You might expect a Hollywood success story to be all about red carpets and box office hits. But Kathleen Cooke's journey rewrites the script. She's an actress, writer, and producer, yes, but she's also a woman of deep faith who's building a community around her belief in Jesus. And that, she's discovered, is the most fulfilling role of all.
But this isn't your typical Hollywood tale. Kathleen isn't just another actress chasing fame or a writer seeking the next big break. She's a woman who has found something far more fulfilling than red carpets and awards ceremonies: a deep-rooted faith that guides her steps and shapes her impact.
Bouncing Back Big: How Rejection Fuels Success
Kathleen Cooke is a woman whose life story paints a picture of triumph after rejection. As a dynamic actress, writer, producer, and co-founder of The Influence Lab and Influence Women, Kathleen has worn many hats. But behind the accolades, she is a wife, mother, and deeply compassionate leader committed to sharing Christ’s love in meaningful ways.
With decades of experience in Hollywood, Kathleen knows the sting of rejection and the pressure to conform in an industry that often feels unyielding. "Hollywood can be an isolating place," she shares. "I faced moments where doors closed and felt the weight of expectations pulling me away from my faith." But rather than being defeated, Kathleen allowed these rejections to refine her. Through them, she discovered the resilience born of a deeply personal relationship with God. “I don’t believe in religion—I believe in a relationship with Jesus. It’s His presence that keeps me grounded and moving forward.”
Kathleen’s journey has been one of rebuilding after setbacks. As a producer, she has worked on projects that have touched audiences worldwide, but her true passion lies in empowering others. This calling led her to create The Influence Lab, a nonprofit equipping Christians in media and entertainment to use their talents to shape culture for Christ. "God calls us to build and restore where we are," she says, likening her mission to Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after they had been broken.
Her devotional book, Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture, reflects her commitment to helping others stay tethered to their faith amidst the chaos of modern life. Inspired by research showing the transformative power of engaging with the Bible four or more times a week, Kathleen describes this practice as her lifeline: “It’s not just something I do—it’s what sustains me through every challenge.”
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At home, Kathleen is a devoted wife to Phil Cooke, a renowned media consultant, and a proud mother of two daughters. Balancing the demands of ministry, entertainment, and family life hasn’t been without its hurdles, but Kathleen views these as opportunities to lean further into God’s guidance. “Obedience is a daily choice,” she admits. “But staying in God’s Word and focusing on others instead of myself has been key to finding balance.”
Through moments of rejection and seasons of rebuilding, Kathleen’s story shines as a testament to perseverance and faith. She teaches that even in the face of closed doors, God’s plan is never derailed. With His guidance, every rejection becomes an opportunity to build stronger walls and step into a life of purpose and impact.
Out of the Shadows: How to Rise Above Loneliness
"I want to change the culture by supporting creatives that can change what we see in media, entertainment, arts, music, and in leadership," Kathleen boldly declares. For her, it’s not just a dream but a mission rooted in her faith. In an industry defined by competition and isolation, Kathleen saw an opportunity to shine God’s light and make a lasting impact. Sharing her faith journey online became a way to connect with others who might be searching for purpose in the chaos. By openly living out her relationship with Jesus, Kathleen aimed to inspire a cultural shift—one heart at a time.
She quickly realized, however, that the need for change went deeper. "Being an artist is lonely, and you are constantly judged and rejected," she shares. "It's a vulnerable place to live when you feel alone." Her own struggles with rejection and self-doubt gave her a unique understanding of the challenges others face in the entertainment world. Statistics confirm this reality: according to a UCLA study, artists and entertainers report higher rates of anxiety and depression than professionals in other fields. Kathleen saw this as a spiritual crisis, as well as a cultural one, and felt called to act. Genesis 2:18 reminds us, "It is not good for man to be alone," and Kathleen took that truth to heart.
Through The Influence Lab and Influence Women, Kathleen created spaces where artists could find the support they craved. These communities offer more than networking—they foster encouragement, mentorship, and belonging. Fun fact: Influence Women now has seven chapters across major U.S. cities, and its reach continues to grow globally. Reflecting on her work, Kathleen challenges us to consider: Who might be feeling alone in your community? How can you bring the love of Christ into their lives? Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” For Kathleen, this isn’t just scripture—it’s the heartbeat of her calling.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” -Hebrews 10:24-25
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Together We Rise: Igniting a Sleeping Community
"Psalm 119:105 – The Word is a lamp and light unto our feet." For Kathleen Cooke, this verse isn’t just a comforting phrase; it’s a way of life. Her love for Scripture deepened during a life-changing trip to Ghana, Africa. There, she witnessed villagers gather to listen to audio Bibles in their native language. Many had never owned a physical Bible or seen the written Word in their dialect, yet their hunger for God’s truth was evident. The joy on their faces as they heard Scripture reminded Kathleen of the privilege and responsibility believers have to cherish the Bible.
