Many people know Jim Caviezel as the actor who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. But not everyone knows about his wife, Kerri Browitt Caviezel. She is not just a celebrity’s wife. She is a teacher, a former college basketball player, and a loving mom of three adopted children.
Unlike many people in the public eye, Kerri prefers a quiet life. She spends her days teaching, helping others, and caring for her family. This article takes you inside her inspiring journey — from her childhood in Washington to her years as an athlete, teacher, and devoted wife.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel Quick Bio
Full Name | Kerri Browitt Caviezel |
Date of Birth | September 26, 1968 |
Age (as of 2025) | 57 years old |
Birthplace | Mount Vernon, Washington, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Mixed (Croatian & Italian) |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Height | 5 ft 9 in (approx.) |
Education | Western Washington University |
Profession | High school English teacher |
Past Career | College basketball player |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Jim Caviezel (m. 1996) |
Children | 3 adopted from China (Lyn, Bo, David) |
Known For | Being Jim Caviezel’s wife, teaching, faith |
Social Media | Not active / No public accounts |
Who Is Kerri Browitt Caviezel?
Kerri Browitt Caviezel is an American teacher and former basketball player. She is best known as the wife of Hollywood actor Jim Caviezel, but her own story is just as inspiring. She has spent more than two decades teaching, raising children, and living by her faith.
She shows that a person can live a meaningful life without chasing fame. While Jim shines on the big screen, Kerri’s work happens quietly in classrooms, at home, and in her community. Her life proves that love, kindness, and faith can make just as big an impact as Hollywood movies.
Early Life and Family Background
Kerri was born on September 26, 1968, in Mount Vernon, Washington. She grew up in a warm, close-knit family. Her parents are David James Browitt and Jean Vandetta, who taught her the values of hard work, kindness, and faith from a young age.
She has three siblings — Kristen Linehan, David Browitt, and Jim Browitt. Together they shared a simple and happy childhood. Kerri’s early years were filled with school activities, music, and sports. She learned to play the flute and joined her school’s band while also developing a love for basketball.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel’s College Life and Basketball Career
Kerri’s passion for basketball took her to Western Washington University (WWU), where she joined the WWU Vikings women’s basketball team. She wasn’t just a player — she was a standout athlete. She became co-captain of the team and helped lead it to one of its best seasons.
During her time at WWU, Kerri achieved something very rare. She ranked among the top 10 players in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. Even today, she still holds the university’s second-highest record for assists. In 2015, she was honored by being inducted into the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame. This shows how dedicated and talented she was as a player.
But even with all her success in basketball, Kerri chose a different path after graduation. Instead of chasing a professional sports career, she decided to become a teacher. She wanted a life where she could give back and help others grow.
Kerri’s Love for Education
After finishing college, Kerri Browitt Caviezel began working as a high school English teacher. Teaching was not just a job for her — it was a calling. She loved working with young people, helping them learn and become better versions of themselves.
For more than two decades, she has quietly shaped lives in her classroom. While her husband acts in movies watched by millions, Kerri touches lives one student at a time. Her decision to focus on education rather than sports or fame shows how deeply she values service and personal growth.
How Kerri Met Jim Caviezel
Kerri’s life changed in 1993 when she went on a blind date arranged by Jim’s sister, Amy Caviezel. At the time, Jim was a young actor trying to find his place in Hollywood, while Kerri was already a respected teacher and a former athlete.
They instantly connected over their shared faith, family values, and love for a simple life. One date led to another, and soon they knew they were meant for each other. Their story is a reminder that sometimes the best relationships begin in the most unexpected ways.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel’s Beautiful Wedding
On July 20, 1996, Kerri and Jim tied the knot at the Immaculate Conception Church in Roslyn, Washington. It was a beautiful Catholic ceremony filled with love, family, and faith. Friends, family members, and a few of Jim’s colleagues attended the celebration.
