Interview with New Life Actress Erin Bethea

*Disclaimer - I was offered the amazing opportunity to do an interview with the lead character in the movie New Life, Erin Bethea.

A Little Introduction to New Life:
New Life opens with seven-year-old Benjamin Morton’s life changed forever the day he met the little girl next door. Ava was and always would be the girl of his dreams. What began as a childhood friendship grows into a meaningful relationship as the two plan out their lives together. 


When life takes a turn neither of them expect, their entire future is called into question. Now they must decide what it really means to make the most of life.

I absolutely loved Erin's role as Eva in New Life. It was such a sad, but good movie. I think it moved me more, because of my father in law currently has cancer for the second time now and having to talk about going through chemo again. He had to go through chemo in 2014 and radiation as well. We are keeping positive through it and know he's a strong man.



How was it playing the role of an active lifestyle in New Life compared to uggles of a wife in Fireproof?

It was very different. It was very fun to play a woman in love. Contributes to a healthy relationship. Fireproof - life threw challenges and it drew them apart vs New Life it grew them closer together. They pritoritize their marriage and relationships. What to do vs what not to do.

What is it like being able to both be in the movie as well as producing and writing it?

Erin is very excited. Incredible role now in film making to be able to be creating the story, who she wanted to work with. It was very challenging more than just acting. 

How was it emotion wise playing the role of an active woman to having cancer and having to go through chemo?

It was very emotional. Ava was based on a real woman named Jane Ellis. She wanted to make sure that no credit came to her, shed the light on people who battle the disease of cancer, and the families dealing with that.



How has New Life movie changed your life as a person / actor? I previewed it and it's a very strong and emotional but very good movie.

It was one of the most emotionally challenging roles Erin has played as an actress. She had incredible pillars of actors, in the movie. The message of the film touches her daily as a strong person. Know that today is beautiful.



How does your faith effect movie roles that you accept vs ones that may not be a good fit for your life?

For Erin, some films may not be all like Fireproof but she loves to be part of incredibly wholesome movies that celebrate human stories. But, that do so without having to put

How did playing the role of a wife in New Life getting cancer effect your mentality as an actress, knowing it's reality for so many people?

It definitely had Erin approaching it with respect and caution. It's a fictional story, but reflects so many people's lives on what they are going through. It's most definitely NOT pretend and it is real. 



What advice would you give to someone currently going through cancer treatments, to keep pushing on even if it doesn't seem like there's a light at the end of the tunnel?

Erin said that everyday you are given breath / life, is a gift. You have to approach each day with happiness and memories with your family and friends. You may not want to remember everything that happens.

What made you decide to become an actress over another career in life? How has it changed your life perspective?

It shows herself. Ever since Erin was a little girl, more so in high school doing plays. She was always told by her parents to pursue her passions in life, and that's exactly what she did.

What's the single most important lesson that you learned during the whole process of directing, writing, and acting in New Life; as a Christian and an actor?

The single most important lesson was you can't do anything alone. With people around you helping, you will always have someone to be there for you.

Do you know if there will ever be a Fireproof 2 with a family story line of the same characters or a 2nd Facing the Giants? 

Erin does not think so as she's not the director of those two films like to make new movies with different story lines, but  you never know, anything is possible!

2 comments

  1. What a great opportunity to do this interview! This sounds like a really good movie but it sounds so sad as well. Best wishes to your father-in-law!

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  2. What a great interview opp to share. I have not even heard of this before, or even the actress. Glad to learn more about Erin in this interview!

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