Deseret News | Reader comments: LDS-centric actor's new role may raise a few eyebrows

Reader comments
LDS-centric actor's new role may raise a few eyebrows

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bill | 10:48 a.m. Jan. 1, 2008

At the end of the interview...it said that he was going to do things that Kirby Hayborn doesn't do. Does that mean that he is going to start cussing and stuff? Or is he going to do worse things? It kind of worries me the way that he said it.

Dale Blotter | 7:45 a.m. May 29, 2008

I'm disappointed that Mr. Heyborne feels a need to take on acting roles that are not consistent with the values espoused in his LDS centric roles. My teenage son who grew up watching Kirby in Singles Ward, RM and Best Two Years, spotted Mr Heyborne this week in a Miller Beer TV ad. Whether he wants to admit it, he has been a role model for LDS youth and it I wonder what message they are getting when they see someone seemingly drop their personal values to deliver a crass commercial message and advance their career. The world needs more movies and TV that represent good values and morals not more of the filth that is passed off as entertainment.

Mel in az | 10:25 p.m. June 3, 2008

Wow! I just saw the same commercial. I told my children that no one can withstand the pressures of the media, Miley Cyrus etc. Whenever I watch the commentary that highlights the LDS movies like Single Ward, etc., I was struck by the crassness of the actors. Kirby I realized was always in character, always the good guy. Actors are the great pretenders. I boycott all movies made for the LDS audience. The actors make me sick.

Comments continue below

LDS Family | 9:40 p.m. June 5, 2008

I saw the Miller Lite comercial and couldn't believe my eyes! I was shocked to see Kirby doing a beer commercial. My children were very upset. It is so hard when they look up to someone like him only to be dissapointed again! I guess it is easy for some to give up their values when money talks. It is too bad!

Matt | 8:43 p.m. June 8, 2008

The ad just ran on a national broadcast for the NBA finals. Yes, I was dis-heartened to see it, but actors are people too and we all learn by the decisions we make. We also all have ups and downs. We cannot judge a worthiness level. A lot of us...probably all of us....skimp on some level. I do see actors that are NOT mormon take on good roles at every turn. There may be skeletons in the closet for him, but a good example is Sean Astin.

oh brother | 12:03 a.m. June 9, 2008

give me a break.

Gus | 12:43 a.m. June 9, 2008

This article was from Jan 2006. Why is it showing up again on the site? Why am I making a comment for 2 year old news?

Re: Gus | 12:53 a.m. June 9, 2008

Read the other comments, and you will find out why.

risk of actors | 5:51 a.m. June 9, 2008

I have a similar problem with using non LDS actors for church films. You run the risk that at some point you see the actor supporting things running contrary to our values. The guy that played JS in Work and Glory played a pimp on CSI.

In Kirby's case, he is an LDS actor playing LDS roles at the start and then moving away from LDS values. Our kids and many of us can't separate actor from real guy.

What troubles me is there are so many good roles out there that don't require a compromise of values. Why the strange choice? Many of us make similar choices in not working for tobacco or beer companies. Why should actors be any different??

Geoff | 6:11 a.m. June 9, 2008

I dunno... at first I had a problem with the Miller Lite commercials, but then I thought... hey what about athletes that work/compete on the Sabbath Day. I believe the Sabbath Day is just as important as the word of wisdom. If you're gonna call out Kirby, you might as well call out Steve Young (who still covers sports on Sundays).

questions | 7:42 a.m. June 9, 2008

I too was shocked to see Kirby on the beer commercial, not because he is a Mormon, but because my impression of him personally was that he wouldn't do something like that. On the other hand, when I think about it, I'm just as guilty as he is. As a web designer at my full-time job, I will occasionally be asked to design a website for a company that is not in harmony with my beliefs (a sports bar, etc.) Are Kirby and I both guilty of not "avoiding the very appearance of evil?" Are we perpetuating sin throughout the world? Is he more responsible than I because he is such a recognizable figure? Should make for an interesting debate.

congrats | 7:49 a.m. June 9, 2008

More power to you Kirby....you're a great actor and let's face it - when you've got that kind of talent, why waste it on a bunch of us who can't afford to give you what you really deserve.

another one bites the dust | 7:57 a.m. June 9, 2008

Keep yer eyes open and you'll soon see him get deeper and deeper into the nightmare of hollywood...

