Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Box of Butterflies
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 5/6/1960
WEBSITE: https://www.lightworkers.com/
CITY: Malibu
STATE: CA
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: Irish
Married to producer Mark Burnett.
RESEARCHER NOTES:
| C control no.: | no 97065474 |
|---|---|
| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/no97065474 |
| HEADING: | Downey, Roma, 1960- |
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| 100 | 1_ |a Downey, Roma, |d 1960- |
| 370 | __ |a Derry (Northern Ireland) |
| 374 | __ |a Author |a Actress |a Singer |a Television producer |
| 375 | __ |a female |
| 377 | __ |a eng |
| 670 | __ |a A Christmas miracle, 1997: |b credits (Roma Downey) |
| 670 | __ |a Internet movie database, Oct. 28, 1997 |b (Roma Downey, b. May 6, 1964; actress); Feb. 27, 2012 (b. May 6, 1960, Derry, Northern Ireland) |
| 670 | __ |a Angels watching over us, 2012: |b ECIP t.p. (Roma Downey’s Little angels) |
| 670 | __ |a Wikipedia WWW site, Feb. 27, 2012 |b (Roma Downey; b. May 6, 1960, Derry, Northern Ireland; actress, singer, and producer; in TV series Touched by an angel; wrote the children’s book Love is a family; executive producer of the animated video series Little angels) |
| 678 | __ |a Roma Downey (born May 6, 1960, Derry, Northern Ireland) is an author, actress, singer, and television producer. After appearing in the TV series Touched by an Angel, Downey wrote the children’s book Love Is a Family and produced Little Angels, an animated film series. With her husband, television producer Mark Burnett, Downey co-produced the 2013 television miniseries, The Bible. |
| 953 | __ |a xx00 |b rg14 |
| 985 | __ |c OCLC |e LSPC |
PERSONAL
Born May 6, 1960, in Derry, Northern Ireland; daughter of Maureen O’Reilly Downey; married Leland Orser, 1987 (divorced, 1989); married David Anspaugh, 1995 (divorced, 1998); married Mark Burnett, 2007; children: (second marriage) Reilly Marie Anspaugh, (third marriage) Cameron Burnett, James Burnett.
EDUCATION:Brighton Art College, B.A.; London Drama Studio, graduated; University of Santa Monica, master’s degree, 2010.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Actor, singer, producer, and writer. LightWorkers Media (production company), Los Angeles, CA, cofounder with husband, Mark Burnett, president. Has acted in films and television shows, including Touched by an Angel and The Bible. Involved with charities, including Operation Smile.
AWARDS:Movieguide Grace Award, 2014, for role in The Bible.
RELIGION: Christian.WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Roma Downey is an actor, producer, singer, and writer. Originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, she moved to England to attend Brighton Art College and the London Drama Studio. Downey first performed in the U.S. as part of a traveling British production of “The Playboy of the Western World.” She ultimately settled there and began securing acting roles in plays on and off Broadway. Downey’s breakout role was playing Monica, the lead character in the CBS series, Touched by an Angel. The popular series ran for nearly a decade, from 1994 to 2003, making Downey a major star. She has gone on to appear in other television shows and films, including The Bible. Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, are the founders of the Los Angeles-based production company LightWorkers Media. On his own, Burnett has produced hit television shows, including Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice. As a team, he and Downey have led the productions of Christian programs, including The Bible and Son of God. Downey and Burnett have also collaborated on a series of books that includes the works, A Story of God and All of Us, A Story of Christmas and All of Us, and A Story of Easter and All of Us.
Love Is a Family
In 2001, Downey released her first book, Love Is a Family. The book is geared toward young readers and is illustrated by Justine Gasquet. Lily, the young protagonist of the book, is preparing for her school’s Family Fun Night. Other kids will be bringing their large families, but Lily will just be going with her single mother. Lily laments that she will not have a family like many of her classmates, but her mother reassures her that the two of them are still a family because of their love for one another. At Family Fun Night, Lily discovers that some of her classmates also come from nontraditional families. She meets families whose children are adopted, kids who live with their grandparents, and a widower raising his child by himself. Lily is reassured to see that families can be very different.
In an interview with a contributor to the People website, Downey explained that she became inspired to write the book after having a conversation with her daughter about her relationship with her daughter’s dad, Downey’s ex-husband. She stated: “I wanted to write it for children in situations that are nontraditional.” Writing in School Library Journal, Adele Greenlee commented: “The book sensitively addresses the issue of being different and finding common values in diversity.”
Roma Downey's Little Angels Bible Storybook and The Story of God and All of Us
Downey described her 2012 volume, The Little Angels Bible Storybook, in an interview with Rebecca Cusey, writer on the Patheos website. She stated: “The Little Angels Bible Storybook is a first Bible for children. … It’s designed to lovingly guide children through the main stories of the Bible.” Downey added: “It’s charming, beautiful, and bright.”
In The Story of God and All of Us, a collaboration between Downey and Burnett, follows the storyline of the television series they produced, The Bible. The book includes major stories from the Bible, including Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son, Isaac, and Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Josh Olds, critic on the Life Is Story website, remarked: “The story progresses quickly, focusing on some highlights of the biblical narrative, reading as a sort of Bible storybook for teens and adults. As such, I felt that the narrative was rushed in places and the dialogue stilted. Basically, the project was simply too ambitious. To truncate the entire Bible into a novel is to, by necessity, skip over events deemed unnecessary and only lightly dive into the events that are told.” Olds added: “However, for those that find reading the Bible to be boring or tedious, perhaps this is just the thing.”
Box of Butterflies
Box of Butterflies: Reminders of the Blessings That Surround Us, released in 2018, is a memoir by Downey. In the book, she explains that butterflies have been symbolic to her throughout her life. Downey told Ellen Olivier, writer on the Los Angeles Times Online: “My father took me out to the cemetery, where a little butterfly flew by. He said: ‘That could be your mother’s spirit right there,’ and it completely altered my life to think that a beautiful butterfly could represent my mom and that I wasn’t so alone. After that, the butterflies kept showing up … and they’ve always brought with them a feeling of comfort and encouragement.” In the book, Downey describes her childhood in Northern Ireland and tells of her experience during the Troubles. She recalls the pain she felt after losing her mother at a young age. Downey goes on to discuss her acting roles, highlighting her experience on Touched by an Angel. She also explains how her Christian faith has been a support to her through the years.
Downey discussed the experience of writing a memoir in an interview with Cahir O’Doherty, writer on the Irish Central website. She remarked: “It’s a big new adventure for me, the world of books and publishing. … I began with my wanting to tell my own story and to be honest I feel extraordinarily vulnerable. Of all the tings I’ve ever gone on the road to promote, suddenly it’s my own book, my own story, my own hurts and my own trials and my own lessons learned. I hope it’s valuable for somebody.” In an interview with Steve Warren, contributor to the CBN website, Downey shared a takeaway from the book. She stated: “The truth is … none of us know how long we have. So don’t keep your gifts locked up. Go ahead and open up the Good Room in your own heart. Seize the moment and share your time and talents. Let today be the special occasion you’ve been waiting for.”
A reviewer in Publishers Weekly suggested: “Christian readers will appreciate Downey’s resilient attitude toward the trials of life, as well as her deep faith in God.” “It’s certainly true that faith and gratitude suffuse her stories,” noted Ilene Cooper in Booklist.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, November 15, 2017, Ilene Cooper, review of Box of Butterflies: Reminders of the Blessings That Surround Us, p. 16.
Publishers Weekly, January 8, 2018, review of Box of Butterflies, p. 57.
School Library Journal, November, 2001, Adele Greenlee, review of Love Is a Family, p. 119.
ONLINE
Bookreporter.com, https://www.bookreporter.com/ (June 12, 2018), synopses of author’s books.
Box of Butterflies website, http://www.boxofbutterflies.com/ (June 12, 2018), author profile.
CBN Online, http://www1.cbn.com/ (January 29, 2018), Steve Warren, author interview and review of Box of Butterflies.
