Beloved actress Roma Downey, famed for her role as the angel Monica, has unveiled a striking new look. The 65-year-old star, once known for her brunette locks, is now embracing her senior years as a bright blonde.
A New Chapter and a New Hue
The Northern Irish-born actress was spotted last month at a screening for her new television series, Merv, showcasing her significantly lighter hair. This style evolution marks a fresh phase for Downey, who captivated audiences for nearly a decade on the hit CBS series Touched by an Angel.
That iconic show, which also starred Della Reese and John Dye, enjoyed an impressive nine-season run from 1994 to 2003. Fans adored Downey's portrayal of the compassionate angel Monica, who guided troubled souls towards hope.
From Actress to Award-Winning Producer
Beyond her acting, Downey has built a formidable career behind the camera alongside her husband, renowned television producer Mark Burnett. The couple married in 2007 after his proposal in 2006.
Together, they have produced monumental faith-based projects. Most notably, they served as producers on the history-making miniseries The Bible, which Downey has revealed was seen by over 100 million people globally. In the series, she also played Mary, the mother of Jesus.
"My husband and I wanted to be able to make a series that would glorify God, one that would tell God's love story," Downey told Real Clear Religion in 2013. "We felt a calling in our hearts."
A Diverse and Prolific Career
Downey's filmography is extensive and varied. Her acting credits include portraying Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Emmy-winning miniseries A Woman Named Jackie, and roles in TV films like Borrowed Hearts and Second Honeymoon.
As President of Lightworkers Media, MGM's faith and family division, her producing work with Burnett includes feature films such as Ben-Hur (2016), Son of God, and Little Boy. They have also produced series like The Dovekeepers for CBS and A.D. The Bible Continues for NBC.
Currently, she stars in and produces the series The Baxters and appears in the new show Merv. She is also a published author, with her 2023 book Be an Angel: Devotions to Inspire and Encourage Love and Light Along the Way joining her best-seller Box of Butterflies.
Reflecting on her roots, Downey shared a poignant memory with Oprah about her father, who died in 1984. "Growing up in Ireland, when my family received important news, good or bad, we would boil water and make tea," she said. "This ritual allowed me a moment to take in the enormity of what had happened."
From her early days at a Catholic girls' school in Northern Ireland to drama school in England and eventually Broadway and Hollywood, Roma Downey continues to evolve, both professionally and personally, inspiring fans with her enduring grace and new-found blonde spark.
