Jeff Conaway co-starred alongside confirmed Scientologist John Travolta inGrease. He is identified as a Scientologist in Lawrence Wrights The Apostate, the New Yorker article that became the book that became Going Clear, HBOs Scientology documentary. Forest Whitaker with John Travolta in Battlefield Earth, a film based on a book by L. Ron Hubbard. Put a Ring On It! Scientology But more than 60 years after the creation of Project Celebrity, is the religion faring well amongst the famous? Seinfeld was never officially a member of the organization, but he did explain on the, Pea who has a long list of credits including, Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection, Prepon joined Scientology around 1999, and was still in the organization when she joined the cast of, Moss perhaps most famous for her role in, Wireimage House / WireImage / Getty Images, Jim Smeal / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images, Like Katie Holmes, Kidman was affiliated with Scientology because of her marriage to Tom Cruise. According to the book Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations From the Memphis Mafia, he met with Scientologists in Hollywood and left shouting obscenities about the members. It's a long list," she said in an interview with The Advocate. He also has twins Maude and Enzo with his girlfriend, Emily Ward. The actor first joined the Church of Scientology in 1975, and the religions website lists him as one of the most successful Scientologists. Kirstie Alley won accolades for her breakout role as Rebecca Howe on the sitcom Cheers. Prepon is known for her roles in films such as Come Early Morning, Lay the Favorite, The Hero, and The Girl on the Train.. That '70s Show and Orange is the New Black actress Laura Prepon is one of the organization's top celebrity members. The end is nigh for the Clippers Kawhi & PG era | Keep it a Buck(et), Who asked for a Charles Barkley & Gayle King CNN show? Mimi Rogers: Rogers, Tom Cruises first wife, introduced Cruise to the church in 1990. Lesser-Known Celebrity Scientologists Leah Remini. "The basic thing that I think Scientology helps people with is to rehabilitate their own spirit, their own nature, their own personality that was sort of buried or lost somewhere along the way," Kirstie Alley told ABC News in 1998. Until her death in 2020, Travoltas wife Kelly Preston was also a Scientologist. ", Having dated her That '70s Show costar and fellow church member Masterson's brother, Christopher, Prepon is a true believer. The actress is a devout Scientologist. Freshs contribution is truly a joy. Archer, an Academy Award nominee for her role in Fatal Attraction, is a vastly connected member of the church. He became involved with the movement which was formed in 1953 and is headquartered in Riverside County, California through his first wife, Mimi Rogers. Lee, who starred in mid-2000s sitcom My Name Is Earl, is a Scientologist, as is Earl co-star Ethan Suplee. It helps you to improve your life. Keep reading to discover some of the biggest names, both present or at the time of their death, have claimed involvement with the church of Scientology. 8 JackHarlow. A Scientology auditor told Morrison biographer Steve Turner that the "Brown Eyed Girl" singer once had a "basic involvement" with the religion, Rolling Stone reports. "It is obvious what would happen to Scientology if prime communicators benefitting from it would mention it now and then," he told followers. Gossip Girl remains her favorite all-time show, and she'll never, ever get tired of whatever Taylor Swift has to offer. Giovanni Ribisi was born into a family of Scientologists, so he is a lifelong follower of the religion. In Scientology, you discover for yourself what is true for you.". Ribisi is also a twin, and his twin sister, Marissa, is also a Scientologist, as is her ex-husband, musician Beck. "The thing about Scientology is it is anti-drug in that you're seeking relationship or communication tools simple basics on how to live better.". Maybe it was psychosomatic-a 'service facsimile' that I called up from the past to justify my failure or, in fact, to set up another failure and another gratifying session of self-pity. Image via Getty. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Make no mistake about it, erotica was around at the time, but Playboy was different. He became involved with the movement which was formed in 1953 and is headquartered in Riverside County, California through his first wife, Mimi Rogers. Carmen Llewelyn: Scientologists followed me down the street. "Each service in Scientology is something I have added to my tool box of data for living," Danny is quoted as saying on the church's website. "I am no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy," she said on the church's site. According to ex-Scientology executive Marty Rathbun in the HBO documentary Going Clear, Travolta is Scientologys captive because of all the dirt hes given the church during auditing sessions. Seeing what an extraordinary guy [Travolta] was, just such a nice person, such a kind human being, did make me think, but it was probably my first impulse of curiosity concerning Scientology, he told Vice in 2012, adding that he hasnt been very active [in the church] lately., Jenna Elfman at the opening of Nashvilles Scientology church and Celebrity Centre. Moss has defended her religious beliefs and said that Scientology is often misunderstood. Scroll down to see more celebrity Scientologists and stars who have left the church. Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images, The former Dancing with the Stars contestant credits the religion for more than just her beliefs. Brodie is a little less heavy on the Thetan-speak than some of the more vocal celebrity Scientologists we see popping up today, but he was definitely hooked on L.Ron's gospel: "Early last season my arm was bothering me. The Savages actor joined the Church of Scientology in 1975 and is listed as one of most successful Scientologists on the religion's website. Pea was also a drummer in an alt-rock band named Nico Vega. The 20 Most Famous Scientology Celebrities 1. "As a Scientologist, I have the technology to handle life's problems and I have used this to help others in life as well," he is quoted as saying on the site. "It's almost a safety precaution when you're an actor, because some people can be traumatized by characters, and I don't have to worry about that. All they want is my money, Elvis allegedly shouted after a meeting with Scientologists in Hollywood. Mikhail Baryshnikov: Travolta introduced the dancer to the church, according to Lawrence Wrights Going Clear, but Baryshnikov didnt stick with it. During their stay in the US, the young men of the academy's football team should promote their sports career and be placed in Clearwater in a supposed Scientology host One of them was in communication, and I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.". Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. Actress and Church of Scientology member Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers, What's Eating Gilbert Grape) fronted garage rock band Juliette and the Licks from 2003 to 2009. There's no way I'll ever get involved with that son-of-a-bin' group. Bijou Phillips is married to Danny Masterson, who is also a Scientologist. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. Leah Remini: 'Being Critical of Tom Cruise Is Being Critical of Scientology'. Cruise apparently broke up with her after she insulted Scientology chief David Miscavige. For the first four months of my preclear, I didn't say a word to my wife or kids. He is also known for his roles in television series including My Name Is Earl, Friends, The Wonder Years, and Sneaky Pete. Ribisi was married to actress Mariah OBrien from 1997 until 2001, and they have one daughter, Lucia, together. Celebrities in Hollywood You Didn't Know Are Scientologists Jeff Conaway: Conaway, who played Kenickie in the film version of Grease, joined after co-star and Scientologist poster boy John Travolta introduced him to the church, giving him an auditor and a library of Scientology books, according to Business Insider. Anne Archer (center) with David Miscavige (left). But the man from the record label tells me she doesn't want to discuss her beliefs. Priscilla Presley: Elvis, Priscillas ex-husband, was no fan of the church, according to the book Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations From The Memphis Mafia. However, Alley has also come under fire for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding psychiatric drugs, which is a topic that Scientology is passionate about. His former girlfriend, radio personality Miss Jones, was working with the late Isaac Hayes, who was also a Scientologist. She is also known for roles in films such as Paradise Alley, Patriot Games, Raise the Titanic, Short Cuts, Lullaby, and Clear and Present Danger. Archer was originally a Christian Scientist but joined the Church of Scientology in 1975 during her first marriage, from which she has a son. Remini published a memoir titled Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology in 2015, in which she was highly critical of the churchs practices. Cruise has become one of the high-profile mascots of Scientology since joining the group in 1990 at the introduction of then-wife Mimi Rogers (who has since left the church). He claims using L. Ron Hubbard's Study Tech helped him overcome a lifetime of struggling with dyslexia, and has become a vocal advocate of the church's social programs. She has spoken about the positive impact this religion has had on her life, including benefiting her marriage and helping her to balance her acting career with spending time with her family. People Who Are Devoted Scientologists According to a TV critic at The Guardian, the plot of the entire NBC series has shades of Hubbard-inspired connections. The married couple have been involved in Scientology for a long time. Bell was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic school. Jerry Seinfeld: I last really studied [Scientology], oh, its almost 30 years agoIn my early years of stand-up, it was very helpful, Seinfeld told Parade in 2008. She left the organization in 2013 and subsequently launched a campaign to expose its alleged wrongdoings. She married Back Hansen in 2004. Dayton, the founder of websites Earthlink and Boingo, attended the Scientology-affiliated Delphian boarding school in Oregon. Clearly, Scientologists are not Christian. But, as noted in thisNew Yorkerprofile from Oct. 2016 (Cohen passed in November), "Since his days davening next to his uncles in his grandfathers synagogue, Cohen has been a spiritual seeker. I've gone a long way since then-I'm just a step short of 'clear.' 11 Celebs Who Are Scientologists And 11 Who Left According a Facebook post by guitarist Al Di Meola, Clarke later rejoined "to get on Chick's good side," and a 2012 press release lists Clarke as a member. And what, you might ask, is Scientology? Whither The Scientologist Athlete? - Deadspin All of the Churchs active, dyed-in-the-wool celebrity members, and those who were members at the time of their deaths. Masterson is married to actress Bijou Phillips, with whom he has a daughter. Over the years, Alley has defended the religion on many occasions. All rights reserved. Ive studied Chinese meridian theory. The rapper claims that he was fascinated by this religion from the start and says it took him to look at things rather than to judge. Jason Dohring is a second-generation Scientologist, as he is the son of Scientologist and multimillionaire Doug Dohring. Alexander Tamargo // Getty Images. Well keep rolling updates as celebrities join, defect, or go public with their affiliation. In 2007, the voice actress was awarded the status of Patron Laureate because her donations to the religion had totaled more than $10 million. The voice actress also drew fire in 2009 for using the Bart voice in a robocall promoting an appearance on behalf of the church. She has since said it has become a meaningful part of her life. If it's in the news and it involves a celebrity, she's likely to be all over it. The Parenthood and Traffic actress has openly spoken about her affiliation with Scientology over the years. I've read books, and I've learned about it.". Scroll down to see more celebrity Scientologists and stars who have left the church. In that same interview, he said in relation to what helped him get sober from drugs, "Ive been doing Scientologymy doctor was like, Holy cow, he says whatever youve been doing keep doing it because its really working. Conaway passed in 2011. Late singer Bono's relationship with the church began in the 1970s "because Cher wanted him to go," his assistant told the New York Post in 1999. In a 2015 interview, she said Scientology has made her "more me. The King of Queens alum went on to host and executive produce an A&E series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which won an Emmy Award in 2017. There have been many successful actors and actresses that have proved that, Read More 20 Celebrities Who Completely Own Their Bad TeethContinue, Sometimes the entertainment industry is just as much about looks as it is about talent especially for high energy rock and rollers. (Danny has denied the allegations. Lewis, a musician and award-winning actress in Cape Fear (1991) is a longtime member of the church and vocal supporter of Cruise's outburst criticizing pharmaceutical companies. See Which Stars Have Gotten Engaged in 2023, Taylor Swift Sings About 'Falling Back in Love' on New Duet After Split, Meghan King Wears 'Fk You' Sweatshirt to Kids School, Jim Edmonds Reacts. Prior to creating Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, her docuseries on A&E, Remini was a dedicated contributor to the church from childhood until 2013. There's nothing more to it. In recent months, Haggis has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault, an "attack" tactic he and Remini, among others, believe to be orchestrated by the church following his public exit. Grant Cardone: Cardone, an author and motivational speaker who hosted the short-lived Kitchen Nightmares-style reality show Turnaround King, is an OT VIIIScientologys highest auditing level and enthusiastic L. Ron Hubbard disciple. Celebrities Open Up About Why They Are Scientologists Cartwright, who voices The Simpsons' Bart, Nelson, Todd Flanders, and Ralph Wiggum, has been a Scientologist since 1989. And so as long as nothing is inhibiting that? Peaches Geldof: The late daughter of rock-star/activist Bob Geldof went public with her Scientology membership shortly after Gawker posted one mans account of a heroin-fueled one-night stand with Geldof that ended at Scientologys Hollywood Celebrity Centre. Among the things he disclosed, ""Everything basically in Scientology is like, 'Here's a problem; OK cool, here's something you can study that will help you find the solution to that problem.' His father, Sopa Images / LightRocket via Getty Images, While it seems like Gaiman himself never actively practiced Scientology, he did grow up in a very Scientologist household. There were rumors that he was threatening to leave, adds New Yorker writer Lawrence Wright. Kirstie Alley is listed by Ranker as a celebrity follower of Scientology. At the time she joined the church, the It Takes Two actress admitted to having a cocaine addiction, but she said she went through Narconon, a Scientology-affiliated drug treatment program, to kick her dependency. Tom Cruise. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church, the New York Post reports. Scientology? What Do They Believe? Are They Christian Image via Going Clear. At 52, I abandoned everything, every friend, every family He and Presley divorced after six years of marriage. All rights reserved. Celebrity Scientologists and Stars Who Have Left the Church At the same time he addressed three other young athletes from Hesse. In the late sixties, when he was living in New York, he studied briefly at a Scientology center and emerged with a certificate that declared him 'Grade IV Release. In addition to his role in That 70s Show, Masterson is also known for playing Jameson Rooster Bennett in The Ranch from 2016 to2018. You know, the tenets of "Live Strong" and Dianetics aren't that different. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was born (well, at least on earth) 107 years ago on March 13, 1911. We simply beg to differ. When asked about it, he, Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images, Warner Bros / Courtesy Everett Collection, Handout / Church of Scientology / Getty Images, Rogers' father was a friend of L. Ron Hubbard's, so she joined Scientology at an early age. He was later identified as a Scientologist in "The Apostate," Lawrence Wright's New Yorker article that transformed to become Going Clear, HBO's documentary sharing chilling secrets about the organization's practices. Hollywood is made up of people from different backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation and religion. In the '70s he founded a group called The Apollo Stars which performed concerts that promoted Scientology. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Contact the author at andy@gawker.com. "Meet a Scientologist" features Colm OHalloran and the sport of orienteering: a race using a map and compass to navigate the course. MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET /PT on Scientology Network. Theres a myth that you need to have a certain look in order to make it in Hollywood. Both his second and third wives joined the religion following their marriage to Cruise. Reporting on what you care about. Athletes Elfman also appeared at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville in April 2009. In 2012, the "Loser" singer acknowledged outright his affiliation with the church, telling Vulture, "It's just something that I've been around." Danny Masterson spoke extensively about his beliefs in a February 2015 interview with Paper Magazine. Along with Tm Cruise, John Travolta is probably one of the most famous celebrity Scientologists. The Church of Scientology has long denied allegations of any wrongdoing under its roof, most recently in June 2019 when an anonymous woman filed a lawsuit for kidnapping, stalking, human trafficking, false imprisonment, libel, slander, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Since converting to the faith, Bell has supported various programs run or supported by the religion. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Why Do So Many Scientologists Die of Cancer Dun..dun..dun Sports News Without Fear, Favor or Compromise. In 2014, the couple welcomed a daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson. The celebrities who have taken a couple courses or done some studying on Scientology, but are not actually members of the church. The actor claims that Scientology has given him confidence and certainty, so he can work towards his goals and communicate well with anyone. John Travolta credited Scientology with saving his life and helping him save the lives of others in a 2015 interview with ABC News' Amy Robach. ". Image via Getty. Obviously, this story predates any Tom Cruise furniture hopping antics but there's no question that Brodie was heavily devoted and determined to follow-through with his quest for The Clear. According to longtime Scientology chronicler Tony Ortega, ardone once embarked on an email campaign to slander Milton Katselas, another high-ranking Scientologist, at the behest of megalomaniacal church leader David Miscavige. They met at a Las Vegas poker tournament in 2004 and married in a castle in Ireland in 2011. "If I had to sum it up, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. Lauren has been covering gossip for over a decade and she never tires of the latest stories. Taryn, Benjamin and Cathy have all "I would say Scientology put me into the big time. In Oct. 2016, Pea toldThe Guardianthat Scientology (he joined in 2000) program Study Tech "made me a better actor because I felt like it helped my understanding of scripts.. After the couple divorced in 1990, Cruise walked down the aisle twice more, withNicole Kidman in 1990 and Katie Holmes in 2006. Elfman also claims her religion has helped to keep her happy and energized. And so I grew up not having to go and pray to anyone," Masterson said. Nicole Kidman: Kidman, too, terminated all Scientology affiliation when she divorced Cruise. Though Travolta is a longtime Scientologist and has recruited several famous members to the organization, ex-Scientology executive Marty Rathbun described him as "Scientology's captive" in HBO's documentary Going Clear. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the organization's 'Project Celebrity' in 1955 to [], By Kelsey Patterson Obsessed with travel? Masterson is married to Bijou Phillips, and they have one daughter together. Travolta has previously claimed that being a Scientologist has been a big part of his success. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church. These famous figures are no longer affiliated with the Scientology organization, but they have admittedly dabbled in or been full-fledged members in the past. As for the show's other cast members, recurring guest Giovanni Ribisi is a Scientologist, as is Juliette Lewis, who appeared in one episode. Lewis previously told a Daily Beast reporter that the public is unkind to Scientology because "the mainstream media is funded by pharmaceutical companies, so when you have the biggest movie star in the world at the time Tom Cruise coming out against anti-depressants and Ritalin and just saying, 'Hey, why don't you put a warning label on there?' The musical icon's widow Mary Bono told the Post that her husband "did try to break away [from the church] at one point" in the early '90s, "and they made it very difficult for him.". Sky Dayton: EarthLink and Boingo Wireless founder Dayton attended the Scientology-affiliated Delphian boarding school in Oregon. He's also a