Stephen Baldwin has revealed the truth as to why he “left Hollywood” in the early 2000s at the height of his career.
The 60-year-old actor, explained he stepped away from the spotlight shortly after starring in Oscar-winning thriller The Usual Suspects (1995), right as he was “becoming a big star”.
Stephen (right), pictured with Alec Baldwin, is the youngest of the Baldwin brothers. Getty
“But that wasn’t me,” the youngest Baldwin brother told PEOPLE in an interview on Sunday.
“I didn’t want to be Tom Cruise, and have to make $100 million at the box office. I’d rather be a schmuck from Massapequa [New York].”
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas actor, father to model Hailey Bieber, explained it was a conscious choice rather than the lack of box-office offers.
Instead, he chose faith over fame.
As Baldwin reflected on the decision, after the birth of his first daughter Alaia, he explained the moment he knew.
He revealed their housekeeper and helper at the time “had a prophetic vision” the family would “become born-again Christians” and have their own ministry.
The actor said it sounded “absurd” at first, but it wasn’t until daughter Hailey was born, and they moved back to New York, a skateboarding ministry opened his eyes.
Stephen Baldwin pictured with youngest daughter Hailey Bieber in 2011. Getty
In 2004, the actor produced a Christian-themed skateboarding DVD that blended his faith with skate culture. He distributed 10,000 copies in the first six months.
“One of the bigger churches called and asked what it would cost to bring the skaters from the video to their church for a live event. So that’s when I left Hollywood,” he told to the publication.
The actor has since embraced his faith and spent the next two decades focused on ministry, youth outreach and producing Christian films on top of hosting duties for his One Bad Movie podcast.
With life away from the spotlight, Baldwin admitted he “no longer craves mainstream fame” the way he used to.
“I’ve made more money that I could have wildly imagined, and I’m married to the hottest chick I’ve ever seen in my life,” he told the outlet as he reflected on his “blessed” life.
Meanwhile, daughter Hailey Bieber and husband Justin Bieber, live life in the public eye. Getty
The Bio-Dome actor is married to wife Kennya Baldwin, of 34 years.
He is also a grandfather to Iris, daughter of Alaia and her husband, and to Jack, almost two, who Hailey shares with husband Justin Bieber.