Corbin Bernsen, the Emmy-nominated star of L.A. Law for his unforgettable portrayal of divorce attorney Arnie Becker, recently shared an inspiring moment from a visit to Hawaii. "Every day, we hear about division and hostility in the world," Corbin told Closer magazine. "I was watching the sunset one evening, and I thought, 'Why can't we all just pause and appreciate the beauty around us?' The planet we live on is a miracle, and it's time we started treating it—and each other—with more respect." At 68, Corbin continues to inspire with his thoughtful reflections on life and humanity.
Over the years, Corbin has evolved not just as an actor but also as a director and writer, delving into profound questions about life and purpose. His latest project, a six-part docuseries titled Journey of Faith, is now streaming on Pure Flix. This series takes viewers on a deeply personal journey, focusing on a challenging period in his life when filming a movie in a remote location with limited resources strengthened his connection to the divine. "It wasn't easy," Corbin admits. "But sometimes, it's those tough experiences that teach us the most."
So, how did Journey of Faith come to life?
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"Back in 2010, I directed and starred in a movie called Rust. During that time, I reconnected with my faith in a profound way. We filmed in this tiny town called Kipling in Saskatchewan, Canada, and thankfully, we documented the entire process. Fast forward over a decade later, and we've compiled all that footage into this docuseries. It's not just about making a movie—it's about rediscovering what truly matters."
Does this make Journey of Faith a deeply personal project for you?
"Absolutely. Sharing this story of how I reconnected with my faith after losing my father is incredibly personal. But I'm not one of those actors who only does faith-based projects. I take on all kinds of roles because I believe everything happens for a reason. Whether it's a drama, comedy, or something spiritual, every project adds to the tapestry of my life."
Was acting always your dream?
"Not at first. My mom, the legendary Jeanne Cooper from The Young and the Restless, and my dad, who was a producer and agent, were both in the entertainment industry. As a kid, I went to see the musical Oliver! in New York, and I fell in love with it. I wanted to be Oliver, and it remains one of my favorite musicals to this day. But as I grew older, I saw the financial instability of the business, especially when my parents went through a difficult separation. That experience made me think twice about following in their footsteps."
What changed your mind?
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"When I was 19, something shifted inside me. I realized I couldn't ignore my passion any longer. I enrolled at UCLA, where I earned my master's degree in playwriting. It wasn't an easy decision, but I knew I had to pursue this path if I wanted to succeed."
Was your family supportive of your decision?
"My dad was always supportive, but my mom had concerns. She told me, 'You can do whatever you want, but if you want my blessing, you need to train yourself properly.' She was an incredibly dedicated actress who understood the demands of the industry. She wanted me to be prepared for the ups and downs that come with a career in entertainment."
That sounds like she was looking out for your best interests.
"Exactly. She knew how tough the business could be. Even if you hit it big, like I did with L.A. Law, there's no guarantee of long-term success. Ten years later, you could find yourself out of work and selling the house you bought during your peak. At 68, I'm still learning to navigate the highs and lows. But through it all, I've come to realize that if you truly love what you do, it's worth the struggle."
Of course, L.A. Law was a turning point in your career. What stands out most from that era?
"What I cherish most is how that show became a breakout hit for all of us. It created a sense of family and camaraderie that's rare in the industry. For eight years, we watched each other grow both personally and professionally. It was a magical time, filled with laughter and milestones. We celebrated each other's successes, whether it was buying a new car or moving into a bigger house."
Who were you closest to on set?
"Susan Ruttan, who played my secretary, was a key part of Arnie Becker's character. On the surface, Arnie seemed like this confident, successful man, but in private, he was often unhappy and lonely. Susan's character brought a sense of humanity to his story. Their friendship reminded me that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are the ones we least expect. It's a lesson that applies to life beyond the screen."
How did fame change your perspective?
"Fame gave me financial security and the freedom to explore different opportunities. It also helped me see the world in a broader context. But at its core, fame doesn't change who you are—it just amplifies the choices you make."
You've been married to Amanda Pays since 1988. What's the secret to a happy marriage?
"One thing L.A. Law taught me is that relationships require commitment. You can chase after one person after another, thinking the next one will make you happier, but the truth is, happiness comes from sticking with the person you've chosen. Amanda and I have been through ups and downs, but we've always stayed true to each other. And over time, that commitment has brought us even closer."