Irish Central, https://www.irishcentral.com/ (April 2, 2018), Chair O’Doherty, review of Box of Butterflies.
Life Is Story, http://www.lifeisstory.com/ (March 5, 2013), Josh Olds, review of The Story of God and All of Us.
LightWorkers Media website, https://www.lightworkers.com/ (June 12, 2018), author profile.
Los Angeles Times Online, http://www.latimes.com/ (March 21, 2018), Ellen Olivier, author interview and review of Box of Butterflies.
Parade Online, https://parade.com/ (February 5, 2018), M.B. Roberts, review of Box of Butterflies.
Patheos, http://www.patheos.com/ (October 25, 2012), Rebecca Cusey, author interview and review of Roma Downey’s Little Angels Bible Storybook.
People Online, https://people.com/ (September 10, 2001), author interview and review of Love Is a Family.
Celebrated Emmy-nominated actress and producer Roma Downey ("Touched by an Angel") and award-winning producer Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Voice," "Shark Tank") are the founders of LightWorkers Media, a division of MGM Television and Digital. The husband and wife producing team, who together brought you projects like "The Bible Series" and "Son of God," now bring you LightWorkers.com.
Roma Downey
Roma Downey, star of "Touched By An Angel," has recently developed a line of Angel products (DVD, Bible, book) that have sold more than one million units.
Roma Downey
Books by Roma Downey
A Story of Easter and All of Us: Companion to the Hit TV Miniseries
by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett - Christian, Fiction, Holiday, Religion & Spirituality, Television
From the Last Supper in the upper room to the celebration of finding an empty tomb, this beautiful full-color book chronicles the journey of Christ's death and resurrection in a way the Easter story has never before been "told." Containing extraordinary images from the Emmy-nominated TV series "The Bible," A STORY OF EASTER AND ALL OF US is a book that will take a deserved place among the finest celebrations of Easter.
Son of God
by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett - Christian, Christian Fiction, Classics, Fiction
The book SON OF GOD is a tie-in with the major motion picture of the same title, slated for wide theatrical release (through 20th-Century Fox) on February 28, 2014. Like the movie, the book possesses an epic scope, providing a panoramic picture of first-century Judea as it recounts the events and reveals the meaning of Jesus's life, death and resurrection.
A Story of Christmas and All of Us: Companion to the Hit TV Miniseries
by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey - Christian, Holiday, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
From the annunciation by the angel through the birth of Jesus, this beautiful full color book chronicles the journey of Mary and Joseph, the appearance of the shepherds, and the story of the wise men, in a way the Christmas story has never before been "told." Containing extraordinary images from the hit TV series, "The Bible," A STORY OF CHRISTMAS AND ALL OF US is a book that will take a deserved place among the finest celebrations of Christmas.
A Story of God and All of Us Reflections: 100 Daily Inspirations Based on the Epic TV Miniseries "The Bible"
by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett - Christian, Nonfiction
This gorgeous, high-design book of 100 daily inspirations will help you to experience God's love through the text of the Bible. Each reflection includes a Bible verse, a personal reading, and a short prayer with visually stunning images from the set of the epic TV miniseries, "The Bible," produced by husband-and-wife team Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.
A Story of God and All of Us: A Novel Based on the Epic TV Miniseries "The Bible"
by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett - Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction
Beginning with the creation of man and ending with the revelation of a new world, readers will revel in this epic saga of warriors, rebels, poets and kings, all called upon by God to reveal His enduring love for mankind. Ultimately, God's plan is fulfilled in the story of Jesus the Messiah, whose life, death and resurrection brings salvation to one and all.
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ABOUT ROMA DOWNEY
Roma Downey is an Emmy-nominated actress and producer and has been creating inspirational content for twenty-five years. Born in Northern Ireland, she was classically trained in London. She gained fame for her role as the kindhearted angel Monica on the popular network show, Touched by an Angel. With her husband, Mark Burnett, they produced The Bible series, A.D, The Dovekeepers, and Answered Prayers for television, and feature films Son of God, Woodlawn, Little Boy, and Ben-Hur. Roma is president of LightWorkers Media—a joint venture with MGM. Downey also serves as chief content officer of LightWorkers.com, a destination website for inspiring and uplifting short form content. Roma is a longtime supporter of Operation Smile and Compassion. Roma and her husband live in California with their three amazing children and their three giant Irish Wolfhounds.
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Roma Downey
Biography
Showing all 52 items
Jump to: Overview (2) | Mini Bio (2) | Spouse (3) | Trade Mark (4) | Trivia (31) | Personal Quotes (9) | Salary (1)
Overview (2)
Born May 6, 1960 in Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
Height 5' 4" (1.63 m)
Mini Bio (2)
Roma was raised in Derry, then went to the Brighton Art College in England where she received her bachelor's. After that, she attended the London Drama Studio, where she was awarded Most Promising Student of the Year when she graduated. Roma was nominated for the Helen Hayes Best Actress Award in 1991 while touring the US with Abbey Theatre's production of "The Playboy of the Western World". Her stage credits include the Broadway production of "The Circle", opposite Rex Harrison, and some Off-Broadway Productions, including "Love's Labour's Lost", "Tamara" and "Arms and the Man". She is a beloved Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress from CBS hit series "Touched by an Angel and Producer of the TV smash hit "The Bible," in which she also play Mary the Mother of Jesus. Roma is married to producer Mark Burnett. They have three children, Reilly Marie Anspaugh, Cameron Burnett, and James Burnett.
- IMDb Mini Biography By:
A celebrated, Emmy-nominated television and stage actress, Roma Downey is most known for her decade of work as the tenderhearted angel, Monica. She was in over 200 episodes of "Touched by an Angel" (1994)_ and reached a weekly audience of over 20 million. Even more impressive, her role as Mary the Mother of Jesus on "The Bible" series had an audience of over 100 million. Roma was also a producer on "The Bible" series as well as the subsequent feature film "Son of God", along with husband Mark Burnett under their LightWorkers Media Banner (LightWorkers Media [us]).
She is a producer, author, philanthropist, and a devoted wife and mother. Throughout the years, her work has inspired millions of people in USA and around the world
Roma Downey was born on May 6, 1960 in Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK. She was raised in Northern Ireland. Roma has a B.A. from Brighton University and trained as an actress at the Drama Studio of London. Before moving to the United States she performed with The Abbey Theatre, Irelands National Theatre, and came to the USA with a production of "The Playboy of the Western World" and was nominated for the Helen Hayes Best Actress Award in 1991. On Broadway she made her debut opposite Rex Harrison in "The Circle", and performed with the New York Shakespeare Company, in productions by Shaw and Ibsen at the Roundabout Theatre Company and the Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles. Roma also played Jacqueline Kennedy in the Emmy award winning six-hour mini series for NBC called A Woman Named Jackie (1991), was listed as one of Peoples most beautiful people of the year, and hosted Saturday Night Live.
Ms. Downey not only starred in, but executive produced seven television movies for CBS. Some of which were "Borrowed Hearts" with Eric Mc Cormack, "Second Honeymoon" with Tim Matheson and "Monday After the Miracle". She starred along side John Schneider in "Come Dance at My Wedding" and can be seen in "Keeping Up With The Randall's" both which will be on the Hallmark Channel.
Roma Downey also authored several books, among them: Love Is a Family, Son of God, Love Makes a Family Display, A Story of God and All of Us: A Novel, A Story of Easter and All of Us, A Story of God and All of Us: Inspirations for Every Day of the Year, and A Story of Christmas and All of Us. She has also hosted a series for the PAX Network called "Its A Miracle" and released an inspirational CD called "Healing Angel".
Ms. Downey's passions reach far beyond acting and producing, for many years she has been an active volunteer with the charity "Operation Smile". Operation Smile provides free surgeries for children who suffer from cleft lips or cleft palettes. Roma has been a big supporter and an active spokesperson for 15 years. She has also traveled on many international medical missions to Vietnam, Honduras and Nicaragua and was accompanied by her husband Mark Burnett and their three children, Reilly, James, and Cameron, to a mission in Jordan.