Scientologist. "Scientology gives you hope and the certainty that you can improve any condition," she said. John Travolta holding an E-meter, the polygraph-like device used during Scientologys auditing sessions. Image via AP. Frank Stallone: Watch Slys brother belt out The Evil Purpose and Road to Freedom, two songs penned by Hubbard, live in concert right here. The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list "I took a couple of courses. Doug E. Fresh: The 80s rapper/beatboxer has a track on The Joy of Creating, an L. Ron Hubbard-tribute album. Although the Mad Men actress doesn't speak about her religion very often, she does comment on its portrayal in the media. ", Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Gilbert Arenas. Cher, who is not a Scientologist, disputed the claim, telling Access Hollywood in 2008 she "didn't understand" her ex-husband's faith. Coincidentally, the first person Favre did an on-air interview with was Greta Van Susteren a practicing Scientologist. Haggis, a prominent screenwriter and producer of projects like Million Dollar Baby, left Scientology in 2009 after 35 years as a member. San Francisco 49er quarterback John Brodie, who was featured in an SI cover story in 1971, was a practicing Scientologist for 12 years, yet there haven't been anymore popular athletes that have come forward since then. Patrick Swayze: The late actor is also among those who Travolta briefly introduced to the church. The song was titled "The Joy of Creating.". But who else? Jazz fusion legend Chick Corea is a longtime Scientologist, thanking founder L. Ron Hubbard in the notes to many of his later albums. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the organization's "Project Celebrity" in 1955 to recruit famous figures including Ed Sullivan, Bing Crosby and Ernest Hemingway to join the religious group. Scientology teaches followers of the religion to question their actions and not allow the reactive side of the mind to take over. (By the way, there are unconfirmed rumors that Brad Pitt went through some Scientology initiation and/or classes when he was dating Lewis but later decided not to continue, but since all of that is unconfirmed, Pitt won't be in this post.). Scientology has frequently been in the media spotlight in recent "Forty years for me, I've been part -- and I've loved every minute of it, and my family has done so well with it," said Travolta. Independent Scientologist & Former Sea Org Member Email: warrior_mike2001@yahoo.com Facebook: Michael Hobson I'm not hiding my identity from anyone Also, I am not a trained or qualified lawyer. She left the organization in 2013 and subsequently launched a campaign to expose its alleged wrongdoings. Since then, his exploits in the name of Scientology have been too numerous to recount here; in 2012, he and Katie Holmes divorced in part because Holmes didnt want the couples daughter Suri to become involved with the church. "It's a huge part of my life because it's a study. Arrested Development actor Tambor was identified as a Scientologist in the New York Times in 2007 and took classes with affiliated member and acting coach Milton Katselas. Actress Alanna Masterson is the sister of fellow actors and Scientologists Christian and Danny Masterson. People in my family do it. With Leah Remini's Emmy award-winning FX TV show "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath" drudging up new allegations against the church, its leaders and the celebrity members associated with it, Billboard compiled a list of 25 musicians who are confirmed Scientologists, have been associated with the Church of Scientology or have been alleged to follow Scientology but deny those accusations. That's too bad, because Arenas has so many more entertaining, silly bouts of weirdness we'd rather look back upon. She is now married to country star Keith Urban, but before that, she was engulfed in Scientology with then-husband Tom Cruise, whom she divorced (along with the church) in 2001. The actor first became involved in the religion in the 1980s during his first marriage to Mimi Rogers. [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. Erika Christensen has been married to cyclist Cole Maness since 2015, and they have two daughters together. Through the years, the Church of Scientology has recruited countless celebrities to become members. There are plenty of actors who I hear about being Scientologists but rarely an athlete. Im no kind of Scientologist, but Ive been around it enough to know its a very intelligent thing.. Journalist Tony Ortega, 20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection, Ribisi was raised by Scientologist parents, so he's been a Scientologist all his life. Scientology Celebrities: 25 Musicians Part of the Religion "Having achieved the state of Clear is the single most important thing that I've done for myself. Scientology famous members - from Leah Remini and Actress Leah Remini reveals in an exclusive interview with ABC News 20/20 how Tom Cruise was one of the factors that led her to break from the Church of Scientology. That Hollywood is overrun with adherents to the religion of Xenu is generally taken for granted as fact. January 24, 1986, San Luis Obispo, California), a writer who introduced his ideas to the general public in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950). Milton Katselas: Katselas, who coached everyone from Burt Reynolds to Giovanni Ribisialso a Scientologistis called the best acting teacher in the world in a 2007 New York Times profile.