Unlike many celebrity weddings, theirs was simple and heartfelt. Their shared religious beliefs gave the day a deep meaning. Almost three decades later, their marriage is still strong — a rare thing in Hollywood.
Life as Jim Caviezel’s Wife
Being the wife of a Hollywood actor isn’t always easy. But Kerri Browitt Caviezel has handled it with quiet grace. While Jim has been in the spotlight with major roles like Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, Kerri stays in the background, offering him full support.
She has attended a few movie premieres and award shows, always standing beside her husband with a warm smile. But outside of those moments, she avoids the cameras and stays focused on home and family. Jim has often said that Kerri is the true strength behind him — his guide, his peace, and his best friend.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel’s Three Adopted Children
One of the most touching parts of Kerri’s life is her journey into motherhood. She and Jim decided to adopt, but not just any children — they opened their hearts to three children from China, all of whom were battling serious health problems.
Their daughter, Lyn Elizabeth, had a brain tumor when she was adopted. Another child, Bo, also had a brain tumor. Their youngest, David, was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer in his leg called sarcoma. Many people might have been afraid to take on this challenge, but not Kerri. She believed every child deserves love, no matter their condition.
Through faith, love, and medical care, all three children were given a second chance. Today, they are healthy and growing up in a home filled with hope and strength. Kerri Browitt Caviezel calls her family her greatest gift — and it’s easy to see why.
Faith and Family
At the center of everything Kerri does is her faith. She is a devoted Catholic, and her beliefs guide her choices in every part of life. For many years, she worked at a pregnancy counseling center in Mission Hills, California, where she offered help to women in need and spoke openly about adoption and pro-life values.
She also encouraged Jim in his spiritual journey. She introduced him to places like Medjugorje, a Catholic site in Bosnia that is known for visions of the Virgin Mary. Together, they pray, attend church, and live by the values they believe in.
Her faith helped her stay strong during hard times — like when her father passed away from ALS in 2013, and when her children were going through health struggles. Through it all, Kerri stayed calm, kind, and full of trust in God.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel’s Life Away from Social Media
In today’s world, it’s common for people to share everything online. But Kerri Browitt Caviezel is different. She has no Instagram, no Twitter, and no Facebook. She believes in keeping life private, quiet, and real.
That’s one of the reasons so many people admire her. While her husband has fame, Kerri chooses a simple life focused on her family and students. She doesn’t need likes or followers to feel happy. She finds joy in faith, love, and being present in the moment.
Her choice to stay off social media has also protected her family’s peace. Her children are growing up away from the noise of the internet, and that’s a gift not many celebrity families can give.
Kerri Browitt Caviezel’s Strength During Tough Times
Kerri has been through many tough moments. Adopting three sick children is not easy. Watching a loved one fight cancer is painful. Losing her father to ALS was heartbreaking. But through it all, Kerri showed incredible strength.
She didn’t break down or run away. Instead, she became a steady light for her family. She reminded Jim and the kids that love and prayer could carry them through anything.
Even Jim has said that Kerri’s strength is what keeps him grounded. He called her “beauty and kindness” in human form — a woman who brings peace into their home every day.
Why Kerri Browitt Caviezel Inspires So Many People
Kerri Browitt Caviezel may not be a movie star, but her story touches hearts. She is a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a kind teacher. She doesn’t need the spotlight to be powerful. Her quiet actions, strong faith, and caring soul speak louder than any fame ever could.
She reminds us that we don’t need to be loud to make a difference. Being strong, kind, and faithful can change lives too. That’s what makes Kerri truly special — and why people are so inspired by her life.
Final Thoughts
Kerri Browitt Caviezel is proof that the most beautiful lives are often lived quietly. While Jim Caviezel shines in movies, Kerri shines at home, in the classroom, and in the hearts of those who know her.
She is a woman of deep faith, big love, and gentle strength. In a world that often celebrates fame, Kerri reminds us that real joy comes from family, faith, and choosing to love without limits.