The Forge
CAST
Cameron Arnett
CAMERON ARNETT
Joshua

Haitian-born actor, author, speaker, and director Cameron “Camy” Arnett carved out a successful career in arts and entertainment in the late 1980s and ’90s and continues to gain momentum and influence in the industry today as an award-winning actor, director, and producer. He stars in the upcoming Kendrick Brothers’ film THE FORGE. Other recent projects include Unfailing Love, for which he won the 2023 Best Actor Award at the Christian Family Film Festival; The Perfect Christmas; The Great Turkey Town Miracle; and Nefarious. He can also be seen in I Still Believe, Overcomer, Redeemed, Eleanor’s Bench, Running The Bases, Saved By Grace, Vindication, Angels Unaware, and Making Him Famous. Cameron’s early television credits include Miami Vice, Star Trek: The Next Generation, China Beach, Doogie Howser MD, Single Ladies, and Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. Cameron is the CEO of Camy Arnett Production Studios (CAPS), a television, film, and entertainment company. Together, Cameron and his wife BJ are producers of the films Destined To Love You; Hosea: An Undying Love, and a host of other films found on CamyArnett.com. Cameron is also the founder of Christ Over Career, a movement of believers calling the Church back to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, while he and BJ are the founders of Saving Destinies, a nonprofit raising up and uniting people.

Priscilla Shirer
PRISCILLA SHIRER
Cynthia / Elizabeth

Priscilla Shirer is a wife and mom first but put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart, and you’ll see why thousands meet God in powerful, personal ways at her conferences and through her Bible study resources. She is the New York Times bestselling author of more than two dozen books and has had featured roles in movies like War Room, I Can Only Imagine, Overcomer, and THE FORGE, whose cast also includes her husband Jerry and her youngest son Jude. Priscilla and Jerry have been married for 24 years and together lead Going Beyond Ministries, through which they provide spiritual support and resources to the body of Christ. They count it as a privilege to serve every denomination and culture across the spectrum of the Church. Their greatest joy has been raising three young adult sons: Jackson (21), Jerry Jr. (19), and Jude (15).

Aspen Kennedy
ASPEN KENNEDY
Isaiah

Known for his captivating and authentic portrayals, Aspen stands tall as a rising star worth watching. Born in Memphis, Aspen’s faith has been the driving force behind his extraordinary journey. Aspen brought an abundance of joy to millions through his unforgettable portrayal of Marcus in Kirk Franklin's The Night Before Christmas, a heartwarming holiday film that set viewing records. Aspen makes his debut on the big screen as the lead in THE FORGE, which is releasing nationwide in theaters this August. Aspen also has a recurring role on the BET drama series, Kingdom Business. With a deep passion for stories that illuminate the depths of human condition, Aspen is an inspiration who continues to stride in gratitude toward what he describes as his true purpose: to be led by his faith in Jesus Christ and to continually allow God’s light to shine through him.

Karen Abercrombie
KAREN ABERCROMBIE
Miss Clara

Karen Abercrombie is an award-winning actress, singer-songwriter, master oral storyteller, writer, and producer. She is also an activist and an avid environmentalist. Born and raised in Aliquippa, Pa., Karen is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Karen has a long list of credits, including playing Grandma Quill in Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3, the lead character in Eleanor’s Bench, Miss Virginia in the TV series Delilah, and Miss Clara in the Kendrick Brothers’ films War Room and THE FORGE. Karen has also appeared on Vampire Diaries, Saved By The Bell, Judging Amy, The Inspectors, Ali McBeal, Strong Medicine, and more. Karen has appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions, including August Wilson’s Gem of The Ocean, Three Views of Mt Fuji, Charles Randolph Wright’s Blue, and Tambourines to Glory.

T.C. Stallings
T.C. STALLINGS
Tony

T.C. Stallings is a former professional athlete now acting in film and television. In 2004, he landed a spot on Animal Planet’s “King of the Jungle,” a reality television show where he was the season 2 champion. He then began a four-year stint as a Russell Athletic fitness model. In 2011, T.C. made his feature film debut in Courageous. In 2015, his film career reached new heights with his break-out performance as Tony in War Room, which soared to #1 at the box office. In addition to films, T.C. also found success in national TV commercials, with two of his spots featured during the 2016 Olympics and the 2016 Super Bowl. After several more films, his portrayal of a real-life homeless and depressed drug addict in the film No Vacancy forever changed the type of roles that T.C. seeks. He was deeply challenged and hooked by that role. T.C. is a wide-ranging actor, a huge advocate for clean family entertainment, and enjoys positively impacting the lives of others.

