James Corden, host of The Late Late Show on CBS, might be famous for making us laugh harder than any other late-night TV host these days — but there’s a side of the British comedian most people never knew existed, until now.
Since taking over The Late Late Show in 2015, James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke segment has become one of the most popular sketches in late-night TV.
Although the British comedian seems to have it all, Corden’s secret struggles tell the story of someone who’s faced unfathomable tragedies in life — and overcame them with a strong faith in God.
I’ve always loved James Corden, but after hearing his testimony, I love him even more! His story of salvation is truly inspiring, and it’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps and tears.
James Corden was born on June 17, 1978, with a devout Christian upbringing. His mother, Margaret, was a social worker and his father, Malcolm, was a musician in the Royal Air Force, and they were both very active in the Salvation Army and their local church.
Corden discovered his passion for performing at an early age, and he began studying his craft at an after school program that gave children acting and dancing lessons.
“I wanted to entertain people, to act, sing, dance; everything and anything that would mean people would look at me and smile,” Corden recalled.
Corden was only 17-years-old when he landed his first professional part in a production of the musical Martin Guerre . Shortly after, Corden landed several substantial roles on television.
Although Corden was raised in a Christian home, he found his walk with the Lord getting detoured by the devil with all of the toxic temptations the new-found fame had brought him.
However, James Corden now credits the prayers of his Christian parents for saving him from a life of depression, partying, and alcohol.
The British comedian realized how far he had fallen from his Christian foundation after exhibiting “ungracious, ungrateful and brattish” behavior at the 2008 BAFTA awards.
“The person I had become wasn’t the person I wanted to be. I had drifted so far from family and friends that I didn’t really know how to pick up the phone and talk to them anymore. I was lost and needed to find myself,” Corden revealed.
Corden was sitting alone and depressed in his London apartment when his devout Christian parents made an “out of the blue” visit, claiming they were “worried” about him.
“My dad said, ‘I’m going to say a prayer for you. It will be all right, but you can’t carry on like this and only you can decide what happens now,’” Corden recalled.
“They sat on the tiny two-seater sofa and I sat on the floor. I was just talking to the floor really. I felt embarrassment that they were seeing me like this, so embarrassed about so many things – about the way I’d behaved or acted at points over that seven or eight-month period,” he said.
When I heard what Corden’s parents did next, I realized God was using this man in extraordinary ways…
“My dad just stood up and walked across to where I was, and he just put his arms around me and said, ‘You’ve just got to get through this, son.’ I started to cry. Just as you do when your dad hugs you and you are 30. My mum came over and joined us and we sat there. My dad said, ‘I’m going to say a prayer for you. It will be all right, but you can’t carry on like this and only you can decide what happens now,’” Corden revealed.
“Every tear that left my eyes made me feel a little lighter. Dad said a prayer as he kissed my forehead, and Mum came over and joined the hug. I’ve no idea how long we stayed there, but it felt like a lifetime. When they left later on, Dad turned to me and said: ‘You’ve so much to be thankful for, James. I know it’s been a tricky year, but you can’t carry on like this,’” the British comedian recalled.
It’s been four years since Corden put his damaging ways behind him thanks to the power of prayer. He now has two children with his wife, Julia, and his career is better than ever.
Corden hosted the Tony Awards earlier this year, and last summer, he was awarded an OBE by the Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Not to mention, his “Carpool Karaoke” segments have been going viral every time.
Despite his success, Corden remains humble as a reflection of his Christian faith. When opening The Late Late Show in 2015, he expressed his gratitude to viewers and the audience in an admirable way.
“However shocked you are that I am doing this job, you will never be as shocked as I am. It really isn’t lost on me what a privilege it is to be given a show like this, and I will really do my best not to let any of you down. I promise it will be fun,” Corden said.
James Corden’s testimony reveals the salvation and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. In addition, his parents’ devotion to heal their son through the power of prayer illustrates the importance of community and compassion.
When the devil tried to detour Corden’s gift of entertaining with traumatic temptations, Corden’s devout Christian faith empowered him to persevere and reach heights most comedians will never see.
The world needs more celebrities like James Corden – ones that shine the light that can only be seen through Jesus Christ, in the midst of deceptive darkness.