Kimberly Williams-Paisley stars in the new movie, Jesus Revolution, opposite Kelsey Grammer, Jonathan Roumie and Joel Courtney. The movie is based on the true story of Greg Laurie (Courtney) and his pastor, Chuck Smith (Grammer), and how their own spiritual awakening in the ’70s led to a massive movement in Southern California.

Williams-Paisley, the wife of country music singer Brad Paisley, plays the role of Charlene, the troubled mother of Laurie. It’s a role that is far removed from who she is in real life, which is exactly why she wanted to take it on.

“I love this role,” Williams-Paisley tells Everything Nash. “I was so grateful to get to play this part. It’s a totally different role for me, and a totally different kind of character. You might not recognize me. I have a blonde wig. I’ve got the whole period makeup and period costume. I play an alcoholic, smoker woman who had seven husbands, a really broken woman who was trying her best. I was just so grateful to get to play her because I think she’s beautiful in her own way.”

Williams-Paisley is by now quite adept at playing characters not like herself. The New York native got her start by starring in the blockbuster film, Father of the Bride in 1991, which was followed by roles in According to Jim, Two and a Half Men, Nashville and more. But there was something about playing the role of Charlene, with all of her nuances and complexities, which Williams-Paisley was instantly drawn to.

“I loved being able to transform, and give her some empathy and some heart because she’s not a villain,” Williams-Paisley explains. “She was trying her best. One of the best compliments I got was at the end of the movie, Greg Laurie, who was on set with us a lot, he came up to me and he said, ‘Thank you for playing this role. Watching you play this has led me to understand my mom in a new way, and have a new level of forgiveness for her.’ And that just meant so much to me. It was really healing for me to hear, and I think for him to see. And I hope that that comes through in the performance.”

Williams-Paisley also has high praise for Grammer, whose role as the brave and transformed pastor became one of the highlights of the film.

“Kelsey Grammer’s fantastic in this role,” Williams-Paisley boasts. “He gives it such humanity. You can tell that it meant a lot to him. I think you could say the same about everybody in the film, really. I think everybody brought a great sense of heart and passion to their roles. Everybody was on board and I definitely think that shows up in the movie.,”

Williams-Paisley has made motherhood a priority for her sons, 16-year-old and Jasper, 13. But there was something about her role in Jesus Revolution that made her willing to devote herself to the project, in spite of the challenges.

“I love tackling things that aren’t easy,” Williams-Paisley says. “It keeps me on my toes, but I really loved diving into this historical period. I loved diving into a role that wasn’t at all like me. I think that keeps me fresh as an actor, and keeps me stretching and reaching. I love that opportunity. I was grateful that they trusted me with this, and came to me with this role.”

Williams-Paisley feels immense gratitude that she was able to be part of a film with a message that she wholeheartedly believes and supports.

“I think the important theme of the movie is that God is for everyone,” Williams-Paisley says. “The inclusive part of this movie is what matters most to me about it. It’s about inclusivity and love, and I think church can feel exclusive to some people there. People think that they don’t belong there. And I think this movie is aiming to say, ‘Yes you do, and it is for everybody.'”

Jesus Revolution is a Lionsgate film, directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle.