Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Michael Foust

Stelio Savante on Hazel’s Heart, Playing Heroes and Villains, and Why Faith Films Are Having a Moment

January 29, 2026 ● 18 min

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Veteran actor and producer Stelio Savante joins Crosswalk Talk to discuss his role in the true-life family film Hazel’s Heart — streaming now on Angel Studios and available on video-on-demand platforms. Based on the remarkable survival story of Hazel Miner in 1920 North Dakota, the movie highlights sacrifice, courage, and hope against the odds. Savante also reflects on his career arc, including Sarah’s Oil and his defining role in The Chosen, and shares his thoughts on why faith-centered storytelling resonates deeply with audiences today.

Highlights

What Hazel’s Heart is about and why Stelio was drawn to this true-story drama
His role as William Miner, father to Hazel, and what it meant to portray strength and regret
Behind-the-scenes fun fact: much of the blizzard environment was created in an abandoned Kmart with visual effects
How playing antagonistic and complex roles (like in Sarah’s Oil) adds depth to his work
Why faith and family films are growing — better artistry + greater audience hunger for hope
His journey from early roles in Law & Order: SVU and Ugly Betty to playing Moses in The Chosen
What makes The Chosen connect on a personal level with viewers worldwide — perspective and humanity
Lessons from Hazel’s Heart: making wise choices under pressure and giving hope to others