For more celeb trivia sent right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Hollywood legend Candice Bergen also allegedly dabbled in Scientology, but not within recent years. See which celebrities have left Scientology and which stars are still involved with the church. The famous people Hubbard sought to convert to Scientology in his heyday included Ed Sullivan, Orson Welles and Walt Disney, among others. 1 / 24. Elisabeth Moss and all the other celebrity Scientologists. Rinder and Remini posted an open letter in support of Haggis, per Variety, positing that a Scientology smear campaign was behind the claims. Actress Leah Remini was a Scientologist for 30 years before she left the church in 2013. Hollywood star John Travolta has been a follower of the Church of Scientology since 1975 and is one of their most high-profile members. Some people leaving Scientology do it quietly, while others are happy to document their experiences, like Leah Remini. Willis allegedly did not want his children to be raised in the Church. Whereas the church has bagged some big names, they’ve also lost some heavy-hitting Hollywood stars. After the couple divorced, she returned to the Catholic Church. Actress Demi Moore allegedly practiced Scientology until marrying her now ex-husband Bruce Willis. He later left though, making him one of a handful of former celebrity Scientologists. Celebrities who left Scientology. Nicole Kidman was a member of the Church of Scientology when she was married to Tom Cruise from 1990-2001. The Biggest Celebrities Who've Left Scientology The controversial Church of Scientology has a reputation for attracting and recruiting celebrity members. Name Lifetime Left Notes Larry Anderson: 1952– 2009 Actor, star of … The controversial Church of Scientology has a status for attracting and recruiting superstar members. "And being that we don't practice Scientology, and that we aren't particularly interested in opening religious centers in general, we have no plans to open a Scientology center.". It doesn't really matter to me.". As a prominent member of Sea Org, Marc Headley worked closely with one of Hollywood’s most famous Scientologists, actor Tom Cruise. Other notable Scientologist celebrities include popular actresses, Juliette Lewis and Laura Prepon. 15 Things You Never Knew About Seinfeld#37 of 233 The Funniest Stand Up Comedians Of All Time#70 of 339 The Funniest People Of All Time. Perhaps the most vocal former celebrity Scientologist, Leah Remini devoted herself to exposing the alleged abuses of the organization after she left it in 2013. So keep reading to hear from some of the most outspoken celebrity Scientologists there are, and for stars who've walked away from the church, check out The Biggest Celebrities Who've Left Scientology. Top 10 Celebrities Who Left ScientologySubscribe: http://goo.gl/Q2kKrD and also Ring the Bell to get notified // Have a Top 10 idea? Several prominent figures in Hollywood were once members of the Church of Scientology. Katie Holmes was a member of the Church of Scientology when she was married to Tom Cruise from 2006-2012. Lisa Marie Presley was open about her Scientology practice at one time, as was her mother Priscilla. I don't have any connection or affiliation with it." Jerry Seinfeld is quoted as saying that he dabbled in Scientology during his 20s. In 2015, her memoir Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology was published, and the following year, her docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath premiered on A&E. When asked about the existence of God, Gaiman said, "I don't know, I think there's probably a 50/50 chance. In 2017, a rift formed between Pinkett Smith and Remini when Remini told The Daily Beast that Pinkett Smith was a member and that she'd frequently run into her at the Scientology Celebrity Centre. Scientology’s former Commanding Officer at its Los Angeles Celebrity Center, Karen Pressley, was a high ranking member of the hardcore Sea Org for 12 years, signing a … "I think there's a misconception that I am a Scientologist," Hansen said. It's... Candice Bergen. I was insulated with no grip on reality," she said. Best & Worst Refinance Mortgage Companies of 2021, These Unsold Jeep Grand Cherokees Are Now Dirt Cheap, Cash back card wipes out interest until mid-2022, 26 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Scientologists, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, Leah Remini Says This Was the Real Reason for Tom Cruise's COVID Rant, rumors that they'd be setting up an outpost of the church, 25 Celebrity Kids Who Look Just Like Their Parents, 18 Photos of Celebrity Couples When They First Got Together, 48 Celebrity Exes Who Are Best Friends Now. She has since been labeled as Roman Catholic. Haggis, a prominent screenwriter and producer of projects like Million Dollar Baby, left Scientology in 2009 after 35 years as a member. Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta are among the most successful, vocal devotees in Hollywood. Paul Haggis, the director and screenwriter of the 2005 Best Picture Oscar winner Crash, was an active member of the church for 35 years. Alongside his wife, Kelly Preston, he credits the church for standing beside them when they lost their son after he suffered a seizure at age 16. He famously voiced Chef on South Park but left the show after an episode that made fun of Scientology re-aired. Apparently, Brad Pitt checked out the religion in the '90s while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but... Lisa Marie Presley. August 8, 2020 April 19, 2019 by Insight State's Editorial The Church of Scientology was established in 1954 and is based on the teachings of American author L. Ron Hubbard. 20 Celebrities Who Left Scientology Leah Remini. The controversial Church of Scientology has a reputation for attracting and recruiting celebrity members. Remini grew up with Scientology from the age of nine. