Chonda Pierce Describes Pastor Father’s Betrayal
American comedian and television actor Chonda Pierce is known as the Comedy Queen of Clean. Over the last few decades, her life has been built around helping audiences navigate life’s hardships through the gift of laughter. But recently, the Christian entertainment star has opened up about her Pastor Father’s betrayal, including her childhood pain, spiritual questions, and emotional confusion.
In her upcoming documentary, “He Calls Me Daughter,” set to release March 17th, 2026, Pierce explores the impact fathers can have on their children, especially in the path toward restoration through faith. Directed by Rick Altizer, the film won’t just share Pierce’s story, but several other women with strained father-daughter relationships. According to the Christian Post, the film reflects “how those wounds shape identity, relationships, and one’s view of God.”
While many are excited about the upcoming film, Pierce notes that her decision to move forward with its production was a difficult one because it meant reopening a chapter of her life that was still deeply painful. Encouraged by director Rick Altizer to use the story for good, the documentary explores “father wounds” that can result from those with absent, abusive, or emotionally unavailable dads.
“When you have a broken relationship with an earthly father, it makes it so hard to grasp the concept that there is a Heavenly Father,” Pierce said. “And that’s the way God designed it. Even in Scripture, He calls Himself our Heavenly Father.”
Growing up in a pastor’s home, one would think Pierce had the perfect upbringing. Unfortunately, as the daughter of 3 other siblings, she noted that her father was often strained between the demands of raising his family, prioritizing ministry, and battling his own mental health challenges. He was also later unfaithful in his marriage.
“My father was a pastor, so he was the shepherd for a large flock of people,” she said. “But we also grew up in a very legalistic denomination where there were lots of ‘don’ts.’ It felt almost impossible to please the church, which meant it felt impossible to please God and impossible to please my dad.”
Thankfully, before his passing, Pierce was able to speak with her dad and reconcile what remained of their relationship. She was also able to find healing through counseling, which encouraged her to see God as her eternal father apart from her earthly one.
“He Calls Me Daughter” debuts in theaters nationwide March 17–18 through Fathom Entertainment. Ultimately, Pierce hopes the documentary will enable women to recognize their wounds but find hope and healing through Christ and community.
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Moses Robinson / Stringer
Originally published March 12, 2026.
