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Several prominent figures in the entertainment industry have connections to Scientology. Many well-known actors and celebrities are members of the religious organization. Founded in the 1950s by sci-fi author L. Ron Hubbard, the religion has always inspired intrigue and skepticism in people. As per the church’s official website, Scientology addresses the spirit. The church has maintained a significant presence in Hollywood through its Celebrity Centres.
A lot of controversy and allegations surround the celebrities who align themselves with the faith, leading to many not being open about their association with the church.
However, some have no qualms in revealing themselves as Scientology parishioners. They have even tried to proselytize people by using their popularity. Here’s a list of celebrities who have been open about their links with Scientology.
1Tom Cruise
Tom Cruiseis considered the poster boy of Scientology in Hollywood. One of the most ardent supporters of the religion, the Mission Impossible star was introduced to Scientology by his first wife Mimi Rogers. Cruise has credited Scientology for helping him overcome dyslexia, he revealed in a piece he wrote forPeople Magazine.
His support and work for the religion earned him a Freedom Medal of Valor, making him the only Scientologist to hold the medal, as perThe Guardian.
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In a public statement back in 2016, Cruise spoke about his alignment with the religion (viaYahoo):
“It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life. I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years. It’s something, you know, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”
Cruise caused a lot of controversy with his fervent advocacy of Scientology in the early 2000s, and has stayed mum on the subject since.
2John Travolta
John Travoltais another prominent Scientologist. TheGreasestar has been affiliated with the church since the 70s, just as his career took off. Travolta cites Scientology as the reason that helped him cope with his son’s death and helped his family.
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Speaking about how Scientology has shaped his lifeThe Forgerstar toldABCNews:
“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. It’s a beautiful thing for me and I’ve saved lives with it. Saved my own life several times. Through the loss of my son, it helped me every step of the way for two years solid, and here I am talking to you because of it.”
Furthermore, thePulp Fictionstar has even defended Scientology when his religion was questioned, urging people to read the books. As he said onGood Morning AmericaviaABC News:
“You can read ‘A New Slant on Life.’ You can read ‘Dianetics’. I think if you really read it, you understand it. But unless you do, you’ll speculate — and I think that’s a mistake to do that.”
Travolta has remained one of the most popular believers of Scientology, despite the Scientology practices being widely scrutinized.
3Elisabeth Moss
Another ardent believer of the Church of Scientology is the two-time Golden Globe, Emmy, and SAG awards winner,Elisabeth Moss. TheHandmaid’s Taleactress largely avoids talking about her faith. However, upon a fan being inquisitive of her faith under herInstagram postback in 2017 when she was promoting her show, Moss didn’t hesitate in defending her religion.
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The comments of the post have now been turned off. But as perHuffPost, this is how the interaction went. A commenter had asked:
“Love this adaptation so much. Question though, does it make you think twice about Scientology? Both Gilead and Scientology both believe that all outside sources (aka news) are wrong or evil … it’s just very interesting.”
Moss had replied by saying:
“That’s actually not true at all about Scientology. Religious freedom and tolerance and understanding the truth and equal rights for every race, religion and creed are extremely important to me. The most important things to me probably. And so Gilead and THT hit me on a very personal level. Thanks for the interesting question!”
Moss has been practicing Scientology since childhood.
4Michael Peña
Michael Peñais known for his work in films likeThe Martian,Ant-Man and theWasp,and many others. He has often avoided talking about being a Scientologist, rarely speaking of his affiliation with the church.
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However, on one rare occasion, he did mention how Scientology helped him with his drinking problem when he entered the detox program Purification Rundown. He also stated that the religion helped him become a better actor. This is what he toldThe Guardian:
“I wasn’t an alcoholic, but I was doing it too much. And then there was the next thing, and the next thing. For me, it isn’t religion like a belief; it’s practical things you do.”
TheCrashactor has been connected with Scientology since 2000.
5Erika Christensen
Another name on the list of outspoken celebrity Scientologists is Erika Christensen. TheSwimfanactress’s parents were practising Scientologists and she was raised as one as well. She opened up on what religion means to her on theArmchair Expertpodcast in 2018 viaPeople.
