Stephen Baldwin references Tom Cruise in reason behind ditching Hollywood

Stephen Baldwin has revealed why he chose a different path from Tom Cruise at the height of his acting career.

Stephen, who is brother to Rust star Alec Baldwin, saw his career take off after starring in the Oscar-winning 1995 film The Usual Suspects.

In a recent interview, the 60-year-old has now shared that the reason he left the spotlight at the time was due to becoming a born-again Christian in the early 2000s and realising that fame was not what he wanted.

"I didn't want to be Tom Cruise and have to make $100 million at the box office," he told People. "I'd rather be a schmuck from Massapequa."

The actor explained that his journey of faith began after his family's housekeeper predicted that he and his wife, Kennya Baldwin, would become born-again Christians and start a ministry.

Although he was doubtful at first, his outlook changed after attending church events with his sister, Beth Baldwin.

One event, featuring skateboarders who shared Christian messages between performances, inspired him to create a skateboarding video called Livin It. The project quickly became popular and later led him to tour churches across the country.

"125 churches over four years,” he revealed. Baldwin added that was the moment he decided to leave Hollywood behind.

Over the years, he has focused on producing Christian-based projects and says his faith now guides his work.

"Jesus is my rock. My wife is my anchor," he said, adding that he believes there are still more opportunities waiting for him in the future.

Stephen married Kennya in 1990 and later welcomed daughters, Alaia Baldwin, now 33, and Hailey Bieber, now 30.