David Henrie Credits Monastery Visit and Kevin James Friendship With Spiritual Transformation Away From Hollywood

David Henrie, best known for his role on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” recently revealed how a pivotal monastery visit redirected his life away from the materialism he experienced in Hollywood. Speaking on Raymond Arroyo’s “Arroyo Grande” podcast this week, the actor described his journey toward faith and meaning after years of pursuing empty pleasures in the entertainment industry.

Henrie attributed much of his spiritual awakening to his friendship with fellow actor Kevin James, who introduced him to a more objective belief system. The former child star explained that growing up in Hollywood’s relativistic environment, characterized by partying and worldly pursuits, had left him spiritually unfulfilled despite surface-level success.

Using the metaphor of chewing gum that quickly loses its flavor, Henrie illustrated how the constant pursuit of momentary gratification in his earlier life produced diminishing returns and increased emptiness. He credited meeting James with sparking a fundamental shift in his perspective on what truly matters.

In 2012, James invited Henrie to St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County to perform a general confession, a Catholic sacrament Henrie had to learn about before undertaking it. Henrie prepared extensively for the experience, writing an entire chapter to discuss with the attending priest.

Henrie described emerging from the monastery visit profoundly relieved and transformed, identifying that single experience as the catalyst for his life’s direction change. He has since channeled his spiritual interests into his documentary series “Seeking Beauty,” which explores religious art, architecture, music and culture across Italy and Spain, with the first season premiering on EWTN+ in January.