Growing up my tv hero was Hercules. I understood that these were characters on tv played by actors, but they were still my heroes. I never missed an episode. I knew exactly when it was coming on and even if my parents decided not to tune in that week, I always did. I noticed in Season 4 that there was less of Hercules and when he was on the show, he didn’t look the same. I wouldn’t find out for at least fifteen years.

Fast forward to the present day. My next with the actor behind Hercules came in the form of Christian based films. The first of the was God’s Not Dead. This film came to me at a time in my life when things were kind of low. I’ve struggled for many years, but more of that in another piece. The point is I’ve argued with God for years. Shortly after watching this film I found What If. Both of these films came at a time when I needed a way to escape myself and the thoughts in my head. These movies led me to to seek out True Strength.

This book is Sorbo’s story. The terror he experienced due to something that back in the ’90’s had no name. It seemed like an anomaly. His aggravation over his limitations are easily expressed. The depression that engulfed his life after losing something that defined him and his struggle back to health are compelling and well worth the read.

When I picked up the book I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I figured this was just some backstory leading to his great success. Maybe an explanation to my observations as a child. I did not expect to be taken on a journey of fear, tears, hope and something I could relate to on a personal level. What I got was a look at the true hero behind my childhood hero.

Before I continue I just want to tell those reading this that I do not place him higher than the great men and women who fight for this country. They will hold my highest respects. What Im saying that is through the hard times, the frustration that life threw at him, Sorbo managed with lots of help to persevere even when he wanted to throw in the towel.

I’m also not here to retell his story. It is HIS story and I could never do it justice. Those interested after reading this though, I encourage you to read the book. I don’t suggest an audio copy for I feel you would lose his inflection and his message.

While reading this book, I couldn’t help but think of a quote from the Disney film Hercules:
“For a true hero isn’t measured by his strength, but by the strength of his heart”
Zeus Hercules (1997)

So what makes a hero? The above quote says it all for me. Those familar with the Disney film know that Hercules give up his strength to save Meg then miraculously regains it. To return to Mount Olympus as a god Hercules must prove himself a true hero.

I’m not saying that any of us are part god, but we all have that power to be a hero and Sorbo was no different. When he started out he was Hercules, one of the strongest characters in mythology. He had it all and could take any hit. When life knocked him down and seemed to steal his very identity. He was lost. I know that feeling. Depression came with it as new limitations were discovered each day.

He was no longer that strong person who needed help from no one, but seemed to help everyone. He lashed out angrily at those around him, including his wife. What he faced would not have a name for some time. His life had been defined by this iconic character and now even that seemed gone for good. I understand the feeling, though not nearly on his level. But here’s where the hero comes back in.

He had a deal for a major movie that he pulled out of. Thinking at the time it was weakness, I disagree with his assessment. That, in of its self, was strength. I’m not saying it wasn’t hard or disappointing, but he did it for his own health while coming to grips with what was happening. I applaud him for coming back to finish Hercules and applaud him for knowing it was time to give up the character. He was forced to move on and accept the limitations of his new life. But I would not say that it was a defeat.

With Hercules behind him, he moved into playing Dylan Hunt on Andromeda. While things were still not the way he wanted, they were improving when he let go of what he could not control. He stopped lashing out over small things. The symptoms he’d been facing, while still noticeable to him, were no longer debilitating. He began enjoying life again. All you have to do is check his filmography and be amazed by the amount of work he seems to get done in a year. If you check out his website it’s even more amazing.

The hero of television is gone, though you can still find the seasons on DVD and Netflix. But the man behind the hero lives on. It seems that his real strength is not in the physical strength he exhibited on Hercules, but in his heart. Through the accounts of his illness and recovery he shows us his true intentions and the strength he had to persevere and get back out and enjoy life. I see the true hero now, not in the iconic television character, but in the man who brought him to life twenty some years ago. Thanks to the True Hero, Kevin Sorbo.