Ive prayed in churches, meditated in temples. Stephen Boyd: Ben-Hur actor Boyd, who died in 1977, was an OT IV, according to George Malkos book Scientology: The Now Religion. 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. WebScientology, international movement that emerged in the 1950s in response to the thought of L. Ron Hubbard (in full Lafayette Ronald Hubbard; b. 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. 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. According to a TV critic at the Guardian, the plot of the entire series has shades of Hubbard-inspired allegory. Prepon is known for her roles in films such as Come Early Morning, Lay the Favorite, The Hero, and The Girl on the Train.. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was born (well, at least on earth) 107 years ago on March 13, 1911. And another Scientologist told me that he was delegated to create a black PR packageall the damaging material that they could use against Travolta, which came from his auditing sessions. Perhaps that damaging material contains information regarding the widespread rumor that Travolta is gay. Credit: David Becker/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures, The Crash star became a Scientologist in 2000 and said 16 years later that his involvement with the church made him a better actor., In order to view the gallery, please allow Manage Cookies. Cruise apparently broke up with her after she insulted Scientology chief David Miscavige. "I am no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy," she said on the church's site. Forest Whitaker with John Travolta in Battlefield Earth, a film based on a book by L. Ron Hubbard. ", Actor Giovanni Ribisi, who appeared in the movies "Ted" and "Avatar," grew up with Scientology. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. I've gone a long way since then-I'm just a step short of 'clear.' The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list Over the years, Alley has defended the religion on many occasions. ", The Men at Work actor and DJ was raised a Scientologist with his brother, actor Christopher Masterson. And most athletes are already hard-wired to process various self-help and motivational techniques, so this would seem like a logical extension of their professional m.o. His "La Di Da Di" track is one of the most-referenced in rap history. Manson is making progress for the first time in his life.. This 7-piece outdoor sectional furniture set is marked down from $900 to $600 on Amazon right now. She has said that Scientology is anti-drug and that this religion teaches you the simple basics of how to live better, such as seeking better communications and relationship tools. "Many of my church's stances and concepts are grossly misunderstood by the media. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church, the New York Post reports. NOBODY! [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. Bell was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic school. But according to Ortega and former church executive Mike Rinder, the rumors arent true. Whitaker also had a short Scientology dalliance inspired by Travolta, according to Going Clear. His former girlfriend, radio personality Miss Jones, was working with the late Isaac Hayes, who was also a Scientologist. She married Back Hansen in 2004. In 1995, she told a reporter for People she is "a strong advocate for their ethics. Scientology is a religion that was invented in the early 1950s by American author L. Ron Hubbard. "It's a beautiful thing for me and I've saved lives with it. Cruise's involvement in the church was reportedly one of the main reasons his second and third wives,Kidman andHolmes, respectively, filed for divorce. "It means that you have gotten rid of all the things that would create aberrated behavior in you that you didn't want. One part of the mind is analytical, and the other is reactive. For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews Subscribe on YouTube! 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. Scientology is somewhat of a smorgasbord of religions and beliefs. Travolta produced and starred in the film, "Battlefield Earth," which is based on a sci-fi novel by Scientology founder by L. Ron Hubbard. The celebrities who have taken a couple courses or done some studying on Scientology, but are not actually members of the church. Actress Alanna Masterson is the sister of fellow actors and Scientologists Christian and Danny Masterson. At the time, she was suffering from a substance use disorder, and the actress claims this religion helped her to overcome these issues. Danny's younger brother Chris, who starred in Malcolm in the Middle and Scary Movie 2, is also a celebrity member of the church. One of the most long-standing celebrity Scientologists is Nancy Cartwright, who is best known as the voice of Bart Simpson. 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. Here are the 20 most famous Scientology celebrities. In addition to writing the sci-fi book Battlefield Earth, he composed the score for an accompanying soundtrack to the book, featuring contributions from Chick Corea. Taryn, Benjamin and Cathy have all "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. A prominent member of the Church of Scientology, Alley made her move to The following fifteen celebs are all believers in the Church of Scientology, some you may be expecting to see on this list, like Tom Cruise and others may be a surprise, like Laura Prepon, however, you won't know who they all 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. Former That 70s Show star Danny Masterson is another actor who has defended Scientology and has explained that it is simply a recognition of the two parts of your mind. Contact the author at andy@gawker.com. There have been many unconfirmed rumors for years that Brandy turned to Scientology following a car crash in 2006, and that she adamantly denied any involvement with the church. The late sci-fi author turned religious leader has numerous celebrity followers, and withLeah 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 are allegedly associated. 