Lucas Black, known for his roles in the "Fast & Furious" franchise and as Special Agent Christopher LaSalle in "NCIS: New Orleans," made a significant life change in 2019 when he decided to leave the popular CBS series. While weight loss is not directly mentioned in connection to his departure, his decision was driven by a desire to prioritize family and faith, leading him to new opportunities that align with his values.
Prioritizing Family Time
Black's departure from "NCIS: New Orleans" was primarily motivated by his commitment to his family. Having been in the entertainment industry since childhood, he recognized the potential strain it could place on family life. He noted that the demanding schedule of network television, often involving 70-hour workweeks, took him away from his children. He expressed that he would leave for work before his children woke up and return after they were already asleep. This made it difficult to maintain a strong relationship with them. "The show was good to us," Black shared, "We had a good time. It was a good run, and we sacrificed a lot of family time. But at some point, enough was enough." He wanted to reclaim that time and dedicate it to his loved ones.
A Gradual Decision
While the news of his exit may have seemed sudden to viewers, Black emphasized that it was a decision he had been contemplating for a long time. His cast mates respected his decision, understanding the demanding nature of network television. Black's focus shifted towards being more present in his children's lives, protecting them, and teaching them, especially given the cultural influences they were exposed to. He emphasized the importance of intentionality in how he spends time with his children and nurturing their relationship.
New Chapter: "Legacy Peak" and Faith-Based Projects
Since leaving "NCIS: New Orleans," Black has been actively involved in projects that reflect his values and allow him to spend more time with his family. He starred in Pure Flix's "Legacy Peak," a film that resonated with him due to its positive portrayal of fatherhood. Black's wife played a crucial role in his decision to take on the project, recognizing its importance and alignment with their family's values. He felt that entertainment had undermined the fatherhood role for a long time, and "Legacy Peak" presented an opportunity to showcase fathers in a positive light.
Black expressed his desire to be involved in films that embrace the character traits that God has given to man to protect the innocent and to provide for the innocent. He believes that "Legacy Peak" embodies these qualities, as his character uses his traits to protect and provide for the children in the film. He hopes to see more content that celebrates men in a positive way, rather than tearing them down.
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Embracing Faith and Traditional Masculinity
Black's faith plays a significant role in his life and career choices. He actively shares his beliefs and values in various platforms. In his videos, Black often discusses themes relating to traditional masculinity and his Christian faith. He is eager to play characters that point people to Jesus and showcase healing through faith. His character in "Legacy Peak" seeks guidance from God through prayer, highlighting the importance of faith in overcoming challenges.
Sobriety and Personal Growth
In addition to his career and family life, Black has also been open about his journey to sobriety. He revealed that he made the decision to stop drinking alcohol five years ago, a choice that he believes has positively impacted his life and the lives of those around him. Black shared that he was convicted that drinking alcohol was negatively affecting his life and people around him. He hopes that his story can inspire others to seek help and make positive changes in their own lives.
Lasting Impact and Fond Memories
Despite leaving "NCIS: New Orleans," Black cherishes the memories and experiences he gained during his time on the show. He fondly remembers his co-stars, Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly, and the camaraderie they shared. He recalls Harmon's advice on the importance of taking naps to stay fresh during the demanding filming schedule.
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