Walking Dead's Anabelle Holloway and Ann Mahoney in Average Joe this fall

Walking Dead actresses Ann Mahoney and Anabelle Holloway will appear in the story of Coach Joe Kennedy this fall. The movie Average Joe will be released in theaters on October 10.

From the director and producers of God's Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes the account of a former Bremerton High School (BHS) coach fired from his job for living out his faith. Average Joe is directed by Harold Cronk and written by Stephanie Katz.

First Liberty, the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious liberty for all Americans, fought with the Kennedys, and in 2022, the US Supreme Court sided with them. "That ruling set a precedent that completely changed the landscape of religious freedom law in our country. Thanks to Coach Kennedy’s courage and perseverance throughout his case, Americans now have more religious freedom than they’ve had in 50 years."

The movie follows Kennedy from his years as a foster child, through his 20 year military career as a Marine, on to his biggest battle of his life, the fight for his faith. After taking a knee in prayer after each game he coached, the school fired him. Joe and his wife Denise took a stand and began a battle for religious freedom and the rights of all Americans.

Actor Eric Close portrays Coach Kennedy, and the movie also stars Paul Rae as Head Coach Byron Adams, Austin Woods as Coach 20's, Amy Acker as Denise Kennedy, and Anabelle Holloway as a young Denise. Ann Mahoney portrays Joey's (younger Joe, played by Ezra Richardson) mother and, in the social media post below, states she gets to live her dream of playing a "NOT NICE person." She can be heard in the official trailer "Middle naming" Joey for fighting as she yells, "Joseph Anthony Kennedy."

Close is known for his roles in Nashville, American Sniper, Without a Trace, and more. He directed several episodes of Nashville and more films from Crown Media, including A Christmas Love Story and Sugar Plum Twist. Amy Acker starred in her award-winning role as Winifred “Fred” Burkle on the television series Angel. She has also appeared in The Gifted, Person of Interest, Alias, Dollhouse, and Happy Town.

Ann Mahoney - Walking Dead and more

Mahoney portrayed Olivia in The Walking Dead during seasons 5-7; she has also appeared in We Have a Ghost, National Treasure: Edge of History, The Thing About Pam, and more.

Anabelle Holloway - Walking Dead and more

Holloway began her portrayal of Gracie, Aaron (Ross Marquand) daughter, in season 9 of The Walking Dead. She has also appeared in The Winchesters, Manhunt, and more.

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