Roma teamed up with writer Phil Lollar ("Adventures in Odyssey") to produce an animated series, "Little Angels". The programs are built with solid Christian values and wonderful life lessons told in a way that young children will understand them. It has received numerous endorsements, including the Seal-of-Approval from the international organization, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).
Back in 2012, Roma teamed up with her husband and renowned producer, Mark Burnett, to tell the story of "The Bible" on the History Channel. This five-part, 10-hour docudrama aired in 2013. The series was shot on location and used state-of-the art visual effects. Using up-to-the-minute production techniques, The Bible series was landmark television programming, combining unforgettable stories with live action and state-of-the-art computer-generated imagery (CGI). From Genesis to Revelation, History illuminated The Bible with revealing insights into the life and times of some of its most iconic characters. It will feature some of the most famous stories ever written - from Noah's Ark and the Exodus to Daniel in the Lion's Den to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible continues to be the best-selling book in America every year and last year alone, more than 25 million copies were sold.
Under their production Company LightWorkers Media (LightWorkers Media [us]), Roma nd Mark are working on a follow up series to the Bible for NBC called A.D., which follows the disciples, Jesus' mother Mary, and key political and religious leaders after Christ's crucifixion. LWM also acquired the rights to Alice Hoffman's epic tale of four women living in Massada, The Dovekeepers, which is being made into 4 hour minis series for CBS. Finally, LightWorkers is also producing Little Boy [us], following young American boy struggles to achieve the impossible...bring his father back from World War II, which will be released on February 27, 2015.
Downey will also be the Executive Producer on the retelling of Ben Hur. The project is helmed by MGM and Paramount Studios. Burnett will be a producer on the project and it was released in August 2016.
Downey is the executive producer of the documentary "Faithkeepers" about the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. Downey's newest venture is LightWorkers.com. This short-form online destination provides emotional, impactful, and sharable content across entertainment, lifestyle, family and faith; offering visitors achievable ways to make positive changes in their communities.
The Hollywood trade publication Variety recognized Downey as one of its '100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood.' The Hollywood Reporter included her and her husband in its 2013 'Rule Breakers' issue, a year-end celebration of innovators within the entertainment industry, and Downey won the 2014 'Movieguide Grace Award' for her role as Mother Mary. Downey was also honored on Variety's 'Women's Impact List' in 2013 and 2014.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Rosey Mongeau
Spouse (3)
Mark Burnett (28 April 2007 - present)
David Anspaugh (24 November 1995 - 15 March 1998) ( divorced) ( 1 child)
Leland Orser (1987 - 1989) ( divorced)
Trade Mark (4)
Natural auburn hair
Large brown eyes
Voluptuous figure
Seductive deep voice
Trivia (31)
Her name, Roma, originates from both her grandmother's names, Rose and Mary.
Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (1997).
Her mother, Maureen O'Reilly Downey, passed away from a heart attack at age 48 when Roma was 10.
Has two sisters, Jacinta McLaughlin and Ann Flood, and two older brothers, Lawrence Downey and John Downey.
The Irish lass was once turned down for a television commercial for Irish Spring Soap because she did not sound Irish enough.
She was one of the two women originally considered for the role of Xena: Warrior Princess (1995), along with Vanessa Angel. She was offered the role that made Lucy Lawless famous but turned down as she was offered the role of Monica on Touched by an Angel (1994) at the same time.
Eloped and married her first husband, Leland Orser, in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Rome, Italy.
Cannot type and admits that she pecks at the keys when typing emails and using her computer.
Her favorite film is the romantic drama Brief Encounter (1945).
Learned to play the piano as a child, but can no longer play. Also studied Irish dancing as a child.
Received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Brighton in Brighton, England.
Received her Master's degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica (2010).
Living with Survivor (2000) creator, Mark Burnett (2004).
Her daughter, Reilly Marie, was an extra and also had several non-speaking roles on several later episodes of Touched by an Angel (1994) and in several of Roma's television movies.
Attended and graduated from Drama Studios London, where she performed in plays by Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw and Anton Chekhov.
Mark Burnett proposed to Roma during a trip to Mexico on December 2, 2006.
Married Mark Burnett on April 28, 2007 at their home in Malibu. The ceremony was officiated by Della Reese.
The Sunday Times List estimated her net worth with husband Mark Burnett at $385 million (2009).
Best known by the public for her starring role as the kind angel Monica on Touched by an Angel (1994).
Her acting mentor is the late Della Reese, whom she credits as her favorite acting mentor/best friend.
Revealed that she had a wonderful relationship with Della Reese on Touched by an Angel (1994).
Surrogate daughter of Della Reese.
Della Reese is the godmother her daughter Reilly Marie.
Gave birth to her only child at age 36, a daughter Reilly Marie Downey Anspaugh on June 3, 1996. Child's father is David Anspaugh.
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6664 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on August 11, 2016.
As an actress, she was highly influenced by Della Reese.
A devout catholic, after Roma's mother died when she was 10 years old she would look to the Virgin Mary as a mother figure.
After she lost her real-life mother, [Della Reese] became her surrogate mother, during the run of [Touched by an Angel (1994)], and in real-life.
Had never been a fan of [Della Reese]'s work, for years, either by listening to her music or watching her appearances on television, before she was casted opposite Reese in [Touched by an Angel (1994)]..
Actress/singer [Della Reese] took her under her wing, when she was 34.
Is the only actress to appear in every episode of [Touched by an Angel (1994)], except one.
Personal Quotes (9)
One of the reasons I haven't been going off on location is because I am the queen of the carpool!
[When asked about how she felt about turning 40... She said]: For me, it's a milestone age. I'm at a great place in my life. I have exceeded my own expectations in terms of what I wanted to accomplish by this time - I am a mother, a successful working actress, a producer, and an author.
[on starring in a TV movie with John Schneider]: I'm reunited with John Schneider - tall John! It was nice. It worked so out well. It was great to be back on set, although I think the second or third night, after crawling into bed from a very long day and a lot sitting around and waiting, I remember calling Mark very late at night and us laughing about it and going, 'Why did I want to do this again? Would you please remind me?
I have the soul of a singer and do splendidly in the shower, but the world will never hear it. Basically, I'm the only Irish person who can't carry a tune.
[on the charitable organization that she participated - Operation Smile]: I've been on multiple international missions with them, and in fact Mark and I last spring took our three children to Jordan, and it was a fantastic experience for all of us. We went knowing we would help change the lives of children, but when we came home, really, it was our lives that had been changed!
[on her on- and off-screen relationship with gospel singer, actress and evangelist Della Reese, who played Tess]: She has adopted me, and is my mother to this day. My mom died when I was a girl, and her daughter passed away toward the end of the run. She said she always knew God brought her into my life because I needed a mother. What she hadn't realized was that God brought me into her life because she was going to need a daughter. She asked me if I would be her daughter and I said I would, and she said, "Then I am your mother." I live here in Malibu and she's in Beverly Hills and we get together every few weeks. She comes to grandparents' days at the kids' school and it's a beautiful relationship, another legacy of love. I'm so grateful to the show for that. It gave me a beautiful mother in my life. My mom died when I was 10, and I was so impacted by that, as you can imagine. Often I would find myself in the company of older women fantasizing and longing, dreaming for that maternal nurturing. When Della and I met that first day on the set, it was like we'd known each other forever, yet we couldn't have been more different. I was raised a young white child in Northern Island, and here she was this sort of larger than life black woman from Detroit. Yet our souls connected and really, the joy we brought to each other has really been beautiful. When I see reruns of the series and that relationship, I realize there were many ingredients that were part of the show's success. And yet that relationship reflected on-screen what we felt off-screen, and was a great part of the chemistry.
