The Chosen's Andrew: Unveiling Noah James' Jewish Faith And How It Shapes His Iconic Role

As of December 18, 2025, the question of actor Noah James's personal faith has become a major point of curiosity for millions of fans of the global hit series The Chosen. James, who plays the beloved and often anxious disciple Andrew the Apostle, has a background that is both surprising and deeply relevant to his role, bringing a unique and authentic perspective to the set of the faith-based show. Far from the common assumption that he must be Christian due to his role, James has openly discussed his upbringing and personal beliefs in recent interviews.

The truth is that Noah James was raised in the Jewish faith, a heritage he has proudly stated helps him connect with the historical and cultural context of the first-century characters he portrays. This personal connection to Judaism has not only enriched his performance but also provided a bridge for interfaith dialogue within the production, which is known for its diverse cast and crew.

Noah James: Complete Biography and Profile

Noah James is an accomplished American actor and director known for his versatile roles across television and film. His recent prominence stems from his compelling portrayal of one of Jesus's first disciples, Andrew, in the groundbreaking series The Chosen.

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• Full Name: Noah James
• Date of Birth: May 18, 1989
• Age (as of 2025): 36
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Hometown/Upbringing: Grew up in Tempe, Arizona
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Jewish
• Occupation: Actor, Director
• Known For: Playing Andrew the Apostle in The Chosen.
• Notable TV/Film Credits: The Chosen (Series Regular), Shameless, S.W.A.T., Game Shakers, iCarly (Paramount+), California Christmas: City Lights.
• Education: Unknown (Focus on professional career)
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Religious Affiliation: Jewish (Raised Jewish)

It is worth noting that a separate individual with the same name, Noah James, is a rising country music artist from Louisiana. However, the actor Noah James's public statements regarding his role in The Chosen are the primary source of information regarding his religious background, making him the clear subject of this discussion.

The Surprising Faith of Andrew the Apostle's Actor

The core of the curiosity surrounding Noah James’s religion stems from the deeply Christian nature of the show he stars in. However, James has been refreshingly open about his Jewish heritage and how it has surprisingly made him an ideal fit for the role of Andrew.

In a candid interview, the actor confirmed his background, stating, "I grew up Jewish, and it was so fun for me to be able to bring my Judaism to the table." He explained that coming into the project, which is centered on the life of Jesus, he was "completely from the outside" and "didn't know what to expect flying into the middle of Texas" for the shoot.

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This perspective is, in fact, incredibly valuable to the narrative of The Chosen. The disciples, including Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, were all Jewish men living under Roman occupation. Their lives were intrinsically tied to the Torah, the Synagogue, and Jewish traditions like Passover. James's personal understanding of these cultural and religious practices allows him to ground his performance in historical authenticity, moving beyond a purely theological interpretation.

He has shared that his family’s Passover traditions and general understanding of Jewish life have given him a deep, personal connection to the material. This is a crucial element that the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, has championed: portraying the disciples not as stained-glass figures, but as real, relatable, first-century Jews.

How His Jewish Background Enriches His Role in The Chosen

Noah James's faith tradition is not just a personal detail; it is an active ingredient in the show’s success and depth. His portrayal of Andrew is lauded for its humanity and vulnerability, aspects he credits partially to his ability to connect with the first-century setting.

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A Deeper Connection to the Material

Playing Andrew, who was a fisherman before becoming a "fisher of men," requires an understanding of a world where Judaism was the foundation of daily life. James’s background allows him to naturally embody the cultural nuances that a non-Jewish actor might have to study extensively. He is able to bring an inherited understanding of the religious and social climate of the time, making the character feel more grounded.

Furthermore, James has spoken about what he has learned from the process. Despite growing up Jewish, he admitted to learning "so much more about Jesus and his teaching" through his work on the series than he had in his entire life up to that point. This journey of discovery parallels the journey of Andrew himself, who is often depicted as a seeker and a man of intense curiosity, constantly questioning and learning alongside Jesus of Nazareth.

Fostering Interfaith Dialogue on Set

The cast and crew of The Chosen are famously diverse in their beliefs. James, alongside other cast members like Paras Patel (who plays Matthew) and Giavani Cairo (who plays Thaddeus), has contributed to a powerful atmosphere of interfaith collaboration. This environment, fostered by Dallas Jenkins and the production company 5&2 Studios, demonstrates how people of different faiths—Jewish, Christian, and even non-religious individuals—can come together to tell a story that is meaningful to all.

This unique dynamic is a testament to the show's mission: to create a piece of art that transcends religious boundaries. James’s presence and open discussions about his Jewish faith—including his family's Shabbat and High Holy Days observances—serve as a constant reminder that the story of Jesus is rooted in Jewish history and culture.

Noah James and The Chosen: Looking Ahead to Season 5

As excitement builds for Season 5 of The Chosen, Noah James continues to be a central figure in the narrative. His character, Andrew, is known for his close relationship with his brother Simon Peter and his role in bringing others to Jesus, including the boy with the loaves and fish in the famous feeding miracle.

James’s commitment to the role remains unwavering, and his insights into the Jewish context of the series are often highlighted at major fan events like Chosen Con 2024. His ability to bridge his personal Jewish faith with the character of a pivotal figure in Christian history is a powerful and unique element of the show's success, resonating with audiences on platforms like Prime Video and TBN UK worldwide. His career, which also includes credits on popular shows like Shameless and S.W.A.T., is now largely defined by this deeply personal and professional experience.

In conclusion, Noah James’s religion is a fascinating example of how personal background can intersect with professional life to create something truly special. He is a Jewish actor whose deep understanding of his heritage allows him to give one of the most authentic and celebrated performances of a New Testament figure in modern television history.