Milo Ventimiglia Praises 'I Can Only Imagine 2' Co-Star Tim Timmons

The actor says the real-life Christian music star he portrays is 'pure goodness'.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Actor Milo Ventimiglia, known for his roles in This Is Us and Gilmore Girls, says he became close friends with Tim Timmons, the Christian music star he plays in the film I Can Only Imagine 2. Ventimiglia praised Timmons' generous spirit, saying he is 'giving to everybody without ever asking for anything in return' and that being around him was an 'inspiration'.

Why it matters

The film is a sequel to the 2018 hit I Can Only Imagine, which told the story of how the band MercyMe's lead singer Bart Millard used music to heal from an abusive relationship with his father. The new chapter explores the relationship between Bart and his teenage son Sam, with Timmons' character joining the band on tour as he quietly battles terminal cancer.

The details

In I Can Only Imagine 2, Timmons plays himself as he joins MercyMe on the road in 2013. The real-life Timmons said he was thrilled Ventimiglia agreed to portray him, as they share a similar outlook on being aware of the people around them. The film also explores the strained relationship between Bart and his son Sam, a talented musician himself, as Bart struggles to parent him properly since he didn't have a good role model growing up.

  • The film was released in North American theaters this weekend, debuting at #3 at the box office.
  • The new chapter is set in 2013.

The players

Milo Ventimiglia

An actor known for his roles in This Is Us and Gilmore Girls, who portrays the real-life Christian music star Tim Timmons in I Can Only Imagine 2.

Tim Timmons

The real-life Christian music star whose story is depicted in I Can Only Imagine 2, and who became close friends with Ventimiglia during filming.

Bart Millard

The lead singer of the band MercyMe, whose relationship with his abusive father was the focus of the first I Can Only Imagine film.

Sam Millard

Bart Millard's teenage son, who is a talented musician in his own right and develops a close bond with Tim Timmons' character in the film.

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What they’re saying

“He's giving to everybody without ever asking for anything in return and I think that's just pure goodness.”

— Milo Ventimiglia, Actor (UPI)

“I just kind of think I'm a bald dork with glasses walking around the world, so I don't think I'm that special.”

— Tim Timmons, Christian music star (UPI)

“We just encourage each other's kids and speak into each other's kids, and that makes the world better.”

— Tim Timmons, Christian music star (UPI)

The takeaway

This film showcases the power of community, faith, and mentorship, as the characters navigate complex family relationships and personal challenges. Ventimiglia's praise for Timmons' generous spirit highlights the positive impact that can come from embracing those around you, even in difficult times.