Disgraced actor faces further publicity in light of recent role.

We know that life has a habit of imitating art, but it seems in this case the reverse is true. Stephen Collins of 7th Heaven fame, who is currently being investigated for crimes of child molestation, recently played a paedophile priest in a short film which is now hitting the festival circuit.

Penance, the film which was made in 2013 before any of Collins' crimes came to light, tells the story of a priest who is visited by a man seeking solace and forgiveness. Emmy award-winning director Jeff Wolfe commented on both the unfortunate casting and timing of the film saying: “When I cast Stephen Collins I had no idea there might be a connection between his real life and the part I asked him to play. I found the recent allegations particularly shocking.”
 

Collins commented on the his role in the ten minute film prior to the recent shocking revelations and called it both “powerful and intense”. The disgraced actor has not been seen since the taped confession of his crimes was leaked last week, but has been dropped by his agency, resigned from the national board of the Screen Actors Guild and was fired from Ted 2. He is said to be expected in court for divorce proceedings next week.