[When she wanted to know if Della Reese, who played Tess, would also be a surrogate mother to her on Touched by an Angel (1994), long before Della becomes a godmother to Reilly in real-life]: When we met, it was like Della had been given to me as a mother. What you see on the screen is echoed off the screen. It's a very loving relationship. It was instant. The moment we met there was something - a recognition of souls, like we had known each other. She has given me great counsel. There is no safer place in the world than in the arms of Della. Reilly adores her. Of course, she spoils her rotten. Last Christmas, she gave her a violin and lessons. I told you she spoils Reilly.
[on Della Reese]: One of the most loving and remarkable gifts it gave to me is my relationship with Della Reese [Tess] which, even though we've been off the air for a few years, continues with great love and friendship. She's the mother I lost when I was 10 and I'm the daughter she lost while we were filming. We have adopted each other. She is just a remarkable woman and she brings so much joy not just my life but to the length of my entire family.
[About replacing Della Reese with her real-life deceased mother]: The first day - Della Reese took me in her arms - she didn't shake her hand. She just took me in her arms and rock me. She's my mama. She was a gift to me. She's been a mom to me all these years.
Salary (1)
Touched by an Angel (1994) $100,000 per episode
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2018 The Baxters (TV Series)
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- Episode #1.4 ... Elizabeth Baxter
- Episode #1.3 ... Elizabeth Baxter
- Episode #1.2 ... Elizabeth Baxter
- Episode #1.1 ... Elizabeth Baxter
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2014 Son of God
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2013 The Bible (TV Mini-Series documentary)
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2011 Keeping Up with the Randalls (TV Movie)
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2004 Funky Monkey
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- I Will Walk with You: Part 2 (2003) ... Monica
- I Will Walk with You: Part 1 (2003) ... Monica
- At the End of the Aisle (2003) ... Monica
- The Show Must Not Go On (2003) ... Monica (credit only)
- Virtual Reality (2003) ... Monica
Show all 211 episodes
2001 The Sons of Mistletoe (TV Movie)
Helen Radke
2001 Second Honeymoon (TV Movie)
Maggie Weston
1999 The Test of Love (TV Movie)
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1998 Monday After the Miracle (TV Movie)
Annie Sullivan
1996-1998 Promised Land (TV Series)
Monica
- Saving Grace: Part 2 (1998) ... Monica
- Amazing Grace: Part 2 (1997) ... Monica
- The Homecoming: Part 2 (1996) ... Monica
1997 Borrowed Hearts (TV Movie)
Kathleen Russell
1995 A Child Is Missing (TV Movie)
Samantha Hallihan
1995 The Last Word
Roxy
1994 Hercules and the Amazon Women (TV Movie)
Hippolyta
1994 Diagnosis Murder (TV Series)
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- Reunion with Murder (1994) ... Heather Winslow
1993 New Year (TV Movie)
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1992 Devlin (TV Movie)
Eileen
1992 Getting Up and Going Home (TV Movie)
Kimberly Stevens
1991 A Woman Named Jackie (TV Mini-Series)
Jacqueline Bouvier
- The Bouvier Years (1991) ... Jacqueline Bouvier
- The Kennedy Years (1991) ... Jacqueline Bouvier
- The Onassis Years (1991) ... Jacqueline Bouvier
1991 The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage (TV Series)
Danielle St. Clair
- For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll (1991) ... Danielle St. Clair
- The Not-So-Great Dictator (1991) ... Danielle St. Clair
- Look for the Union Label (1991) ... Danielle St. Clair
- Deals Are Made to Be Broken (1991) ... Danielle St. Clair
- A Day in the Life of Logan Murphy (1991) ... Danielle St. Clair
Show all 7 episodes
1991 The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage (TV Movie)
Danielle St. Clair
1968 One Life to Live (TV Series)
Lady Johanna Leighton (1988)
Hide Hide Producer (22 credits)
2019 Messiah (TV Series) (executive producer) (pre-production)
2018 The Baxters (TV Series) (executive producer - 6 episodes)
- Episode #1.6 ... (executive producer)
- Episode #1.5 ... (executive producer)
- Episode #1.4 ... (executive producer)
- Episode #1.3 ... (executive producer)
- Episode #1.2 ... (executive producer)
Show all 6 episodes
2016 Faithkeepers (Documentary) (executive producer)
2016 Ben-Hur (executive producer)
2015 Woodlawn (executive producer)
2015/I Answered Prayers (TV Series) (executive producer)
2015/II Answered Prayers (TV Series) (executive producer)
2015 A.D. The Bible Continues (TV Series) (executive producer - 12 episodes)
- The Abomination (2015) ... (executive producer)
- Rise Up (2015) ... (executive producer)
- Brothers in Arms (2015) ... (executive producer)
- Saul's Return (2015) ... (executive producer)
- The Road to Damascus (2015) ... (executive producer)
Show all 12 episodes
2015 Little Boy (executive producer)
2015 The Dovekeepers (TV Mini-Series) (executive producer)
2014 Women of the Bible (TV Movie) (executive producer)
2014 Son of God (producer)
2013 The Bible (TV Mini-Series documentary) (executive producer - 10 episodes)
- Courage (2013) ... (executive producer)
- Passion (2013) ... (executive producer)
- Betrayal (2013) ... (executive producer)
- Mission (2013) ... (executive producer)
- Survival (2013) ... (executive producer)
Show all 10 episodes
2012 Little Angels Vol. 1: ABC's (Short) (producer)
2012 Little Angels Vol. 3: 123's (Short) (producer)
2004 Funky Monkey (executive producer)
2004 The Survivors Club (TV Movie) (executive producer)
2001 The Sons of Mistletoe (TV Movie) (executive producer)
2001 Second Honeymoon (TV Movie) (executive producer)
1999 The Test of Love (TV Movie) (executive producer)
1998 Monday After the Miracle (TV Movie) (executive producer)
1997 Borrowed Hearts (TV Movie) (executive producer)
Hide Hide Writer (1 credit)
2002 Touched by an Angel (TV Series) (story by - 1 episode)
- Two Sides to Every Angel (2002) ... (story by)
Hide Hide Thanks (1 credit)
2011 A Cure to War (Documentary short) (special thanks)
Hide Hide Self (79 credits)
2018 Steve (TV Series)
Herself
- Roma Downey/Diann Valentine, Krystal Bee & Ta'Rhonda Jones (2018) ... Herself
2018 100 Huntley Street (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 16 April 2018 (2018) ... Herself
2018 The Real (TV Series)
Herself
- Tony Rock/Roma Downey/Backyard Boogie on a Budget (2018) ... Herself
2014-2018 Today (TV Series)
Herself - Guest / Herself
- Episode dated 5 March 2018 (2018) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 22 July 2015 (2015) ... Herself
- Episode dated 1 April 2015 (2015) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 6 June 2014 (2014) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 26 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself - Guest
2018 The Dr. Oz Show (TV Series)
Herself
- True Crime Thursday: Could This Happen to You: Could You Be the Target of a Kidnapping Scam? (2018) ... Herself
2017 Larry King Now (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey on Religion, Trump, & Spreading Hope (2017) ... Herself - Guest
2017 Celebrity Page (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode #3.31 (2017) ... Herself
- Episode #3.21 (2017) ... Herself
2013-2017 Home & Family (TV Series)
Herself / Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey/Talitha Bateman (2017) ... Herself
- Episode dated 29 May 2013 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2012-2017 Sidewalks Entertainment (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Duffy and Downey (2017) ... Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey (2012) ... Herself - Guest
2017 Harry (TV Series)
Herself
- "Silicon Valley" Actor Kumail Nanjiani/Actress Roma Downey/Kid Musicians/the Big Gender Reveal (2017) ... Herself
2016 The Insider (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode #13.7 (2016) ... Herself
- Episode #12.100 (2016) ... Herself
2013-2016 Fox and Friends (TV Series)
Herself - Producer, Ben-Hur / Herself
- Episode dated 20 August 2016 (2016) ... Herself - Producer, Ben-Hur
- Episode dated 28 February 2013 (2013) ... Herself
2013-2016 Made in Hollywood (TV Series)
Herself
- War Dogs/Ben-Hur/Southside with You/The Intervention (2016) ... Herself
- Episode #9.20 (2014) ... Herself
- Episode #8.20 (2013) ... Herself
2013-2016 Good Morning America (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 19 August 2016 (2016) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 27 February 2013 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2014-2016 Hannity (TV Series)
Herself - Producer, Ben-Hur / Herself
- Episode dated 18 August 2016 (2016) ... Herself - Producer, Ben-Hur
- Son of God (2014) ... Herself
2015 Breaking Bread with Brooke Burke (TV Series)
Herself
- Roma Downey & Mark Burnett (2015) ... Herself
2013-2015 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 6 October 2015 (2015) ... Herself
- Episode dated 17 July 2015 (2015) ... Herself
- Episode dated 27 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself
- Episode dated 2 March 2013 (2013) ... Herself
- Episode dated 27 February 2013 (2013) ... Herself
2015 Answered Prayers (TV Series)
Herself - Hostess
- His Healing Hands (2015) ... Herself - Hostess
- A Divine Plan (2015) ... Herself - Hostess
- Send Me an Angel (2015) ... Herself - Hostess
2015 Dateline NBC (TV Series documentary)
Herself
- Bible Stories: The New Blockbuster (2015) ... Herself
2014-2015 Steve Harvey (TV Series)
Herself
- Steve Helps Two Female ER Doctors/Mark Burnett & Roma Downey/Young Mom's Miraculous Story (2015) ... Herself