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, A Texas mayor resigns after his post eviscerating winter storm victims goes viral, Virus-stranded cruise ships tread water off Cyprus. Actress Leah Remini, best known for her lead role on “King of Queens,” was introduced to Scientology at age 9, but left in 2013. Along with former high-ranking church member Mike Rinder, Remini spent three seasons interviewing former Scientologists and their families. But over the years, group of celebrities have left the faith — including Cruise’s ex-wives Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes. For the star's response to recent Cruise news, Leah Remini Says This Was the Real Reason for Tom Cruise's COVID Rant. Nicole Kidman was a member of the Church of Scientology when she was married to Tom Cruise from 1990-2001. Leah Remini may be the most famous ex-Scientologist. John Travolta. For Suri Cruise and more mini-mes, check out 25 Celebrity Kids Who Look Just Like Their Parents. 40 Celebrity Scientologists, Past and Present. This one's a little confusing. For former couples who still get along, check out 48 Celebrity Exes Who Are Best Friends Now. The two actors mended fences and talked things through when they met—where else?—on Red Table Talk, Pinkett Smith's successful online talk show with her daughter, Willow Smith, and her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris. Remini left … Read more about celebrities who have left the Church of Scientology below. Best Known For: being a legal expert for CNN and FOX; covered the O.J. In 2018, Haggis was anonymously accused of sexual misconduct by three women, accusations which he has categorically denied. Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta are among the most successful, vocal devotees in Hollywood. We all know about Tom Cruise and his advocacy for the Church of Scientology as well as his ex-wife Katie Holmes’ s claims that Scientology was part of the reason she left him, taking their young daughter Suri with her. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. He officially broke with Scientology in 2008 over a member of the San Diego branch signing a petition in support of California's Proposition 8, which sought to limit marriage equality. The exact nature of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's past or present connection to Scientology is still something of a mystery. Celebrities Who Left Scientology: Leah Remini, Katie Holmes & More Celebs Who Said Goodbye To Xenu. It’s no secret that, in Hollywood, Scientology is a thing. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CoS. Leah Remini. He casually dropped the news that he was no longer a Scientologist in a 2016 interview with a local publication after he and his wife, Ceren Alkac, moved to Denton, Texas. It indicates the ability to send an email. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CoS. Leah Remini. Keep reading to learn about celebrities who've left Scientology and why, and for stars who you might not have realized were connected, check out 26 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Scientologists. There are plenty of Scientologist actors, like Tom Cruise - but who are the famous Scientologists who have left the organization? The Best Demi Moore Movies#231 of 843 The Best Actresses in Film History#224 of 265 The Most Beautiful Women Of 2021, Ranked. In 2013, the actress left Scientology and dedicated herself to … Fantasy author Neil Gaiman grew up in a Scientology household and even gave a radio interview about the religion when he was seven years old, but he has repeatedly disavowed claims that he was ever a member as an adult. #209 of 349 The Best American Actresses Working Today#33 of 119 The Greatest '90s Teen Stars#199 of 213 The Greatest American Actresses Of All Time. Their 2006 Italian wedding was an extravagant event with a Scientology ceremony attended by many prominent church members. The late Isaac Hayes was introduced to Scientology in 1993 and appeared on the cover of Scientology's Celebrity magazine twice. It is unclear if he chose to leave the show or if higher ups in the religion forced him to quit. (For years, the church has been denying accusations of homophobia.) Rogers hasn't spoken out against the religion, but it's been reported that she wasn't a fan of controversial church leader David Miscavige (nor was Cruise's second wife, Nicole Kidman), who would be the Best Man at Cruise's wedding to Holmes. Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World, The Best American Actresses Working Today, The Greatest American Actresses Of All Time, The Funniest Stand Up Comedians Of All Time, celebrities were raised as Scientologists. Artist Beck Hansen, who goes by Beck onstage, had spoken positively about Scientology over the course of several years and also proclaimed to be a part of the religion. ... (who was a member of the Church beginning at age 9) is easily the most outspoken former Scientologist in Hollywood. Actor Jason Lee, who you know from several Kevin Smith comedies and the sitcom My Name Is Earl, reportedly was a member of Scientology beginning in the '90s. The show won two Emmys during its run. Recently, Haggis has been faced with claims of harassment. Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta are among the many most profitable, vocal devotees in Hollywood. More From Thought Catalog. "If Ceren and I had an idea for a business, it certainly wouldn't happen at the cost of someone else's," he told The Dentonite, addressing rumors that they'd be setting up an outpost of the church. Author Neil Gaiman was raised in the Church of Scientology, but he no longer believes in organized religion. In response, Pinkett Smith tweeted, "I have studied Dianetics, and appreciate the merits of Study Tech…but I am not a Scientologist." Author Neil Gaiman was raised in the Church of Scientology, but he no longer believes in organized religion. Cruise's ex-wives Katie Holmes and Mimi Rogers also left Scientology. According to the church's own website, famed actor John Travolta became a Scientologist in 1975, after he was given L. Ron Hubbard's "Dianetics" while filming the movie "The Devil's Rain" in Mexico.