He can HAVE it....

I too will not watch movies geared to a LDS audience.... I think they are stupid.

prc | 7:57 a.m. June 9, 2008

a beer ad? shame on you kirby. get back to your roots and take a stand!

J-Town | 7:58 a.m. June 9, 2008

He was recently on a beer commercial.....he's lame.

Fallen Angel | 7:58 a.m. June 9, 2008

Another R.M. bites the dust!

Jessica | 8:16 a.m. June 9, 2008

It is just a shame to see Kirby give up his values. It seems as if he is making excuses to go in the wrong direction. I was really disappointed to see him in the beer ad. Surely there has got to be other roles that he could play where he wouldn't compromise his values. And if there isn't, maybe he's in the wrong profession. What a poor example, especially to his children.

Trevor | 8:30 a.m. June 9, 2008

Who cares. He has a job to do. Let him make his own choices. He has been a decent person so far no matter what commercials he's been in.

I'm a Kirby Fan | 8:37 a.m. June 9, 2008

Hey Kirby is cool, Kirby is great, leave the guy alone. I'm LDS and I've seen all his LDS movies and I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard in my life. His non-LDS "questionable" roles everyone is discussing right now is absolutely none of our business, whatsoever. I think a lot of people are conveniently forgetting that judging other people is probably higher on the list of DON'Ts than smoking fake cigarettes, and growing your hair long. C'mon guys, your Christian, act like it.

GO KIRBY!!!!

Sarah | 8:59 a.m. June 9, 2008

I have been a little disappointed by some of Brother Heybourne's acting choices, such as the beer ad, just like I have been for Rick Schroeder. But at the end of the day, it's their decision to make, and it's not our place to judge. It can be very difficult for an actor to find work in LA, and many times they have to take what they can get. I have a lot of respect for Corbin Allred, who has turned down many roles because of content, but at the same time, when he isn't doing LDS films these days, he's doing guest starring roles on tv shows. He's not getting the film roles I'm sure he'd love to have. We honestly can't say what we would do in their situation until we've been in it. We can say we wouldn't do it, but if it was a choice between feeding your children and cursing in a movie, we can't be positive what we'd do. Don't judge them too harshly, guys.

hahah | 9:07 a.m. June 9, 2008

What about all the mormon farmers that grow barley for coors...shame on them. TIC

Give thanks | 9:13 a.m. June 9, 2008

Thank goodness we will all be judged by the intent of our hearts, and not others opinions.

Anonymous | 9:19 a.m. June 9, 2008

I think it's funny how someone who got a lucky break is suddenly qualified to conduct acting workshops.

Holy cow! | 9:22 a.m. June 9, 2008

Amazing. How many of you will be as critical of other LDS actors? How about Jon Heder for some of the tasteless comedies he's done? Wilford Brimley? Rickey Schroder? Actors make their living playing people they aren't. How many of you think that Anthony Hopkins WAS Hannibal Lecter (oops sorry, none of you saw that movie). Point is, GOOD actors make you believe by, surprise! Acting.

They have to make choices and sometimes make choices that we might not make. Isn't that the point of this life agency? Leave the guy alone. Watch or don't watch his performances if you want, but get a life. Gee Wiz.

Rich | 9:39 a.m. June 9, 2008

This reminds me of when I saw Gordon Jump (an LDS actor from an earlier age) playing a child molester in a popular sitcom. Talk about cognitive dissonance! Actors act to make a living. The thing they do to make a living is to pretend to be something/someone they are not. That's not too hard to understand, is it?

Gloria | 9:52 a.m. June 9, 2008

I was very disappointed to see this young man in a beer commercial.....one does have choices. I had to re-wind and take a second look to make sure it was him. Surely he could have held himself to a higher standard than a beer commercial!!! That's very "in your face".

No way! | 10:06 a.m. June 9, 2008

Kirby in a beer ad? How terrible! How could he? Who cares?!