- How to Negotiate with Men to Get What You Want/Rahm Emanuel/Roma Downey & Mark Burnett/Sword Swallower (2014) ... Herself
2013-2015 Inside Edition (TV Series documentary)
Herself
- Episode #26.143 (2015) ... Herself
- Episode #26.142 (2015) ... Herself
- Beyonce's Brother (2014) ... Herself
- Episode dated 30 December 2013 (2013) ... Herself
2012-2015 Rachael Ray (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- It's April Fools' Day, and "Top Chef" Fabio Viviani Got Three Foolproof Recipes That Only Have Five Ingredients! (2015) ... Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey; Hilaria Baldwin (2013) ... Herself - Guest
- Back to Basics (2012) ... Herself - Guest
2015 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (TV Series)
Herself
- Pharrell Williams/Roma Downey & Mark Burnett/Milky Chance (2015) ... Herself
2012-2015 CBS This Morning (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #4.77 (2015) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #2.76 (2012) ... Herself - Guest
2014 Women of the Bible (TV Movie)
Herself - Narrator
2014 The 4th Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards (TV Special)
Herself
2014 From the Set: The Passion (Video documentary short)
Herself
2014 Put Your Faith Into Practice: Introduce Children to a Relationship with Jesus Christ (Video documentary short)
Herself
2014 Son of God Reborn (Video documentary short)
Herself
2014 The Hour of Power (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Lions in the Daniel Den (2014) ... Herself - Guest
2014 The Arsenio Hall Show (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #1.115 (2014) ... Herself - Guest
2014 The 22nd Annual Movieguide Awards (TV Special)
Herself
2014 The 700 Club (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 28 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself - Guest
2014 The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 27 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself
2014 Katie (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey & Mark Burnett/Jason Momoa (2014) ... Herself - Guest
1997-2014 Live! with Kelly (TV Series)
Herself - Guest / Herself
- Chandra Wilson/Roma Downey (2014) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 15 January 1997 (1997) ... Herself
2014 Lou Dobbs Tonight (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 25 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself
2014 Un Reino Sin Fronteras (TV Movie documentary)
Herself
2014 Praise the Lord (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 10 February 2014 (2014) ... Herself
2014 Faith Hollywood TV (TV Series)
Herself
- The Movieguide Awards Gala (2014) ... Herself
2014 GeekRockTV (TV Series)
Herself
- The Movieguide Awards Gala - Highlights (2014) ... Herself
2014 The 40th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV Special)
Herself
2013 2013 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Presenter
2013 Oprah's Next Chapter (TV Series)
Herself
- Roma Downey, Mark Burnett and Diogo Morgado (2013) ... Herself
2013 Good Day L.A. (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 28 March 2013 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2013 CBS News Sunday Morning (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 17 March 2013 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2013 Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition (TV Series)
Herself
- Producers (2013) ... Herself
2013 The Hour (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #9.115 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2013 The O'Reilly Factor (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 27 February 2013 (2013) ... Herself - Guest
2006 In the Cutz (TV Series)
Guest
- Leachman Passes a Milestone/Golf/Stuff Style & Jules Verne Gets the Star Treatment (2006) ... Guest
2006 The Reichen Show (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 22 March 2006 (2006) ... Herself
2004 Happy Birthday Oscar Wilde (TV Movie documentary)
Herself
2001-2004 The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 3 March 2004 (2004) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 23 April 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 25 July 2001 (2001) ... Herself - Guest
2003 Hollywood Squares (TV Series)
Herself - Panelist
- Episode dated 7 February 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Panelist
- Episode dated 6 February 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Panelist
- Episode dated 5 February 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Panelist
- Episode dated 4 February 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Panelist
- Episode dated 3 February 2003 (2003) ... Herself - Panelist
2001-2002 CBS Cares (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 1 January 2002 (2002) ... Herself
- Episode dated 1 January 2001 (2001) ... Herself
2001 The 27th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV Special)
Herself
1997-2001 The Rosie O'Donnell Show (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 19 December 2001 (2001) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 7 March 2001 (2001) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 22 December 1999 (1999) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 24 April 1997 (1997) ... Herself - Guest
1995-2000 Late Night with Conan O'Brien (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #7.122 (2000) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #6.31 (1998) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #5.72 (1998) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #3.55 (1995) ... Herself - Guest
1997-1999 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #7.191 (1999) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #7.77 (1999) ... Herself - Guest
- Episode #5.206 (1997) ... Herself - Guest
1999 Journey to a Hate Free Millennium (Documentary)
Narrator (voice)
1996-1999 Maury (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode dated 5 April 1999 (1999) ... Herself
- Episode dated 16 March 1998 (1998) ... Herself
- Episode dated 27 November 1996 (1996) ... Herself
1999 Intimate Portrait (TV Series documentary)
Herself
- Della Reese (1999) ... Herself
1999 The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV Special documentary)
Herself - Nominee
1998 It's a Miracle (TV Series documentary)
Herself - Host (2003-2004)
1998 The 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Nominee & Presenter
1998 True Stories from Touched by an Angel (TV Movie documentary)
1998 The American Red Cross Celebrates Real-Life Miracles (TV Movie)
Herself - Hostess
1998 The Daily Show (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Roma Downey (1998) ... Herself - Guest
1997-1998 Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series)
Herself / Herself - Guest
- Episode dated 12 November 1998 (1998) ... Herself
- Episode dated 22 April 1997 (1997) ... Herself - Guest
1998 CBS: The First 50 Years (TV Movie documentary)
Herself
1998 Saturday Night Live (TV Series)
Herself - Host
- Roma Downey/Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott (1998) ... Herself - Host
1998 The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Nominee
1997 The 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Nominee & Presenter
1997 The Most Fascinating Women of 1997 (TV Movie documentary)
Herself
1997 Life's Greatest Holiday Stories (TV Movie documentary)
Herself
1997 The 23rd Annual People's Choice Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Hostess & Presenter
1996 Miracles and Visions: Fact or Fiction? (TV Movie documentary)
Herself - Hostess
1996 The 22nd Annual People's Choice Awards (TV Special)
Herself - Presenter
1991 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV Series)
Herself - Guest
- Episode #30.1 (1991) ... Herself - Guest
Hide Hide Archive footage (6 credits)
2015-2018 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series)
Herself / Herself - Author, Box of Butterflies
- Episode #37.180 (2018) ... Herself
- Episode #37.177 (2018) ... Herself
- Episode #37.155 (2018) ... Herself - Author, Box of Butterflies
- Episode #37.95 (2017) ... Herself
- Episode #37.61 (2017) ... Herself
Show all 12 episodes
2016 Extra (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode #23.47 (2016) ... Herself
2016 The Insider (TV Series)
Herself
- Episode #13.12 (2016) ... Herself
2014-2016 Inside Edition (TV Series documentary)
Herself / Herself - The Bible
- Episode #28.242 (2016) ... Herself
- Pilot Lands Plane on Highway (2014) ... Herself - The Bible
2013 The Bible (TV Mini-Series documentary)
Mother Mary
- Courage (2013) ... Mother Mary (uncredited)
2013 The O'Reilly Factor (TV Series)
Herself
- A Matter of Faith (2013) ... Herself
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Other Works: : Played "Miss Fischer" in "A Picasso", a play by Jeffrey Hatcher (Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA). See more »
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Personal Quote: [on starring in a TV movie with John Schneider]: I'm reunited with John Schneider - tall John! It was nice. It worked so out well. It was great to be back on set, although I think the second or third night, after crawling into bed from a very long day and a lot sitting around and waiting, I remember calling Mark very late at night and us laughing about it and going, 'Why did I want to do this ... See more »
Trivia: After she lost her real-life mother, [Della Reese] became her surrogate mother, during the run of [Touched by an Angel (1994)], and in real-life. See more »
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QUOTED: "Christian readers will appreciate Downey's resilient attitude toward the trials of life, as well as her deep faith in God."
Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us
Publishers Weekly.
265.2 (Jan. 8, 2018): p57. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us Roma Downey. Howard, $22 (256p) ISBN 978-1-5011-5093-7
Downey, the Emmy-nominated actress from Touched by an Angel and producer of films such as Little Boy and Ben-Hur, inspires in this quote-filled book of reflections. She poignantly tells of her mother's death when she was 10 years old and how butterflies became a natural reminder of her mother's love: at the grave, Downey recalls a butterfly floating by and her father commenting, "Would you look at that? That wee butterfly could be your mother's spirit." Between quotes from such diverse voices as Leonard Cohen, Regina King, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, and Nelson Mandela, Downey shares spiritually affirming moments from her film career. One highlight is her relationship with Della Reese throughout the filming of Touched by an Angel. Downey recounts the moment--a few months after Reese's daughter's sudden death--when they shared a conversation about the goodness of God: "I didn't know He was bringing you into my life because I was gonna need a baby girl." Christian readers will appreciate Downey's resilient attitude toward the trials of life, as well as her deep faith in God, especially during difficult times. What comfort she finds in God, she graciously passes on to others in this touching book. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us." Publishers Weekly, 8
Jan. 2018, p. 57. Book Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A524503024 /GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=ed025d01. Accessed 3 June 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A524503024
QUOTED: "It's certainly true that faith and gratitude suffuse her stories."
1 of 3 6/3/18, 7:27 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Box of Butterflies
Ilene Cooper
Booklist.
114.6 (Nov. 15, 2017): p16. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
Box of Butterflies.
By Roma Downey.
Mar. 2018. 256p. illus. Howard, $24.99 (9781501150937). 248.
Downey, who played angel Monica in the beloved series Touched by an Angel and, along with her husband, Mark Burnett, is the producer of such inspirational shows as Women of the Bible and A.D. the Bible Continues, offers readers a minibiography interlaced with her personal insights, pieces of Scripture, and poetry. Born in Northern Ireland, she lost her mother at an early age and her father as a young adult. Butterflies became a symbol to her, and they flutter through this book, both in the text and the watercolor illustrations. Her fans will enjoy stories about her TV shows, especially Touched by an Angel, and about the important relationship she forged with costar Delia Reese. God infuses her narrative and seems to be present everywhere she turns. Some readers may wonder how God is so available to her, providing everything from roles to her husband, when others travel a less-amenable road, but her message is that "no matter how dark life feels, He is always there to guide us, comfort us," and it's certainly true that faith and gratitude suffuse her stories.--Ilene Cooper
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Cooper, Ilene. "Box of Butterflies." Booklist, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 16. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A517441700/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=f40f66c9. Accessed 3 June 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A517441700
QUOTED: "The book sensitively addresses the issue of being different and finding common values in diversity."
2 of 3 6/3/18, 7:27 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Love Is a Family. (Fiction)
Adele Greenlee
School Library Journal.
47.11 (Nov. 2001): p119. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
DOWNEY, Roma. Love Is a Family. illus. by Justine Gasquet. unpaged. HarperCollins. 2001. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-06-039374-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2--It is time for Family Fun Night at school and Lily, who lives with her single mother, wishes she could go with a "real" family. Her mother tells her, "... most of the time our little family feels just right to me. Love is what makes a family, and we've got plenty of that." The child's fears about feeling uncomfortable at the event turn out to be unfounded. Lily and her mom meet a girl whose mother has died, leaving her alone with her dad; an adopted child; two brothers who live with their grandparents; stepfamilies; and half brothers and half sisters. The paintings have childlike perspectives and are effective in showing the young protagonist standing alone in her ordered, quiet home in contrast to the busy activity of the large, noisy household next door. The book sensitively addresses the issue of being different and finding common values in diversity. Children in nontraditional families might feel reassured by having their situation affirmed, but the message overpowers the thin story line.--Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Greenlee, Adele
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Greenlee, Adele. "Love Is a Family. (Fiction)." School Library Journal, Nov. 2001, p. 119. Book
Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A80851518/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=b8c3dfb2. Accessed 3 June 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A80851518
3 of 3 6/3/18, 7:27 PM
QUOTED: "I wanted to write it for children in situations that are nontraditional."
Picks and Pans Review: Talking With...Roma Downey
People Staff September 10, 2001 12:00 PM
The Touched by an Angel star could have used some heavenly guidance herself when she was trying to explain her divorce to her 5-year-old daughter Reilly. After her 1998 split with director David Anspaugh, Downey, 41, would leave her daughter with an intermediary for Daddy to pick up. “One day,” says Downey, “Reilly came across a picture of her daddy and me together and said, ‘Mom, you know my dad?’ ”
Frustrated by the dearth of children’s books about divorce, Downey wrote one herself on the set of Angel, which is about to start its eighth season on CBS. Illustrated by Justine Gasquet, Love Is a Family (ReganBooks, $16.95) tells the story of a little girl named Lily who longs to have a big family instead of just a mom. “I wanted to write it for children in situations that are nontraditional,” said the Irish-born Downey, who was raised by her father after her mother died of a heart attack.
The book’s message, says Downey, is that “love is what makes a family, not the number of people in it.” She has little time for a book tour, but she has a captive audience: “Even if nobody else reads the book,” Downey says, “I have to read it to Reilly.”
QUOTED: "The Little Angels Bible Storybook is a first Bible for children. ... It’s designed to lovingly guide children through the main stories of the Bible."
"It’s charming, beautiful, and bright."
TV Angel Roma Downey’s ‘Little Angels Bible Storybook’
October 25, 2012 by Rebecca Cusey
22 Comments
First she was an angel on TV, and then she created the Little Angels DVD series for preschoolers. Now, Roma Downey is releasing a companion book to the DVD series.
“The Little Angels Bible Storybook is a first Bible for children,” Downey told me when we spoke by phone, “It’s designed to lovingly guide children through the main stories of the Bible.”
The characters from the DVD serve as guides to the stories. Alex and Zoe are four year old twins. Their nursery has a mural of angels on the ceiling and when the adults leave, the angels pop down to teach the children moral and practical lessons. In the books, they present the stories in age appropriate ways.
“My favorite part is the anchor,” Downey told me. That’s the lesson at the end that helps a child apply the wisdom of the story to their own life. Each story ends with “I can…, I pray…, and I will…” It’s designed for a parent to discuss the story and pray with their child as they tuck them in at night.
Downey says the quality of the book was important to her as well. “It’s charming, beautiful and bright,” she says. Plus, it’s designed to be easily cleaned in response to sticky little fingers.