BJ Arnett
BJ ARNETT
Janelle

Former NBC 11 Alive entertainment / lifestyle reporter and Noonday anchor, Mrs. BJ Arnett is no stranger to the film and entertainment industry. She is currently the host and co-producer of the award-winning “BJA Today,” a Camy Arnett Production Studios original, and host of TV 57’s “This Day with BJ Arnett.” An associate professor, BJ has an MBA, a BA in Fashion Merchandising, and an AA in Fashion Design. She is currently the Chair of the Art and Fashion Department at the prestigious Clark Atlanta University (CAU). She is also the creator of the first HBCU Art and Fashion Week established in 2016. Her film credits include Made In Heaven, The Marc Pease Experience, Adrenaline, and Grantham Rose. She and her husband, Camy “Cameron” Arnett, were associate producers on Adrenaline. She’s also been in Tulsa, Traficked, and the Kendrick Brothers’ Courageous Legacy.

Benjamin Watson
BENJAMIN WATSON
Benjamin

Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, as well as an author, speaker, and advocate. A Bart Starr Award winner, two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, and Super Bowl champion during his 16 seasons, Benjamin is now a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network, Vice President of strategic relationships with Human Coalition, and Director of Football for Pro Athletes Outreach. Along with his wife Kirsten, he is the founder of The Watson 7 Foundation, a nonprofit focused on strengthening families. Pursuing their mission of justice, kindness, and faith the Watsons live in Georgia with their seven children.

Tommy Woodard
TOMMY WOODARD
Bobby

Better known as “the Skit Guy with hair,” Tommy Woodard has been crafting short films for churches with his lifelong friend Eddie James for more than two decades. Tommy is also the lead pastor at New Church in Oklahoma City. He is known for his passionate teaching, humor, and ability to clarify scripture into practical life application. Tommy has coauthored several books with Eddie, including “Smells Like Bacon,” a guide to lifelong friendship. The duo has also created hundreds of short films used in churches worldwide. The Skit Guys’ film Family Camp release in theaters nationwide in 2022. In his spare time, Tommy likes to golf and mow his yard. (He’s pretty boring that way.) The most important thing in Tommy’s life is his daughter Abby, son Hudson, and his incredible wife of over 30 years: Angie! If you ever want to see his face light up, just ask him to tell you about them!

Ken Bevel
KEN BEVEL
James

Ken Bevel is a Marine Corps veteran turned ministry leader, serving currently as the Pastor of Connections and Local Missions at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Outside of his daily responsibilities, he can be seen in some of the Kendrick Brothers’ films: Fireproof and Courageous, along with their upcoming production, THE FORGE. Ken is a proud graduate of both the University of Memphis and the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a BS in Computer Engineering Technology and an MBA in Logistics Management. Ken and his wife Lauana have been happily married for 27 years and have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

Jerry Shirer
JERRY SHIRER
Vaughn

Jerry Shirer has more than 30 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience. From his tenure at Hilton as an operations executive and his role in fundraising development for a non-profit radio ministry, to founding and leading Going Beyond Ministries with his wife, Jerry’s experience and expertise have reached into diverse organizations and industries. As a high-capacity leader, he has also founded two business organizations: IOT Industries, an automation technology company in the DFW area, and Beyond Ice, which serves the franchise industry. Jerry has a passion for business and serves on several boards, but his first commitment is to his family: his wife of more than 20 years, Priscilla, and their three sons.

JONATHAN EVANS
Jonathan

Rev. Jonathan Evans serves as Associate Pastor of NextGen Ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas. He is committed to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders. As a mentor, author, speaker, and former NFL fullback, Jonathan treasures his relationship with Christ. He also serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. Jonathan is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian Leadership. Jonathan is a dynamic speaker at churches, conferences, banquets, and youth and men’s events. Jonathan and his wife Kanika are the proud parents of Kelsey, Jonathan II, Kamden, Kylar, and Jade Wynter. They reside in Dallas, Texas.


FILMMAKERS
Alex Kendrick
ALEX KENDRICK
Director, Writer

Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, and FLYWHEEL. In 2021, the Kendrick Brothers released two films: COURAGEOUS Legacy, and SHOW ME THE FATHER, their first feature-length documentary, for which he served as an executive producer and writer. Alex is an executive producer, co-writer, and plays the role of Shawn in their film, LIFEMARK. Alex co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed on “Fox & Friends,” CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. Alex and his wife Christina live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.

Stephen Kendrick
STEPHEN KENDRICK
Producer, Writer

After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen Kendrick now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, and FACING THE GIANTS. In 2021, the Kendrick Brothers released two films: COURAGEOUS Legacy, and SHOW ME THE FATHER, their first feature-length documentary, for which he served as an executive producer and writer. Stephen is an executive producer and co-writer on their film LIFEMARK. Stephen co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed on “Fox & Friends,” CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. He serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Film Foundation. Stephen and his wife Jill live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.

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