Jesse Hutch, star of the 2023 Christmas movie “A Christmas Blessing,” has a real-life story that’s as compelling as any film plot.
Jesse Hutch, a familiar face in romantic comedies, recently opened up about a life-changing event that occurred years before his acting career took off.
Hutch’s experience is both shocking and inspiring. As a young man, he worked as a whitewater raft guide and faced a terrifying incident. He recalls, “I drowned when I was 21 years old. That was another miracle in my life. … I should be completely, honestly dead. I shouldn’t have lived, and, if I did, I shouldn’t be able to speak, I shouldn’t be able to hear, I shouldn’t be able to talk.” This close brush with death has deeply influenced his perspective on life and faith.
From an early age, Hutch’s Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his life. He recalls praying ‘The Sinner’s Prayer’ with his grandmother at five years old, a moment that marked the beginning of his spiritual journey. This foundation of faith was a source of strength through various life challenges, including his parents’ divorce and the development of his acting career.
Hutch’s miraculous recovery from his near-drowning is a story he attributes to divine intervention. Despite being underwater for an extended period, he survived with minimal physical repercussions. “It is an absolute miracle, man. [In] weeks … I was fine. My eardrums didn’t completely explode; they should have,” he said, expressing his amazement at the rapid recovery.
Today, Hutch views his survival as a sign of God’s presence in his life. In “A Christmas Blessing,” Hutch portrays Otto, a character who helps others find their way, reflecting his own experiences of faith and growth.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“