“I can justify things in all kinds of different ways, but basically, like, as a Scientologist. And I definitely cannot speak for every Scientologist about anything because everybody has their own beliefs and comes at it from even other religions and all kinds of stuff. However, I don’t believe this is the first time I have lived on this planet and I basically think I’ve probably done absolutely everything before.”
The actress has two daughters and is approaching parenting from a Scientology viewpoint too.
6Jason Dohring
Known for his work in the television showVeronica Mars,Jason Dohring has defended Scientology and tried to clear misconceptions about it. Talking to a magazine back in 2008, Dohring said (viaBuddyTV):
“The misconceptions that occur with people who haven’t ever read a book about [Scientology], or don’t know what it’s about. They’re just taking someone else’s false opinion of what it is. Just for me, it saved my acting career. I became a professional through Scientology… I understand acting better because Scientology is the study of life.”
Dohring is married to Lauren Kutner and is a father of four children.
7Juliette Lewis
Juliette Lewisis known for her roles in Natural Born Killers and Cape Fear. The Academy Award-nominated actress has been vocal about her ties with Scientology.
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When asked if she’s a Scientologist in a 2012Vanity Fairinterview, Lewis responded:
“I am, yeah. I think there’s so much confusion because people don’t understand a religion where you can be another religion but you can still practice Scientology”
Moreover, Lewis has defended her religion, answering if she feels Scientology is a misconstrued religion. She toldTime Magazine:
“I only ever say, when I’m asked about this—my freedom. The Muslim religion, any religion, you can find trouble in. At the end of the day, I’m into protecting my freedom of choice, freedom of voice, freedom of religion, freedom of expression. And so as long as nothing is inhibiting that… But there are misconceptions that are annoying.”
Lewis has also said that Scientology helped her with her addiction to drugs (viaDigital Spy).
8Laura Prepon
Laura Prepon, known for her work inThat ‘70s Show, was introduced to Scientology by her fellow actor Danny Masterson on the show. was introduced to Scientology by herThat ‘70s Showco-star Danny Masterson
While she was a practicing Scientologist for five years, Prepon no longer aligns herself with the religion. As she toldPeople Magazinein 2021:
“I’m no longer practicing Scientology. I’ve always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I’ve prayed in churches, meditated in temples. I’ve studied Chinese meridian theory. I haven’t practiced Scientology in close to five years and it’s no longer part of my life.”
TheOrange Is the New Blackactress found solace in meditation.
9Doug E. Fresh
Doug E. Fresh is a hip-hop artist. He is probably the only hip-hop artist vocal of his faith in the Church of Scientology. He even performed at a large gala at Scientology Celebrity Center in 2004.
Speaking on his religion and how the black community should be open to it, Fresh toldEssence Magazineviaallihiphop:
“Scientology is not a White religion. It is not just for White people. Scientology is not written with disrespect toward God. It doesn’t worship something that is evil. It is scientific, mathematical, and spiritual. The Black community has to check it out and see what’s there. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but you have to take a look. You may be amazed at what you get.”
Fresh claims to be the first hip-hop artist to align themselves with the faith.
10Peaches Geldof
Peaches Geldof, a British socialite, has confirmed herself to be a Scientologist after much speculation. On confirming the rumors Peaches said: (viaDigital Spy):
“I’ve been [a Scientologist] for a while now. It’s like, I was confused about what path to go through and I feel like I needed a spiritual path and I was looking at different things.”
Peaches talked about feeling a void when she didn’t have her Faith and how Scientology has filled that void. The model also revealed that her parents have been supportive of her.
“I felt I was lacking something when I didn’t have a faith. In the end, all it’s about is making yourself a better person. My father says anything that makes me feel like a better person and makes me happy is good.”
Peaches was found dead in 2014, in her home in Kent. Upon further investigation, the cause of her death was later revealed to be a drug overdose
Arpita Joshi
Articles Published :73
Arpita Joshi is an Evergreen Content Writer at FandomWire. With almost two years of experience, she has learned intricate details of writing in different niches, particularly entertainment.
