the impact it would make. Now, 15 years later, both Dallas and I regard it as our favorite film.

Since then, Dallas has gone on to achieve great success with “The Chosen,” a widely acclaimed faith-based series recognized globally. However, before “The Chosen” graced our screens, there was “What If.”

What if Dallas had ignored his calling? What if he played it safe and never ventured into faith-based filmmaking? What if I had chosen to ignore my own inner voice?

This film not only marked a significant chapter in my life, it was my first venture into a faith-based character. It remains a source of deep pride for me, not due to its impact on my career, but because of the way it continues to resonate with audiences. People frequently reach out to share how it has touched their lives, serving as a testament that it is never too late to embark on a new path and answer the call of a life well-lived.

There is a profound hunger for meaning, for second chances, and for faith that guides individuals beyond the noise of everyday life.

I value my career tremendously, recognizing it as both a gift and a responsibility. Yet, I understand that it is not the bright lights of stardom that matter most; it is the unwavering call that resides within.

We all experience nudges. Some are fleeting and faint, while others are disruptive and forceful. They might steer us toward a new job, encourage essential conversations, or inspire fresh beginnings. The crucial question remains: Will we listen? Or will we find ourselves in our twilight years wondering what might have been?

Consider whether you will look back and ask, “What if I had not pursued that?” or would you rather reflect, “What if I had taken that chance?”

As someone who made the choice to follow my path, I can confidently say that I am thankful I did.