Lucas Black and Wife: Faith and Family Before Fame

"NCIS" alum Lucas Black prioritizes his marriage and children over his acting career, citing the importance of faith and family in his life.

In the bustling world of Hollywood, it's not uncommon for celebrities to prioritize their careers over their personal lives. However, former "NCIS" star Lucas Black stands out as a refreshing exception. Black, who has starred in numerous films and television shows, firmly believes that faith and family should come before any professional ambitions.

"This is one that's a story that is about faith and family. And so, you know, that's important in my life," Black told Fox News Digital of his new movie "Unsung Hero," which chronicles how the family of Christian pop band For King & Country's Luke and Joel Smallbone first came to the U.S. to rebuild their lives.

Black, who has been married to his wife, Maggie O'Brien, for 14 years, believes that putting their relationship first has been crucial to their marital success. "When we made that covenant with each other and before God and before man, you know, she becomes the number one person in my life and is over everything else," he said.

Black also emphasizes the importance of communication and grace in maintaining a strong marriage. "We keep Jesus at the center. He's the head. We can't do it without him," he said. "And my wife has to be full of grace. And that only comes from the power of God, to put up with my shenanigans."

Being a father of three children has also been a transformative experience for Black. "It's very fulfilling," he said. "As a man, we kind of yearn for that purpose, you know? I want to pass that on. Right? I want to teach it to my children. And hopefully they can become responsible adults and make a contribution to the world and make an impact for good and grow the kingdom."

Black acknowledges the responsibility that comes with fatherhood and feels honored to play a role in shaping his children's lives. "And I feel like as men we should embrace that. And it's because it's the most satisfying and fulfilling, more than anything else that I've done in my life," he said.

Despite his successful acting career, Black decided to leave "NCIS" after several seasons because of the toll it was taking on his family life. "I would work 70 hours a week, and so there would be times where I would go to work and my kids would still be asleep, and I would come home, and they would be already in bed asleep," he said.

Black ultimately prioritized his family over his career, a decision he made after much prayer and consideration. "I knew it wasn't going to last forever for me," he said. "I had to focus on what was most important in my life."

Since leaving "NCIS," Black has embraced projects that align with his faith and family values. "Legacy Peak" was the first film he starred in after "NCIS," and it featured a cast and crew of Christian believers. "That was a great experience. You know, it was a real, really blessing to be on a movie set with like-minded believers and with the same goal, and same like-minded people," he said.

Black's latest film, "Unsung Hero," also reflects his commitment to faith-based projects. The movie, which stars Joel Smallbone, Rebecca St. James, and Candace Cameron Bure, is set to bow in theaters on Friday.

Black's story serves as an inspiration to those who seek to balance their careers with their personal lives. By putting faith and family first, he has created a fulfilling life for himself and his loved ones, while also using his platform to promote positive values in the world.