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. Cartwright joined Scientology around the time The Simpsons made its series debut. 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. 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. I did not like the fact that he said, Hey, Im done with it. Juliette Lewis: Musician and actress Lewis, who was raised in the church, told a Daily Beast reporter last year 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 timeTom Cruisecoming out against anti-depressants and Ritalin and just saying, Hey, why dont you put a warning label on there? The thing about Scientology is it is anti-drug in that youre seeking relationship or communication toolssimple basics on how to live better., Christopher Masterson [Wiki] [IMDb] [source], Danny Masterson onstage at a 2005 Celebrity Center benefit event with fellow Scientologist Laura Prepon. 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. In the liner notes of her 2004 albumAmerica's Sweetheart, Courtney Love thanked Scientology and Kirstie Alley. 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 "This, to me, is priceless." I have never joined any organization, nor plan to.". Freshs contribution is truly a joy. Danny Masterson spoke extensively about his beliefs in a February 2015 interview with Paper Magazine. Ribisi is also a twin, and his twin sister, Marissa, is also a Scientologist, as is her ex-husband, musician Beck. The smiling, shrink-hating, spy-hiring, motorcycle-riding, and couch-jumping mascot of Scientology, Cruise has been the churchs biggest star since joining at the behest of then-wife Mimi Rogers in 1990. In fact, Susan will probably beat me to clear.". Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Moss said Scientology gives her stability and makes her feel like a better version of herself. But Brodie soured on it around 1982 after some Scientology henchmen were overly-aggressive with some of his friends and he denounced Scientology's methods by saying The Church "didn't treat certain members fairly.". "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. Moss has admitted to her affiliation with Scientology, but has kept brief when asked about her religious beliefs on press tours for her latest award-winning role in Hulu's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. For the first four months of my preclear, I didn't say a word to my wife or kids. They met at a Las Vegas poker tournament in 2004 and married in a castle in Ireland in 2011. The 2015 Grammy album of the year winner was born into Scientology. Jazz fusion legend Chick Corea is a longtime Scientologist, thanking founder L. Ron Hubbard in the notes to many of his later albums. He married Nicole Kidman in 1990, the Katie Homes in 2006. Alley joined Scientology in 1979, despite being raised as a Methodist. Brodie continued to practice Scientology for the next the next 11 years and was one of the first celebrity members to reach OTVII, one of the highest levels of Scientology super-advancement, a level recently held by Cruise, John Travolta, Jenna Elfman and other wacky celebs. And in Hollywood, that's more stable than being a hunk of meat.". I was resentful of that. More recently, Alley told Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show in January 2015 that she had reached the OT-7 level in the Church of Scientology's hierarchy of achievements. "F those people! Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the organization's 'Project Celebrity' in 1955 to [], By Kelsey Patterson Reporting on what you care about. In the same Post article, Sonnys widow Mary Bono said that Sonny did try to break away [from the church] at one point, in the early 90s, and they made it very difficult for him.. He was once in a relationship with fellow Scientologist Laura Prepon, who was also his brothers co-star in That 70s Show. However, he is now married to actress Yolanda Pecoraro, and their daughter, Chiara, was born in April 2021. Archer remarried in 1979 and had a second son five years later. The actor is married to Lauren Kutner, with whom he has four children. It is obvious what would happen to Scientology if prime communicators benefitting from it would mention it now and then. Sixty years later, was Project Celebrity a success? He became involved with the movement which was formed in 1953 and is headquartered in Riverside County, California through his first wife, Mimi Rogers. Nicole Kidman: Kidman, too, terminated all Scientology affiliation when she divorced Cruise. "And another Scientologist told me that he was delegated to create a 'black PR' package all the damaging material that they could use against Travolta, which came from his auditing sessions.". Image via AP. Since converting to the faith, Bell has supported various programs run or supported by the religion. In the 1950s, founder L. Ron Hubbard created what became known as Project Celebrity, a written program that offers rewards to Scientologists who