Touched By An Angel To Powerhouse Producer: 7 Surprising Facts About Roma Downey's Faith-Fueled Empire In 2025

Roma Downey, the beloved actress who captured millions of hearts as the compassionate angel 'Monica' on the hit series Touched by an Angel, has seamlessly transitioned into one of Hollywood's most influential producers in the faith and family entertainment space. As of late 2025, Downey continues to expand her powerful media empire, LightWorkers Media, focusing on uplifting, inspiring, and values-driven content for a global audience, proving her commitment to spreading messages of hope remains her life's calling.

The transition from a celebrated actress to a formidable media executive alongside her husband, reality TV mogul Mark Burnett, has been a masterclass in purposeful career evolution. Her recent activities, including special film screenings and the ongoing success of her production slate, confirm that Downey’s impact on television and film is more profound now than ever, cementing her legacy far beyond her iconic angelic role.

Roma Downey: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Roma Downey OBE is an Irish actress, producer, and author celebrated globally for her work in both front of and behind the camera. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to creating content that resonates with faith and family values.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Roma Downey
• Date of Birth: May 6, 1960
• Place of Birth: Derry, Northern Ireland
• Nationality: Irish
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Author, Media Executive
• Known For: Playing Monica in the TV series Touched by an Angel (1994–2003)
• Spouse: Mark Burnett (m. 2007), David Anspaugh (m. 1995; div. 1998), Leland Orser (m. 1987; div. 1989)
• Children: Reilly Marie Downey
• Honors: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Arts, Drama, and to the Community in Northern Ireland (2021)
• Production Company: Co-founder and President of LightWorkers Media (the faith and family division of MGM Studios)
• Notable Productions: The Bible (2013), A.D. The Bible Continues, Son of God, The Baxters, Resurrection.
• Published Works: Box of Butterflies: Discovering a Life That’s Bigger Than the Struggle (New York Times Best Seller), Be an Angel: Devotions to Inspire and Encourage.

The Evolution of LightWorkers Media and Faith-Based Blockbusters

Downey's most significant contemporary influence stems from her role as President of LightWorkers Media, a company she co-founded with her husband, Mark Burnett. This venture is dedicated to producing "uplifting and inspirational content," a mission that has successfully tapped into a massive, underserved market.

The company's breakthrough came with the massive success of the 2013 miniseries The Bible, which garnered over 100 million viewers in the US alone and was a critical turning point for faith-based content in mainstream media.

This success was quickly followed by the feature film Son of God and the sequel series A.D. The Bible Continues. These projects established Downey not just as a figurehead, but as a serious, commercially viable producer who understands her audience's desires for high-quality, values-driven storytelling. Her work has fundamentally shifted how Hollywood views and approaches religious narratives.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Current and Upcoming Projects: The 2025 Slate

Roma Downey's production slate in late 2025 showcases a mix of television and film projects, maintaining her focus on inspirational themes and diverse storytelling formats. Her commitment to creating content that brightens people's days is evident in her recent and upcoming releases.

The Baxters: A New Family Drama Hit

One of the most talked-about recent projects is the family drama series The Baxters, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video's platform.

• Series Premise: Based on the best-selling book series by Karen Kingsbury, the show follows the lives of the Baxter family through their various challenges and triumphs, emphasizing themes of faith, family, and relationships.
• Downey’s Role: Downey serves as an executive producer, ensuring the series maintains the authentic, uplifting tone that LightWorkers is known for.
• Audience Reception: The series has been a significant hit, further solidifying the demand for wholesome, faith-centered content on major streaming platforms.

The Feature Film "Merv"

In December 2025, Downey was noted for attending a special screening for the film "Merv." While specific details about the film's full release and her exact role are still emerging, her presence at the screening indicates her continued involvement in diverse, high-profile cinematic projects.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Highly Anticipated "Resurrection"

A major feature film from MGM and LightWorkers is Resurrection, which continues the biblical narrative.

• Focus: The film focuses on the events following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a powerful and pivotal story in the Christian faith.
• Platform: Resurrection is slated to premiere on Discovery+, highlighting the strategic move to leverage streaming services for major faith-based releases.
• Creative Vision: As a producer, Downey ensures the film is both historically respectful and dramatically compelling, utilizing her experience from The Bible and Son of God to deliver a high-quality production.

Beyond the Screen: Author, OBE, and Philanthropist

Downey's influence extends well beyond her work in film and television. She is also a recognized author and a committed philanthropist, using her platform to inspire and encourage others.

A New York Times Best-Selling Author

Downey is a published author with multiple successful books. Her book, Box of Butterflies: Discovering a Life That’s Bigger Than the Struggle, became a New York Times best-seller, offering readers personal reflections and inspirational messages.

Her subsequent book, Be an Angel: Devotions to Inspire and Encourage, directly references her iconic role, providing daily devotions aimed at helping readers find hope and act as a positive force—an "angel"—in the lives of others.

The OBE Honor

In 2021, Roma Downey was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her services to the Arts, Drama, and to the Community in Northern Ireland. This prestigious recognition underscores her significant cultural and charitable contributions outside of her Hollywood career.

This honor acknowledges not only her acting and producing achievements but also her work as a cultural ambassador and her commitment to community service in her home country of Northern Ireland.

The Enduring Legacy of Monica

Despite her success as a producer, the character of Monica from Touched by an Angel remains central to her public identity. The show, which ran for nine seasons, became a cultural phenomenon, providing comfort and spiritual guidance to millions of viewers.

Downey often speaks about how the role informed her life’s work, leading directly to her current mission with LightWorkers. The enduring popularity of the show and its star reflects a timeless desire for stories that affirm goodness and hope, a principle that guides every project she undertakes today.

In late 2025, Roma Downey is not just a former television star; she is a media powerhouse, a best-selling author, and an honored figure who has successfully leveraged her fame to build a faith-fueled empire dedicated to uplifting the human spirit. Her journey from Derry, Northern Ireland, to the top of Hollywood's production hierarchy is a testament to her vision and unwavering commitment to positive storytelling.