You know her from the iconic series Touched by an Angel, but actress Roma Downey has had quite the journey to get where she is today. When the script for Touched by an Angel landed on her desk, she was just looking for her next gig. "I would have been thrilled playing anything—a doctor, a lawyer, a shopkeeper, a mom—anything at all. I needed to pay my rent," Roma, now 63, shares with Closer. "But as a person of faith, I couldn’t believe this script was asking me to play an angel and to be the messenger of God’s love." Little did she know, the series, which aired from 1994 to 2003, would become a massive hit.
Roma's latest project is The Baxters, a family drama based on Karen Kingsbury’s bestselling book series, now streaming exclusively on Prime Video. "This is a rich, meaningful drama centered around a family and all their ups and downs. It explores their issues through the lens of their belief system and their faith," Roma explains. It’s a story that resonates deeply with her.
Getting to Know the Baxters
Had you read Karen Kingsbury’s books before jumping on board with this project?
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"Absolutely, I was already a fan. I read her first book, Redemption, and it moved me deeply. As I turned the pages, I thought to myself, 'This could make an incredible TV series.' When I called Karen to share my excitement, she told me it was like an answered prayer. It felt like fate was at play, like the universe was pushing us together."
So how does the show differ from the books?
"I think fans of the books will be thrilled with this adaptation. They'll recognize their beloved family, the big plot points, the dramas, and the conflicts. The first book focuses on Kari, the second oldest daughter, who discovers her husband, Tim, has been unfaithful. The main difference is that Karen wrote the first book about 20 years ago, so we've updated it to reflect current times. One storyline originally centered around 9/11, but we've replaced that with another heart-wrenching event that still packs an emotional punch."
Connecting With Elizabeth Baxter
How do you relate to your character, Elizabeth Baxter, the family matriarch?
"Elizabeth is someone I aspire to be like. She's inherently good, kind, loving, compassionate, empathetic, and patient with her five adult children. What I admire most about her is her fierce protective nature, like a mother lioness—don't mess with her kids! It's a role that resonates deeply with me, and I hope viewers feel that connection too."
Bringing Faith to the Screen
This is a show about a family of faith, which isn't common on TV. What draws you to that?
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"What touches me most is how naturally this family turns to prayer when needed. For a Christian family, that's what we do, right? If there's an issue, we pray about it. For people who don't share that faith, it might seem unusual, but I've never really seen this dynamic portrayed in a TV drama before. It's a unique and powerful element."
The Role of Faith in Everyday Life
How important is faith in your daily life?
"Years ago, my husband, Mark Burnett, and I started a company called LightWorkers, dedicated to creating spiritual, inspirational, and uplifting content. Our motto is that it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. I've carried this intention into all my work since my early days on Touched by an Angel. Faith is a guiding force in everything I do."
Touched by an Angel became a cultural phenomenon. Did you expect that?
"At its peak, Touched by an Angel was the number one show in American television, with over 25 million viewers tuning in for that message of God's love. People craved that message, and they got it. We knew this was an underserved part of our community, and these stories—whether biblical or contemporary—are vital."
Favorite Moments on Set
What’s been your favorite moment working on The Baxters?
"I had the wonderful opportunity to work with my dear friend Kathie Lee Gifford. Sharing scenes with her was special because, in those quiet moments between takes, we caught up like old friends. I also got to work alongside my own daughter, Reilly, who plays Erin Baxter, the youngest daughter. That was incredibly meaningful."
Advice for Young Actors
What's your best advice for young actors like your daughter?
"Acting is a tough career. I tried to discourage my daughter from pursuing it because of the inevitable rejection. As an actor, you can be rejected 10 times a week. If you take it personally, it can be emotionally draining. One piece of advice I've learned is that courage isn't the absence of fear; it's having fear but taking action anyway. That lesson applies to life beyond acting."
Fun Outside of Work
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
"In recent years, I've become an author. I love writing, so I'm always journal