Look, I'm an active LDS'er. The last time I checked, I believe judging others was a pretty bad sin. So much so, Jesus addressed it directly.

Stop judging and let the kid be. Worry about your own salvation.

Vincent Price as JS-1940 | 10:09 a.m. June 9, 2008

For the person griping about non-LDS actors playing Church Roles...How about Dean Jagger (not a member at that time but later converted) as Brigham Young and Vincent Price as Joseph Smith in the 1940 movie Brigham Young? It was 32 years later that Jagger joined the church. Was his role as BY part of the conversion? Don't know but I'm sure it didn't hurt.

As for LDS actors doing non-LDS stuff on screen look at Amy Adams role as Delysia Lafosse in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Time for more judgment.

Hero of Canton | 10:08 a.m. June 9, 2008

RE: Anonymous @ 9.19a

Finally! Someone hit the nail on the head! Kirby Heybourne is not a good actor, he is mediocre at best. He got a lucky break which the rest of us professionals would kill for and now he becomes the end all be all? I met him a few years ago in relation to some promotional work for Sons of Provo he was doing and apart from his co-star Danny, he was the most condescending, arrogant actor I have ever crossed paths with.

If he chooses to do a beer commercial that is his choice. If he can sleep at night then that is all that matters but his candle (not a star) will fizzle and burn out quickly, mediocrity can be stomached for only so long before it turns rancid.

You watch TV? (GASP!!!) | 10:24 a.m. June 9, 2008

I can't believe any of you strong, perfect LDS church members who are judging Kirby watch TV. There are people who sin on TV. There are people who swear, drink, commit crime and even have sex. (gasp!!!)

I wouldn't know that Kirby was on a beer commercial because I don't watch TV. For me, the filth contained and idleness of sitting and watching TV when I could be out serving mankind or making homemade bread is sinful. How awful that you are entertained by watching anything that is NOT approved by the first presidency. I would HATE to be all of you at judgment day!!!

BE A LITTLE MORE OPEN MINDED PLEASE!

Rich | 10:29 a.m. June 9, 2008

Why do people care that he is in a beer commercial?
He can do what he wants to do. I am Mormon, and I drink beer. Who cares? Lets stop worrying about what other people are doing, and lets start practicing what Christ taught. Christ never taught that beer is bad, not once, but he did teach that we should not judge others and love them through it all.

I would however say that if he is going to endorse a beer then he should make a better selection then Miller, try Pabst Blue Ribbon. That Golden Nectar from the Gods taste of great richness and joy as it goes down.

Wuh?!? | 10:33 a.m. June 9, 2008

Phew! I glad he's clean cut in real life, because clean cut people are always of a much higher caliber.

Holier Than Thou | 10:48 a.m. June 9, 2008

I can't believe any of you would let your kids watch beer commericals at all --- let alone beer commericals featuring LDS actors. What are you thinking???

Lucky he's not in Utah | 12:06 p.m. June 9, 2008

He did a freakin commercial! He's not giving up his values. He's an actor. It's his job. Would you condemn an lds person who works in advertising, and designs a label for a beer company? Would you jump all over an LDS person who works as an artist and painted a nude? Well, I suppose you probably would. I'm LDS, and I'm always embarrassed by the narrow-minded viewpoints of some of my fellow church members. I wonder if he'll keep coming back to Utah now that a mob wants to lynch him.

Anonymous | 12:35 p.m. June 9, 2008

Beer is the nector of the gods.

Actor | 1:23 p.m. June 9, 2008

I love the narrow-minded, judgmental comments. Itï¿½s absolutely comedic to read these threads. If LDS actors only took roles that reflected their real life actions and beliefs, then they wouldnï¿½t call it acting, now would they?

Sour Grapes? | 1:51 p.m. June 9, 2008

Re: Hero of Canton

I'm not an actor and I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Your affirmation of Anonymous @9:19am, though, seems tinged with a touch of bitterness and reminds one of a certain fabled fox. Just a thought.

At any rate, I have to echo others' thoughts that we need to be a little more concerned with our own beams and a little less infatuated with Kirby's mote.

