Who Is Tammy Faye: Woman Behind Jessica Chastain's Latest Role

Instagram @Eyes Of Tammy Faye

Tammy Faye is arguably one of the most famous and controversial female televangelists in history. She, along with her first husband Jim Bakker in the early 70’s through the late 80’s. Her story is both inspiring and utterly heartbreaking. The rise and fall of the “The PTL Club”, also known as “The Jim and Tammy Show” is a sobering example of how honest intentions can be corrupted by the love of money.

Their story is so fascinating that it has recently become a movie production! “People Magazine” recently featured a story about the upcoming movie, and several outlets have begun discussing it.

Instagram @ #tammyfaye

This new upcoming film is called “The Eyes Of Tammy Faye” and will feature actress Jessica Chastain as Tammy.

What is truly mind-boggling, however, is that Jessica undergoes a drastic transformation through the wonders of makeup in this film. Because Tammy looks vastly different compared to Jessica (as happens with age), the “Jolene” (2007)  actress stated that she would go through 4 hours of makeup prior to filming!

Chastain told “People Magazine” that she personally admired Tammy for a number of reasons. The most prominent being that she was so loving to everyone she met.

Instagram @ #tammyfaye

“I just was so blown away by her and her story,” Chastain told People Magazine. “The thing I loved the most about Tammy is her capacity to love. She knew what it felt like to not feel important, and she didn’t want anyone to experience that.”

The “Interstellar” actress has received a number of popular roles in movies over the last decade in particular, though this is hyped up to be one of her most spectacular starring roles ever.

The trailer alone has sparked numerous featurettes with outlets across the web and on social media.

Giphy | Searchlight Pictures

Without going to much in detail about why Tammy is held in controversy today, it suffices to say that she and her husband became embroiled in a number of legal debacles. Namely fraud, illicit sex, and even a number of domestic issues related to drugs.

The ministry that was once considered as big as the Kardashians are today, was brought down in spectacular fashion.

Tammy suffered from prescription drug addictions, her husband Jim Bakker admitted at one point that he had a “consensual” sexual encounter with a 21-year-old church secretary, and the pair divorced while Bakker was serving what would be a 5-year prison sentence.

Wikimedia | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jim_Baker_-_PTL_Broadcast_(1986).jpg

Her life as an evangelist and TV personality had unexpected impact even upon those who much of the Christian community wouldn’t reach out to. (Especially to those experiencing AIDs and those in the LGBTQ community)

Baker died at the age of 65 after battling with lung cancer for several years.

Before she passed away, she shared that she didn’t live with regrets, and hoped to encourage her fans with the following sentiments:

"Don't let fear rule your life," she said. "Live one day at a time, and never be afraid."

The nature of the film is considered highly controversial, especially in light of Jessica playing the part of Faye. (Who has actually been dubbed “chestshown” on Instagram before. Scroll down to read that story!)