Ted Neeley performs the titular determine in 1973’s “Jesus Christ Famous person” in his first credited movie function. Nonetheless, he was already well-suited to painting such an vital particular person, as he was solid because the Jesus understudy within the 1971 Broadway manufacturing. After the movie efficiency, Neeley virtually turned synonymous with the character, and he is continued to reprise the function in quite a few exhibits through the years. In 2014, he starred in a Roman manufacturing of “Jesus Christ Famous person,” proving that after 40 years, nobody embodied Jesus fairly like him.
He’d have quite a few different roles all through his profession, even showing in 2012’s “Django Unchained,” one among Quentin Tarantino’s greatest motion pictures. He’d additionally star in numerous different rock musicals for the stage, together with The Who’s musical, “Tommy,” within the lead function. Nonetheless, it is secure to say he’ll at all times be affiliated with “Jesus Christ Famous person,” and he would not have it every other manner.
In 2021, to rejoice 50 years of the musical, Neeley spoke with TheaterMania about whether or not he ever will get uninterested in singing the identical songs repeatedly. Speaking about persevering with to carry out “Gethsemane” at dwell exhibits, he stated, “Each time I’ve had the pleasure of singing that track is like the primary time. You’ll be able to really feel the facility of the viewers arising and holding you.”