Stonecasters | 1:58 p.m. June 9, 2008

Judge not and be not judged.

Disappointed | 2:04 p.m. June 9, 2008

I was watching a show with my 12 year old the other day and a commercial came on for Miller Lite beer. To my utter disappointment, there was Kirby in the ad. My 12 year old who loved watching all of his LDS movies was totally shocked. I guess everyone succumbs to the Hollywood mentality, even the ones that you thought would be strong. What a bad example to a 12 year old and all of us!!!

i-survived-roe-v-wade | 2:19 p.m. June 9, 2008

Did you see this nice mormon boy in the beer commercial lately?

to rich | 2:27 p.m. June 9, 2008

christ did teach not to drink alcohol, (according to lds beliefs, beliefs you claim to follow) through modern revelation, d & c 89, you can't pick and choose which revelations to believe, either joseph smith was a prophet, so all his revelations cme from god, or he wasn't and none of them came from god, those are your only choices, stp justifying your behavior.

Holier Than Thou | 2:30 p.m. June 9, 2008

So lets condemn Kirby for the beer ad. Then let's condemn Steve Young for playing and later talking about football on Sundays! Then let's condemn J.W. Marriott for allowing porn to be in his hotel rooms! And how many Mormons work in casinos in Las Vegas? All the EVIL ones!

Come on! It's a race to see who is the most righteous and I'm going to win!!!

Former Supporter | 2:33 p.m. June 9, 2008

After seeing the beer commercial, I emailed Mr. Heybourne. I told him that I feel he owes his career to LDS-genre supporters who, in most cases were supporting because it was a genre we wanted to see succeed, not because it was great entertainment and acting on his behalf. He isn't a great actor, merely he was supported because of his religion. Now he goes against what he has portrayed. I am only referring to the beer ad. I can understand the acting in a character in a film, but not doing a beer commercial. I hope Mr. Esau Heybourne enjoys his mess of pottage.

Back up a minute | 2:35 p.m. June 9, 2008

Amy Adams is LDS?

To "actor" | 2:35 p.m. June 9, 2008

My kids saw the commercial this weekend, too. My daughter's reaction was, "Hey, that guy in every Mormon movie ever was just on a beer commercial! I can't believe it!" It's not so much a matter of judgement, but a matter of disappointment, I guess, among kids who are out there every day standing up to temptation. And along comes the guy from the Best Two Years on a beer commercial. As long as Mr. Heyborne is over 21 and chooses to exercise his agency to do a beer commercial, that's his business - and his bishop's, I suppose. But that doesn't make it any less disheartening for those who previously viewed him as positive role model to LDS youth based on the roles he exercised his agency to play in the past.

Mark | 2:48 p.m. June 9, 2008

to Back up a minute: From Wikipedia, arbiter of truth: "She grew up as one of seven children in Castle Rock, Colorado and was raised in the Mormon religion, although her family left the church after Adams' parents divorced when she was 11 years old."

Alex Trebek | 3:05 p.m. June 9, 2008

I want my money back from all of those horrible movies I was forced to sit and watch with my girlfriend, all in the name of 'LDS cinema.' You owe me approximately $75, sir.

Judge | 3:04 p.m. June 9, 2008

"Judge not that ye be not judged" is taken out of context. We are commanded to make "righteous" judgments, not to make no judgments at all. We all make judgments every day as to what is good and what is not. To "Actor" hit the nail on the head--young people are disappointed to see Kirby in a beer ad. That makes a big difference. Many people are required to work on Sunday, but would rather not. Kirby was not required to make a beer ad. The misuse of alcohol is one of the most devastating evils ever to grace our planet. He should know better.

Judge | 3:07 p.m. June 9, 2008

I meant to say "invade" our planet, not "grace" our planet.

RE: to rich | 2:27 p.m | 3:28 p.m. June 9, 2008

If Christ taught it was wrong to drink alcohol, then why was he turning water into wine for all those wedding guests to drink? Seems a little out of character. And yes, we do know that the ancients drank fermented wine and not Mormon grape juice.

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