Corbin Bernsen, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Arnie Becker on L.A. Law, recently shared a profound moment during a visit to Hawaii. "In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with divisive opinions and hostility," he tells Closer. "I was watching the sunset one evening, and it struck me—why can’t we all just pause and appreciate the beauty around us? This planet is an incredible gift from God, and it’s something we should cherish together." Corbin’s words carry the weight of someone who’s spent decades reflecting on life’s deeper meaning, both personally and professionally.
As Corbin has grown as an actor, director, and writer, he's become increasingly intrigued by life’s bigger questions. His latest project, Journey of Faith, is a six-part docuseries streaming on Pure Flix. It explores a pivotal chapter in his life when filming a challenging movie in an isolated location helped deepen his spiritual connection. "Making Rust in Kipling, Saskatchewan, was tough," he recalls. "Limited resources, a remote setting—it forced me to reconnect with my faith in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Now, over a decade later, we’ve compiled that experience into this series, and I couldn’t be prouder."
From Screen to Spirituality
So, how did Journey of Faith come to fruition? Corbin explains, "In 2010, I made Rust, a film that became a turning point for me spiritually. Journey of Faith chronicles the making of that movie and my reconnection with my faith. We filmed in such a remote area that we documented everything. Fast forward to today, and we’ve compiled all that footage into this powerful series."
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Is this a deeply personal endeavor? Absolutely. "Sharing my story about rediscovering faith after my father passed is incredibly personal," Corbin admits. "But I’m not one of those actors who label themselves as strictly Christian or limit themselves to certain types of roles. I believe every path I take serves a purpose, and that’s what keeps me grounded."
Acting Wasn’t Always the Dream
Was acting always your passion? Surprisingly, no. "My mom, Jeanne Cooper, was a beloved actress on The Young and the Restless for 40 years, and my dad was a producer and agent, so I grew up surrounded by the industry. As a kid, I saw the Broadway production of Oliver in New York and fell in love with it. For a while, I dreamed of being Oliver. It remains one of my favorite musicals to this day."
What changed your perspective? "As I entered my teenage years, I began to see the financial instability of the industry. My parents’ separation was difficult, and it made me question whether I wanted to pursue this life. But at 19, the acting bug bit me again. I enrolled at UCLA and earned a master’s degree in playwriting, determined to find my own voice in the craft."
Family Support and Guidance
How supportive was your family? "My dad was always encouraging, but my mom had a more pragmatic approach. She told me, 'You can do whatever you want, but if you want my blessing, you’d better train yourself properly.' She understood the challenges of the industry and wanted me to be fully prepared."
It sounds like she was looking out for you. "Exactly. She knew the business isn’t easy. There’s no steady climb up the corporate ladder here. Even if you hit it big with something like L.A. Law, a decade later, you could still find yourself out of work and selling your house. At 68, I’m still learning to navigate the highs and lows. But my mom was right—success in this field requires passion and dedication."
Memories from L.A. Law
L.A. Law was a game-changer for you. What stands out most about those days? "The camaraderie among the cast was truly special. We were like a family, growing together both personally and professionally. It was exciting to watch everyone’s careers take off simultaneously. There was this sense of accomplishment and joy that bonded us all."
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Who were you closest to during that time? "I had a unique partnership with Susan Ruttan, who played my secretary. She was instrumental in shaping Arnie Becker’s character. On the surface, he seemed confident and successful, but in private moments with Susan’s character, he revealed his vulnerabilities. Their friendship became a lifeline for him, showing how unexpected relationships can be the most meaningful."
Fame and Perspective
How did fame alter your life? "It gave me financial stability and the freedom to explore new opportunities. More importantly, it opened my eyes to the world beyond Hollywood. Fame isn’t just about glitz and glamour; it’s also about gaining perspective and understanding the broader human experience."
What’s the secret to a happy marriage? You’ve been with Amanda Pays since 1988. "Maybe L.A. Law taught me that chasing after different people won’t bring lasting happiness. Instead, I trust the path I’m on with my wife. Commitment is key. And the real magic happens when you stick it out long enough—eventually, you reach a place of contentment and understanding."
