John Corbett shared his heartfelt experiences about connecting with John O’Leary’s late father as he portrayed him in Soul on Fire.
“I truly felt like I got to know him a little bit, and then I would turn around just 10 feet away to embody him in scenes, all while knowing he was watching from a monitor,” Corbett, 64, revealed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Wednesday, October 1, in anticipation of his new film, Soul on Fire, set to premiere next week. “I adjusted to that pretty quickly, but it was somewhat nerve-wracking, as I wanted to honor them with a solid performance.”
In this feature, Corbett takes on the role of O’Leary’s father, Dennis, while Joel Courtney steps into the shoes of the notable motivational speaker. Dennis battled Parkinson’s disease for 30 years until his passing in May at the age of 80.
Before his passing, Corbett had a meaningful encounter with Dennis on the set of Soul on Fire. Despite Dennis’s inability to speak and challenges with mobility due to his illness, Corbett prioritized establishing a connection.
“When I squatted by him and … he was able to manage enough to converse and he made a significant effort to communicate,” Corbett recalled. “We shared some laughs, and he seemed to beam with joy.”
Corbett noted that O’Leary had shared that Dennis could see some “glimpses” of his character portrayal.
“I didn’t directly inquire, but John frequently mentioned how much his father appreciated and adored me, as he was that affable person, while I felt the same way,” the actor elaborated. “Thus, I wasn’t too concerned. I really made an effort.”
Corbett mentioned that he aimed to deliver a remarkable depiction, hoping it would make Dennis feel honored.
“When you give it your all in any endeavor, that’s all you can do, and that’s the essence of it,” he expressed to Us. “So, I’m merely grateful that he had a chance to view it.”
In a light-hearted moment, Corbett quipped that he hoped his portrayal wasn’t a factor in Dennis’ passing.
“I trust he didn’t pass away because he witnessed my performance right afterward,” he joked. “I’m joking, of course, but I am elated that he got to experience it. We all desire to have a cinematic representation of our lives—or that of someone close—and this time, it actually materialized.”
The film, Soul on Fire, narrates the heartbreaking story of the fire incident that left O’Leary with burns covering his entire body at just 9 years old. The biopic chronicles his recovery path and his rise to fame as a distinguished motivational speaker. Soul on Fire is also adapted from O’Leary’s acclaimed book, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.
Initially unfamiliar with O’Leary’s compelling journey, Corbett quickly grasped why the motivational speaker could fill arenas.
“I wasn’t fully aware before, but now I see. His speeches can fill Madison Square Garden, and people are eager to hear his messages,” he reflected. “That’s truly impressive.”
Soul on Fire premieres in theaters on Friday, October 10.
