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Actor Struck by Lightning

Paraphased by:
Steve Waldrop
December 1, 2003

Actor Jim Caviezel, who is starring as Jesus Christ in the new film The Passion of Christ was struck by lightning while filming outside Rome.

The 35-year-old actor and the assistant director Jan Michelini were both struck by a lightning bolt but escaped serious injury. It was the second time in the past few months that Michelini has been struck.

According to reports, the main bolt hit Caviezel while one of its forks hit the unbrella that Michelini was carrying. Michelini was also carrying an unbrella the first time he was struck a few months ago, lucklly he only suffered minor burns to his finger tips.

"I'm about a hundred feet away from them," producer Steve McEveety said, , "when I glance over and see lightning coming out of Caviezel's ears."

The film, recently renamed "The Passion of Christ," has been the center of controversy and media attention due to claims by some organizations and individuals that the movie –depicting the last 12 hours in Christ's life – might inflame anti-Semitism by implying Jews were responsible for Jesus' death. Some religious leaders who actually have viewed a rough cut of the final product, however, call it the most powerful film about Christ ever made.