Downey’s own children are grown, but she takes special pride in this project. “I have come through raising my own kids. These are tools I would have loved when raising my own children….It’s a great world to have created.”
The Little Angels Bible Storybook is newly released from Tyndale and is available at Christian book stores and online.
We’re giving away three copies of The Little Angels Bible Storybook! Please leave a comment below for your chance to win!
On November 2 at noon (EST), we’ll pick three names in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification if you are one of the winners!
Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.
QUOTED: "The story progresses quickly, focusing on some highlights of the biblical narrative, reading as a sort of Bible storybook for teens and adults. As such, I felt that the narrative was rushed in places and the dialogue stilted. Basically, the project was simply too ambitious. To truncate the entire Bible into a novel is to, by necessity, skip over events deemed unnecessary and only lightly dive into the events that are told."
"However, for those that find reading the Bible to be boring or tedious, perhaps this is just the thing."
The Story of God and All of Us – Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Posted By Josh Olds on Mar 5, 2013 in Uncategorized
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Faith Words
Publication Date: February 2013
Reviewed by Josh Olds
QUICK HIT – Based upon the 10 hour epic miniseries The Bible, this novelization offers a cohesive fictional narrative of biblical history and, though not without flaws, offers an intriguing look into the Bible.
My Twitter and Facebook feeds exploded Sunday night when the first part of The Bible aired on the History Channel. While I haven’t had a chance to watch it, I have been working my way through the novelization aptly named A Story of God and All of Us. If you’ve seen the mini-series and have any comments, please add them below, as I’m very curious to know other people’s thoughts.
First of all, biblical fiction is tricky. The Bible is often very sparse on detail and placing it into a format (such as novel or television) that necessitates dialogue and visuals often means elaborating, exaggerating, or extrapolating beyond what the text actually says. However, when done well, it can give humanity and depth to what are sadly often two-dimensional Sunday School flannelgraph characters. The depth required by the novel or visual format can revitalize the consumer’s perception of a biblical character. It does require some building on the biblical foundation, and the goal should be that the resultant dialogue/characterization matches what is found in the biblical narrative. On the whole, I believe A Story of God and All of Us did a good job of conveying this.
There are number of times in the book (and presumably the novelization) that the events that take place deviate from or embellish the historical record. I especially enjoyed the treatment of the story of the Exodus and Moses’ relationship with Rameses, even if it did go beyond the biblical narrative. These changes are made for a number of reasons, most easily illustrated in the story detailing the sacrifice of Isaac (pg. 36-40).
The book states “Ten more years pass” (pg. 36), while the actual biblical account is much more vague (Gen. 22:1).
Isaac and Abraham are depicted as going off alone (pg. 37), although the Bible is clear that they took two servants (Gen. 22:3).
After God intervenes in the sacrifice, Isaac and Abraham discover a “small white lamb” (pg. 39); however, the Bible says it was a ram (Gen. 22:13).
Sarah is portrayed as running up Mount Moriah after Abraham after concluding that he had gone to sacrifice Isaac (pg. 40). This is rather absurd, especially as the biblical narrative shows that it was more than a three day journey from Abraham’s camp to the mountain (Gen. 22:5).
Each of these changes likely happened for the different reason. The first was likely done for dramatic effect and to progress the story chronologically. Though not explicitly stated, ten years after the previous events (Hagar and Ishmael’s deportation from Abraham’s camp) would place Isaac at about age 12 or 13. The imagery of sacrificing a child is much more stunning than if Isaac is older, which is most likely. However, I personally would see an older Isaac as a more stunning example of sacrifice as he, clearly with the strength to overpower his ancient father, willingly submits to the sacrifice (and thus serving as a type of Christ’s willing sacrifice).
The second was likely done simply to streamline the account. The servants are not the focus of the story, therefore they are unnecessary to the dramatization. The third was obviously changed to provide a correlation to the story of Christ as the Lamb of God. However, the biblical narrative says ram (ayil), not lamb (sey). I feel that this is a small enough change, done with thematic intent, that does not harm the integrity of the story. Others might disagree. Fourth, the portrayal of Sarah is meant to bring depth to her character and provide some dramatic tension from her end. It has no basis in history, but neither does it contradict any theological statement.
Most of the changes that come in A History of God and All of Us are likewise done for thematic or dramatic purposes. Occasionally, one sees a hint of liberal scholarship (the book alludes to and the mini-series posits that Isaiah and Daniel were contemporaries because of Isaiah’s striking predictions about the Exile), but overall the theology is remarkable evangelical, including a literal six-day creation and global flood.
The story progresses quickly, focusing on some highlights of the biblical narrative, reading as a sort of Bible storybook for teens and adults. As such, I felt that the narrative was rushed in places and the dialogue stilted. Basically, the project was simply too ambitious. To truncate the entire Bible into a novel is to, by necessity, skip over events deemed unnecessary and only lightly dive into the events that are told. Characters come and go and we get only a glimpse of them before the story moves on. The attempt to be truly successful in the novel format is that is hampered by the scope of the project.
However, for those that find reading the Bible to be boring or tedious, perhaps this is just the thing to jump start a new view on the Bible. Undoubtedly, there will be criticisms (there always will be), but my assessment is that, overall, The Story of God and All of Us will serve to bring individuals to a better knowledge of the Bible and, hopefully, a better knowledge of God.
Question: Have you seen the mini-series? Leave your thoughts below.
QUOTED: "The truth is ... none of us know how long we have. So don't keep your gifts locked up. Go ahead and open up the Good Room in your own heart. Seize the moment and share your time and talents. Let today be the special occasion you've been waiting for."
Roma Downey's 'Box of Butterflies' Reminds Readers Not to Hide Their God-Given Talents
01-29-2018
Steve Warren
Photo Credit: The Christian Post/Lightworkers via Facebook
Photo Credit: The Christian Post/Lightworkers via Facebook
Roma Downey is best known to her fans as an actress and a film producer. However, the "Touched by an Angel" star is also a best-selling author with 27 books to her credit.
Her latest book, Box of Butterflies: Discovering The Unexpected Blessings All Around Us, is set to be released in March. According to a statement on Downey's publisher's website, the book is filled with encouragement and hope, assuring us of God's comforting presence in our lives.
Ever since she was a little girl, Downey has seen butterflies as a reminder of God's presence. They have appeared to her in moments when she needed encouragement and reminded her she is not alone.
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According to Downey, the subtle butterfly theme reminds us that the wonder of God's love and kindness is sometimes reflected in the gentle whispers of His creation and that we all have the power to transform from simple caterpillars into exquisite butterflies.
One story from the book that Downey shares is about her mother and what she learned from her untimely death. The Christian Post recently posted a video on its Facebook page of Downey telling the story.
"When I was growing up in Northern Ireland, we had a room in our house that was called "The Good Room." Inside this room, was a little cabinet that was filled with Bone China," she recalled. "My mother loved that China dearly. She loved it so much that she kept it under lock and key. We hardly ever used china. It was kept for "special occasions."
"Back in the early 70s, at the height of the troubles, the British Army had taken to the streets of Northern Ireland and they had brought with them enormous armored vehicles," Downey continued. " One day a large military truck drove down our street and as the house began to shake, we heard a loud crash come from the Good Room. My mother cried out as she ran down the hallway and she gasped when she saw what had happened."
A few years later, Downey's mother died of a heart attack, which made her often wonder what special occasion she was saving that china for?
"Her silver wedding anniversary? My wedding day? My daughter's christening? All celebrations that she wouldn't live to see," Downey said in the video. " We all have things we want to lock up in the Good Room. Talents that we are too shy to share. The joy that we have postponed. Time with our loved ones that we delay."
"But the truth is, Downey exclaims, "None of us know how long we have. So don't keep your gifts locked up. Go ahead and open up the Good Room in your own heart. Seize the moment and share your time and talents. Let today be the special occasion you've been waiting for."
