He disappeared from the spotlight in his late teens after a choice that sparked debate. An unexpected encounter led him down a path he never anticipated — yet now, it’s the place he calls home. Years later, a rare public sighting left many shocked by how much he had changed.
In the early 2000s, he was a household name, lighting up a hit sitcom with his comedic timing alongside seasoned actors. But while audiences saw a charismatic young star on their screens, behind the scenes, his personal beliefs were quietly pulling him away from the very show that made him famous.
The young actor at the premiere of “See Spot Run” on February 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
In time, he would walk away from acting entirely, pulled by convictions that conflicted with his Hollywood life. Years later, rare sightings reignited public curiosity—sparking fresh questions about where his path had led. His rise to fame began with a breakout role in a sitcom that would soon cement itself as a cultural landmark.
The actor at the premiere of The Santa Claus 2 on October 27, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Early Fame on a Hit Sitcom: A Star is Born
His television journey began in 2003 when he landed the role of Jake Harper on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men. The show followed the life of a laid-back jingle writer whose world was turned upside down when his brother and young nephew moved into his beachfront house.
Promotional portrait of the “Two and a Half Men,” cast, circa 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Portraying the 10-year-old nephew, he quickly stole the spotlight, earning recognition for his sharp comedic timing and natural charisma. The sitcom became a massive hit, running for 12 seasons from 2003 to 2015. From the very first episode, he remained a key presence throughout most of its run.
As the youngest cast member, he quite literally grew up on screen, becoming a household name. By his teenage years, his work on the show had secured him a spot as one of television’s highest-paid child actors. Yet, despite his longtime role, a pivotal series of events in 2012 would signal the start of a dramatic and highly public career shift.
The actor with Miley Cyrus on the show, “Two and a Half Men,” in 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The 2012 Video That Shocked Hollywood and Sparked Headlines
In November 2012, a video surfaced featuring the actor, posted by the Christian media group Forerunner Chronicles. In it, he made a bold plea to viewers, urging them to stop watching the very sitcom that had defined his career since childhood. His words were firm and unapologetic.
“If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching Two and a Half Men. I’m on Two and a Half Men, and I don’t want to be on it. Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth,” he declared.
He didn’t stop there—he went on to express deep discomfort with the show’s content and the message it was sending to audiences.
The winners of Favorite TV Comedy for “Two and a Half Men” in 2007 | Source: Getty Images
“Jake from Two and a Half Men is meaningless. He’s just a fictional character,” he declared. “You can’t truly be devoted to God and still take part in a show like that. I know I can’t. What I’m discovering, what the Bible teaches—it doesn’t align with being on that series, and I can’t ignore that.”
In the same video, he reflected on television’s impact on audiences, suggesting it could be damaging. “People say it’s just entertainment. Look into how television affects your brain, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself reconsidering what you watch—especially the kind of content you consume,” he warned.
The actor arrives at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times “20th Annual Halloween Carnival” held at Universal Studios Backlot on October 21, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Shaking his head, he continued, “It’s bad news. A lot of people don’t like to think about how deceptive the enemy is.”
His remarks ignited immediate controversy, sparking widespread debate. The backlash was swift, prompting him to issue a public apology just a day after the video started making waves.
Clarifying His Remarks
After the video went public, the actor released a statement to clarify his remarks. “I sincerely apologize if my words came across as dismissive or disrespectful toward my colleagues, or as a lack of gratitude for the incredible opportunity I’ve been given,” he expressed. “That was never my intention.”
The actor attends People’s Choice Awards 2012 on January 11, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
“I am grateful to and have the highest regard and respect for all the wonderful people on Two and a Half Men with whom I have worked over the past 10 years—people who have become like family to me,” he stated.
He went on to express his appreciation for the show’s creators and executives, adding, “Chuck Lorre, Peter Roth, and many others at Warner Bros. and CBS have played a key role in shaping one of the most significant experiences of my life.”
The actor on the final episode of “Two and a Half Men” in 2012 | Source: Getty Images
He also recognized the meaningful influence the cast and crew had on his life, expressing gratitude for the “valuable lessons” they had shared with him. When the video surfaced, CBS producers had yet to address his remarks.
The actor at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Reports indicated that his absence from the final two episodes before the show’s holiday break was purely coincidental and unrelated to his controversial remarks. His character, Jake, was depicted as serving in the Army, meaning he didn’t appear in every episode.
Behind the scenes, however, his public statements stemmed from a personal transformation that had been unfolding quietly for months.
The actor at the film premiere of “Bringing Down The House” in Los Angeles in 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Discovering Faith and Joining the Church
In mid-2012, he was introduced to a man named Moses through a mutual friend, who told him about a nearby church. That Saturday, he decided to visit alone. He remembered walking in, settling into a seat at the back, and hearing a sermon that felt strikingly personal.
The pastor’s message that day seemed crafted just for him, he recalled, resonating with his life, the choices he faced, and the clarity he had been seeking. “That was the moment [I knew]—this was my church,” he declared.
The actor accepting an award at the People’s Choice Awards for his role on “Two and a Half Men” in Los Angeles in 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Soon after, he started studying the Bible with a church member named Nelson Jones. “One day, unexpectedly, he stopped by and asked if I wanted to do a Bible study. I said, ‘Sure.’ That day, he revealed to me what the Bible says about hell, and I was absolutely shocked,” he recalled.
The former actor at the Variety’s 5th annual Power Of Youth event in Los Angeles in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The actor found the Bible study both enlightening and captivating, feeling it made more sense than any Christian teaching he’d encountered before. He mentioned that every new lesson deepened his appreciation for the church. “It didn’t feel like I was being deceived or led astray. It was a life-changing experience,” he explained.
The actor with his younger brother in Los Angeles in 2009 | Source: Getty Images
At that point, he was also exploring various churches, sometimes attending up to four or five in one Sunday, trying to fill what he referred to as a “God-shaped void.” Despite having gone to Christian schools, his family rarely visited church, attending only on rare occasions like Easter.
He found himself captivated by the teachings of Ray Vander Laan, who presented Scripture through a historical and cultural lens, deeply moved by the stories of people overwhelmed with joy when encountering sacred texts. It was later revealed to him that a school friend, who had always been unavailable on Friday nights and Saturdays, was part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
