She Left Everything to Follow Jesus—Powerful Story Behind This ‘Chosen’ Character

In a heartfelt reflection, “The Chosen” actress Amy Bailey opens up about the powerful spiritual journey of her character Joanna—and how portraying her has deeply impacted Bailey’s own life and faith.

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, a high-ranking official in Herod’s court, lives a life of wealth, influence and status. But when she encounters John the Baptist and later Jesus, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel.

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“He’s this smelly, filthy, raving lunatic,” Bailey says, “but she’s struck by his authenticity… he’s happy and centered and focused and has purpose in his life… she’s electrified by that,” Bailey says.

At first, Joanna is burdened with anger and pain. “She’s full of anger. Chuza’s having affairs, and she’s a very unhappy woman… Her soul is hurting. She’s kind of sour and miserable and pinched in the beginning.”

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Struggling with anger, betrayal and emotional emptiness, Joanna begins to recognize that despite her external privilege, she lacks the very things her soul craves: love, wisdom and a deeper purpose. Her decision to leave behind everything marks a pivotal moment of surrender.

“I felt it in myself that she’s lighter and she’s happier…it felt very visceral to shoot that,” Bailey says.

What moves Bailey most about Joanna’s story is the radical love and acceptance she receives from Jesus. “They could have been like, ‘No, you’re Roman, you’re not one of us, you’re the enemy.’ And there’s none of that. All she gets from Jesus is love and acceptance.”

To witness Amy Bailey’s powerful portrayal of Joanna and hear her full testimony in her own words, watch the video below. Part three of “The Chosen” season Five, releases in theaters this Friday, Apr. 11.