Downey and her husband Mark Burnett have launched a new online community, Lightworkers.com, to encourage and inspire believers worldwide.
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QUOTED: "My father took me out to the cemetery, where a little butterfly flew by. He said: 'That could be your mother’s spirit right there,' and it completely altered my life to think that a beautiful butterfly could represent my mom and that I wasn’t so alone. After that, the butterflies kept showing up … and they’ve always brought with them a feeling of comfort and encouragement."
Roma Downey's 'Box of Butterflies' alights at a star-studded Beverly Hills book party
By Ellen Olivier
Mar 21, 2018 | 4:15 PM
Roma Downey's 'Box of Butterflies' alights at a star-studded Beverly Hills book party
Roma Downey and Gordon Ramsay attend "Box of Butterflies" Book Party on March 20, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for "Box of Butterflies")
Clearly reality show super-producer Mark Burnett is a romantic. Explaining the title of her new book, “Box of Butterflies,” Roma Downey said her husband once gave her a white box as a Valentine’s Day gift, suggesting she open it gently in the garden.
“I did,” said the “Touched by an Angel” star, “and out flew a flock of beautiful butterflies.” Yet even more than beautiful, the gesture had meaningful personal significance — but more about that below.
The event
Jennifer Flavin Stallone, left, Roma Downey and Kelly Gores
Jennifer Flavin Stallone, left, Roma Downey and Kelly Noonan Gores. Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for "Box of Butterflies"
Kelly Noonan Gores and private equity investor Alec Gores opened their Beverly Hills home to celebrate what Downey called her “spiritual memoir,” which this week debuted on the New York Times bestseller list in the advice, how-to and miscellaneous category.
The crowd
Jennifer Flavin Stallone, Sylvester Stallone, Irena Medavoy and Stellene Volandes.
Jennifer Flavin Stallone from left, Sylvester Stallone, Irena Medavoy and Stellene Volandes. Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for "Box of Butterflies"
Town and Country Editor in Chief Stellene Volandes, filmmaker Mike Medavoy and his wife, Irena Medavoy, and photographer John Russo co-hosted the event along with the Gores, welcoming, among others, Sylvester Stallone, restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, E! News host Jason Kennedy, actor Jack Huston, comedian Bill Bellamy and “Medical Medium” author Anthony William.
The scene
Accessorized with a butterfly pendant and three different diamond butterfly rings, Downey greeted guests arriving at the cocktail reception with warm hugs. There, beside a table piled with her books, one guest praised the Emmy-nominated actress and producer, not just for her book and appropriately themed jewelry, but also for the swarm of butterfly designs that could be found fluttering through her @romadowney Instagram account, alighting on shoes, clothes, tattoos and a seemingly endless list of other items.
The book
"Box of Butterflies"
The event decor was heavy on the butterflies, which could be found tucked into floral arrangements throughout the book party. Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for "Box of Butterflies"
Subtitled “Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us,” and sprinkled throughout with quotes, poems, song lyrics and passages from the Bible, “Box of Butterflies” tells the story of Downey’s life, starting with her childhood in Northern Ireland — where she grew up during violent times known as “The Troubles” — up to the present.
“When I think back on the course of my career, I see I really have been a storyteller through performing and then as a producer,” she told us early in the evening. “Now I get to tell my own story — with all the triumphs and the tragedies, in the sunshine and the shadows — in the hopes that the book will be an encouragement to others.”
The butterfly
Cover of "Box of Butterflies" by Roma Downey.
Cover of "Box of Butterflies" by Roma Downey. Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for "Box of Butterflies"
Recalling her mother’s unexpected death when Downey was age 10, she said: “My father took me out to the cemetery, where a little butterfly flew by. He said, ‘That could be your mother’s spirit right there,’ and it completely altered my life to think that a beautiful butterfly could represent my mom and that I wasn’t so alone. After that, the butterflies kept showing up … and they’ve always brought with them a feeling of comfort and encouragement when I’ve needed it most.”
Before the book party ended, Downey repeated the tale to the assembled group, promising that they would see butterflies from that moment on. “Everyone needs encouragement every now and then,” she said.
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QUOTED: "It's a big new adventure for me, the world of books and publishing. ... I began with my wanting to tell my own story and to be honest I feel extraordinarily vulnerable. Of all the tings I've ever gone on the road to promote, suddenly it's my own book, my own story, my own hurts and my own trials and my own lessons learned. I hope it's valuable for somebody."
Roma Downey's best-selling book Box of Butterflies flies
Cahir O'Doherty
@randomirish
April 02, 2018 04:27 AM
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Successful film, web, and television producer (and now author) Roma Downey
Successful film, web, and television producer (and now author) Roma Downey(Howard Books) Austin Hargrave
Not many girls from the Bogside in Derry have ended up living in a fabulous mansion in Malibu, and no one is more surprised about it than the Derry girl it actually happed to, Roma Downey.
Most famous for her starring role in the long-running television show Touched by an Angel, Downey, 57, is also a notably successful film, web and television producer and now an author of the already number one bestseller Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us.
This month she's in the midst of a book tour to promote Box of Butterflies and the experience is unlike any she's undertaken before she says.
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“It's a big new adventure for me, the world of books and publishing,” Downey tells the Irish Voice. “I began with my wanting to tell my own story and to be honest I feel extraordinarily vulnerable. Of all the tings I've ever gone on the road to promote, suddenly it's my own book, my own story, my own hurts and my own trials and my own lessons learned. I hope it's valuable for somebody.”
If you consider the arc of her career she started as an actress and then she put on her producers hat to bring to the screen some of the biggest epic stories in the bible, but to write a memoir is a much quieter more intimate experience she says.
“It's not just my story it tells how at some crossroads in my life God was already there although I didn't always know that, or it didn't always feel that way. Nobody gets away with a life that doesn't include suffering, you know? To love is to be vulnerable and I experienced the trauma of loss of love so young. I was only 10 when my mum died and I know it's a long time ago but it shaped the person I became.”
The inspiration for the new book came from a very private place she says. When she was visiting her mother's grave as a child a butterfly appeared, she recalls. That could be your mother's spirit, her father told her. “It was a comfort to me at the time to think that her spirit could still be somewhere nearby.”
Since that time Downey has associated butterflies with her mother' spirit, with the idea that she's somehow nearby and watching over her, and that God is with her every step of the way too. That's why she has has designed the new book to comfort, to provide the encouragement and inspiration that the butterfly idea always has to her.
“Growing up in Derry in the 1970's things were crazy. It wasn't your typical backdrop, but I was said I had a happy childhood. Even though we all became experts in which part of town gunfire had occurred or where the latest bomb scare was.”
Nowadays Downey says she has come to the realization that everything, the successes and the losses, all of them amount to a gift. It's all part of the wider journey she says. “There's a Mary Oliver poem where she writes that someone she loved once gave her a box full of darkness, and it took her years to discover that this, too, was a gift. That idea speaks to me very deeply.”
I would not have gotten where I am without my faith, no question. I wouldn't have endure my teenage years, I don't know how I would have gotten through my mothers death if I hasn't had the promise I would see her again. So my faith has been a source of joy, it has held me up and rocked me to sleep on nights where I thought my heart was going to break.”
Being from Derry is also very important to her too, she adds. “It's my north star, it's my compass. As a woman who lost both parents very young part of my life's ambition was to live the best life I could to honor the memory of Maureen O'Reilly and Paddy Downey.”
It's a safe bet to say she has.
Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us is published by Howard Books, $14.95.
Related: Books, Northern Ireland
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Exclusive: Touched by an Angel Star Roma Downey Reads a Heartwarming Story From Her New Book, Box of Butterflies
February 5, 2018 – 6:00 AM – 0 Comments
M.B. Roberts
By M.B. Roberts
Roma Downey credit Austin Hargrave
(Austin Hargrave)
box-of-butterflies-9781501150937_hr
Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Roma Downey, who fans came to know and love on the CBS series Touched by an Angel, has embraced her higher calling. For 10 years, she played the benevolent angel Mon