Her Ghana experience revealed a stark contrast: while many in developed countries own multiple Bibles, engagement with God’s Word often remains minimal. Kathleen highlights a sobering statistic: less than fifty percent of Christians have ever read the Bible through even once. This reality spurred her passion to inspire others to go deeper into Scripture. “We are so privileged to have the written Bible in multiple translations,” she says, “yet we take it for granted.” This mirrors the exhortation in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Kathleen’s devotional, Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture, was born out of this passion. It’s not just a book; it’s a tool designed to help readers integrate God’s Word into their daily lives.
Fun fact: the devotional was inspired by research from the Center for Biblical Engagement, which found that reading the Bible four or more times a week significantly influences life choices and fosters spiritual growth. Readers often share how the devotional’s wisdom came at just the right moment, providing clarity and encouragement during tough seasons.
This passion for Scripture isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about equipping others to transform their communities. Kathleen reminds us that just as the Word has been a lamp for her path, it can illuminate the way for others through us. “What walls in your life or community need rebuilding?” she asks, echoing the story of Nehemiah, who relied on God’s guidance to restore what was broken (Nehemiah 2:17-18). Scripture becomes not just a tool for personal reflection but a call to action for collective change within stale communities.
Kathleen’s journey prompts us to reflect on our own relationship with the Bible. How often do we engage with it? Are we allowing it to shape our decisions, as Psalm 1:2-3 describes, “blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord... That person is like a tree planted by streams of water”? Her story encourages us to rediscover the power of Scripture—not as an obligation, but as the living and transformative Word of God.
"Feeling alone is what the 'prince of darkness – the devil' wants us to feel. It's a lie," Kathleen Cooke says with heartfelt conviction. Having experienced the isolating nature of life and work in Hollywood, she knows how loneliness can creep in and distort our perspective. Yet she clings to the promise of Jesus’ presence. “The Light – Jesus, lives in us, and we must 'remember' that He never abandons us. It's a promise,” she reminds us. This echoes Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” For Kathleen, this isn’t just theology; it’s a lifeline.
She emphasizes the act of remembering God’s promises as a defense against despair. “The word 'remember' is written in the Bible five times more than the word believe and two times more than the word trust because we forget so much,” Kathleen explains. Fun fact: studies in neuroscience show that repetition reinforces memory pathways, which aligns with why Scripture often calls believers to remember what God has done. When we forget, doubt can take root. Reflecting on this, Kathleen encourages us to ask: What are you forgetting about God’s faithfulness in your life? How can you intentionally remember His promises today?
Kathleen also underscores the importance of community when facing loneliness or spiritual battles. “Call someone and tell them to pray with you,” she advises. The power of prayer, coupled with connection, is transformative. James 4:7 urges believers to, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Whether through prayer, joining a faith-based group, or simply sharing struggles with a trusted friend, Kathleen’s story reminds us that we’re never truly alone. Community is not just helpful—it’s essential for spiritual and emotional resilience.
Kathleen draws vivid inspiration from the story of Nehemiah, whose leadership sparked the rebuilding of Jerusalem's shattered walls—a symbol of protection, identity, and hope. She imagines the ruins: stones scattered, walls breached, and a people left vulnerable. “Nehemiah began by turning to God,” she says. “He prayed, fasted, and confessed not only his own sins but also those of Israel, acknowledging their collective departure from God’s ways.”
Nehemiah’s leadership began amidst the rubble, as he walked the broken paths and examined the damage firsthand. Rather than being overwhelmed, he devised a plan to restore the walls, assigning each person to rebuild the section closest to them. Kathleen sees
Let Go Let God - A Final Reflection
"Remember, you are not alone. God is with you, and He will never leave you. Seek out community, find people who will support you and encourage you in your faith. And most importantly, stay connected to God through His Word and prayer."
"It's a constant struggle to 'let go' and 'let God' be my guide. But when I do, I find peace, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging in His loving community."
By embracing her faith, building community, and sharing her story, Kathleen Cooke is making a lasting impact on the world, one heart at a time. Her journey reminds us that even in the midst of the noise and chaos of life, we can find our voice, our purpose, and our place in God's loving community.
Loving what you’re reading? Imagine an entire magazine packed with even more inspiration and fresh ideas—The Not So Boring Christian Magazine is your next obsession. And guess what? Today, the Winter 2025 edition is FREE!
P.S. Be the cool friend who’s in the know. Share it—you’ll inspire your circle and prove you’ve got the inside scoop!