bring in some of the biggest names in Hollywood. And so as long as nothing is inhibiting that? A longtime Scientologist that has boasted about reaching the level of clear, she has helped promote their events in the past. Not only is she a firm believer in the religion, but she is also a major donor, says Marie Claire. "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. "In Scientology, there's no belief system or anyone who's worshipped or whatnot; it's all sort of like college of the mind. Like, your own power of choice," she said on Parenthood costar Joy Bryant's web series, Across the Board. One of them was in communication, and I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.. It's an applied philosophy," Christensen said in the interview for Reserve Channel in 2013. In his personal life, Fresh has six sons, two of whom are in the hip-hop group Square off that Fresh manages. Hubbard wrote a newsletter announcing the plan and included a list of 63 names of well-known people as "game" for Scientology auditors, asking them to target the personalities and bring them into the church. Van Susteren is a commentator, lawyer, and former television news anchor for MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Advertisement Hollywood celebrities are not typically associated with their religious affiliations, but big names like Tom Cruise and John Travolta have become well-known as Scientologists. In a 2014 interview with comedian Marc Maron, he ignored the funny man's question about "aliens" in the religion. Jason Dohring is a second-generation Scientologist, as he is the son of Scientologist and multimillionaire Doug Dohring. Katie Holmes: Holmes, of course, is another of Tom Cruises ex-Scientologist exes. Masterson grew up in Scientology and took a deep dive into his "religious philosophy" withPaper Magazinein Feb. 2015. "The Celebrity Centre is just like the stable datum of growth and sanity, and growing as an artist it's just like I'm always safe when I come here," she said. 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. At the same time he addressed three other young athletes from Hesse. Jeffrey Tambor: The Arrested Development and Transparent actor, who took classes with Scientologist acting coach Milton Katselas, told LA.com I have nothing against it, but I am no longer a Scientologist after the New York Times Magazine identified him as such in 2007. However, Remini announced that she left the church in July 2013. Founder L. Ron Hubbard received special thanks in the liner notes of Van Morrison's1983 albumInarticulate Speech of the Heart. Leah Remini was another A-list Scientologist, joining at the age of 9 with her family. Jane star started taking Scientology courses in 1994, but he left the church in 2008, calling it very, very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health and evolution., Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images. Lauren has been covering gossip for over a decade and she never tires of the latest stories. There are many other facets to a celebritys life other than what you see on-screen or read about them. The list is intended to be comprehensive, so if there are people weve missed, please let us know in the comments or email me at andy@gawker.com. Although the Mad Men actress doesn't speak about her religion very often, she does comment on its portrayal in the media. Christopher Masterson is best known for playing Malcolms older brother Francis in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. He has also had roles in films such as Scary Movie 2, Intellectual Property, Made for Each Other, and Waterborne.. [Wiki] [IMDb] [source], Judy Norton-Taylor [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. Leonard Cohen: Going Clear cites Cohen as having passed through one of Scientologys Celebrity Centres, and the song Famous Blue Raincoat contains an apparent reference to the church. By the way, I used those older photos so that you'd recognize who he is. Along with other high-profile celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Juliette Lewis has spoken out about the pharmaceutical companies and how they control mainstream media. Oscar -nominated actress Anne Archer has been a Scientologist for decades, and os one of the most well-known ones since her son Tommy Davis was the Church of Archer, an Academy Award nominee for her role in Fatal Attraction, is a vastly connected member of the church. She and husband, Emmy-winning producer Terry Jastrow, practice the religion, while her son Tommy Davis is the Church of Scientology's former spokesperson and executive leader. I've read books, and I've learned about it.". Elfman also appeared at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville in April 2009. Alley is at one of the highest-ranking levels in Scientology, OT Level VII. Perhaps the most famous Scientologist is actor Tom Cruise. Other famous adherents include John Travolta, Michael Pena, Kirstie Alley, Catherine Bell, Elisabeth Moss, and dozens more, while just as many celebrities are among the ranks of former Scientologists. David Miscavige is the leader of the church of Scientology. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. 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. L. Ron Hubbard began Scientologys Project Celebrity in 1955, offering a list of 63 high-profile targets and a small plaque as a reward to anyone who successfully brought the likes of Bob Hope and Ernest Hemingway into the church. Will Smith: Rumors about Smiths connections with the church are rampant, and the New York Daily News reported in 2008 that he was actively recruiting for the church on the set of Hancock. 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. Mimi Rogers: Rogers, Tom Cruises first wife, introduced Cruise to the church in 1990. When asked by Time Magazine in March 2015 if there were misconceptions about her religion Scientology, Lewis said, "I only ever say, when I'm asked about this-my freedom." Pinkett Smith, as part of a larger Twitter thread, tweeted, "I have studied Dianetics, and appreciate the merits of Study Tech.. but I am not a Scientologist.". She and husband, Emmy-winning producer Terry Jastrow, practice the religion, while her son Tommy Davis is the Church of Scientology's former spokesperson and executive leader. Nicole Kidman is most recently in the headlines for her acclaimed portrayal in HBO limited seriesBig Little Lies. The group released three albums before breaking up. In the 1950s, founder L. Ron Hubbard created what became known as Project Celebrity, a written program that offers rewards to Scientologists who bring in some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Jeff Conaway co-starred alongside confirmed Scientologist John Travolta inGrease. "Scientology gives you hope and the certainty that you can improve any condition," she said. Travolta joined in the 70s, while working on The Devil's Rain. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Below, youll find a list of every known celebrity who claims membership with the church, as well as lists of those who have dabbled in a few courses but never enlisted and of those who were once members but have since renounced their affiliation. Credit: James Devaney/Getty Images; Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images. Tom Cruise is one of the Church of Scientologys most well-known members and outspoken advocates. The Barbadian-born rapper, beatboxer, and record producer has released five studio albums. According to a TV critic at The Guardian, the plot of the entire NBC series has shades of Hubbard-inspired connections. Theres no way Ill ever get involved with that son-of-a-bitchin group. "Anyone who knows me is just like, 'Wow, if Laura is a Scientologist, then there has to be something to this,'" she once told Women's Health. Erika Christensen has been married to cyclist Cole Maness since 2015, and they have two daughters together. The former couple had a daughter together, Suri, before divorcing in 2012. 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. Donald Trump has tweeted about [Scientologist singer] Joy Villa, a person whos infiltrated the White House. Theres a myth that you need to have a certain look in order to make it in Hollywood. Watch the full interview on "20/20," Friday, Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. Hip-hop's alpha beatboxer, Doug E. Fresh (born Douglas E. Davis), is a member of the Church of Scientology. Nancy Cartwright: The voice of Bart, Nelson, Todd Flanders, and Ralph Wiggum on The Simpsons has been a Scientologist since 1989. Leah Remini isn't the only celeb who got outta there. In their personal lives, celebrities come from all walks of life and have varied personal beliefs. 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. Prominent Scientologist Tom Cruise joined the Church of Scientology not long after his father died in 1984. 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? She also says that it gives her focus to see people as spiritual beings. "In Scientology, you can find answers for anything you could ever think to ask," Elfman said of her affiliation. "I last really studied [Scientology], oh, it's almost 30 years agoIn my early years of stand-up, it was very helpful," Seinfeld told Parade in 2008. According to Ortega, Jada was the dedicated Scientologist in the family, but both Smiths have since ended their connections with the church. "It's a huge part of my life because it's a study. The Grammy-winning singer kept quiet about his lifelong involvement in Scientology until 2005. This gallery was originally published in December 2015 and has since been continually updated. 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.". Also in 2001 was Kidman's musical role inMoulin Rouge! But the man from the record label tells me she doesn't want to discuss her beliefs. 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.. Phillips, an actress in projects like Raising Hope, Almost Famous and Mean Girls, is married to Danny Masterson and is a devout member of Scientology. She has since said it has become a meaningful part of her life. Miscavige also played a large role in their divorce, according to Rathbun. People in the United Stateshave freedoms and opportunities that arent easily accessible for people in many other countries, and the idea of, Read More 10 Celebrities Who Have Badmouthed AmericaContinue, 20 Celebrities Who Completely Own Their Bad Teeth, 7 Rock and Rollers who Went from Overweight to Completely Toned, 20 Celebrities You Forgot Posed for Playboy, 20 of Our Favorite Celebrities from Connecticut, 20 of Our Favorite Celebrities from Compton, 10 Celebrities Who Have Badmouthed America, The 20 Best Celebrity Mental Health Advocates, 20 Female Celebrities Who Had Children in Their 40s, 20 Child Celebrities Who Tragically Died too Young. "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. And what, you might ask, is Scientology? John Travolta holding an E-meter, the polygraph-like device used during Scientologys auditing sessions.
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