"Many of my church's stances and concepts are grossly misunderstood by the media. At the time, she was suffering from a substance use disorder, and the actress claims this religion helped her to overcome these issues. Leah Remini was another A-list Scientologist, joining at the age of 9 with her family. In 2012, the "Loser" singer acknowledged outright his affiliation with the church, telling Vulture, "It's just something that I've been around." Frank Stallone is the younger brother of iconic actor Sylvester Stallone. 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. Travolta joined in the 70s, while working on The Devil's Rain. Scientology. 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? All rights reserved. Tom Cruise joined the organization after marrying Rogers, so it seems as though she was the reason he became a Scientologist in the first place. "This, to me, is priceless." The group released three albums before breaking up. 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. Kirstie Alley won accolades for her breakout role as Rebecca Howe on the sitcom Cheers. People in my family do it. Years before, though, Moss explained that she considers Scientology a "self-applied" practice, which has helped her feel "centered" during periods of her life. Elfman also appeared at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville in April 2009. Put a Ring On It! Their father, Joe Reaiche, said that it splintered the family and made him a suppressive person. All of the women who have accused Masterson of sexual assault are ex-members of the church, and some claim Scientology leaders threatened them to keep quiet while protecting the actor from harm. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the organization's 'Project Celebrity' in 1955 to [], By Kelsey Patterson 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. But there are misconceptions that are annoying.". Yep, the founder of the Church of Scientology was also a musician. The religion has been a source of controversy, with some claiming it is a cult and others calling it a business. One of them was in communication, and I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.". ". Their religious beliefs are something personal to them, so fans are not always aware of their favorite celebritys religious stance. After theThat '70s Showalum was charged with three counts of rape in June 2020, Remini tweeted, "This is just the beginning Scientology, your days of getting away with it is coming to an end!" Frequent Earl guest Giovanni Ribisi is a Scientologist, and so is Juliette Lewis, who appeared in one episode. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. 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. According to ABC News, one of the most famous Scientology celebrities is Tom Cruise. 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. 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. Tom Cruise is one of the Church of Scientologys most well-known members and outspoken advocates. 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. In their personal lives, celebrities come from all walks of life and have varied personal beliefs. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was born (well, at least on earth) 107 years ago on March 13, 1911. Anne Archer (center) with David Miscavige (left). 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. 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 Scientology, when a family divides into believers and nonbelievers, disconnection is a common and painful experience. But the man from the record label tells me she doesn't want to discuss her beliefs. Kenton Gray is a 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 Fox Doesn't Think He'll Live to Age 80, Drake Takes Serious Heat After Rescheduling His Tour, Rapper Sentenced to Extra Year in Prison After Refusing to Report to Jail, Why Molly Ringwald Turned Down Julia Roberts' 'Pretty Woman' Role, Miley Cyrus' Mom Tish Engaged to 'Prison Break' Star. That Hollywood is overrun with adherents to the religion of Xenu is generally taken for granted as fact. Erika Christensen is an actress known for her roles in Traffic, Ten Days in the Valley, and Parenthood. According to US Magazine, Christensen says that the faith has helped her as an actress, as it aids her to focus on communication. Tom Cruise is one of the highest-ranking members of the organization and in many ways may be the lynchpin of Scientology's pull in Hollywood. Jada Pinkett Smith: In 2008, Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband founded a now-defunct school that used L. Ron Hubbards Study Technology and ideas from Scientology ethics, Scientology expert Tony Ortega writes. Charles Manson: According to Manson biographer Jeff Guinn as excerpted in LA Weekly, while in prison, Charlie adopted those aspects of Hubbards teachings that lent themselves to manipulating others. Credit: James Devaney/Getty Images; Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images. Both Greta Van Susteren and her husband are Scientologists, and she has said she is a strong advocate of the religions ethics. 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. Celebrities who were once full-fledged members of the church, but have since exited. Haggis, a prominent screenwriter and producer of projects like Million Dollar Baby, left Scientology in 2009 after 35 years as a member. That '70s Show and Orange is the New Black actress Laura Prepon is one of the organization's top celebrity members. [Wiki] [IMDb] [source], Beck: Perhaps the highest-profile Scientologist this side of Cruise and Travolta, Beck kept quiet about his lifelong involvement with the churchboth his parents are Scientologistsuntil 2005. "There were rumors that he was threatening to leave," New Yorker journalist Lawrence Wright added. Erika Christensen has been married to cyclist Cole Maness since 2015, and they have two daughters together. 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. 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. Although the couple divorced in 1990, Cruise continued to practice Scientology. In 2014, the couple welcomed a daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson. Frank Stallone: Watch Slys brother belt out The Evil Purpose and Road to Freedom, two songs penned by Hubbard, live in concert right here. In fact, Conaway told Inside Editionin 2008 that Travolta was who introduced him to Scientology. 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." Masterson is married to Bijou Phillips, and they have one daughter together. She mentions Scientology, but denies being a Scientologist. Ever since I broke it in 1963, it hadn't been completely right. Remini published a memoir titled Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology in 2015, in which she was highly critical of the churchs practices. 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. 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. For the first four months of my preclear, I didn't say a word to my wife or kids. Saved my own life several times." There's nothing more to it. In a 2012 interview with Vulturethe musician (born Bek David Campbell) said, "It's just something that I've been around. Here's what Suplee looks like today: Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic for iHeartRadio / Getty Images, Beck's relationship with Scientology is a bit contradictory if you go by what he's said in the past. 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. 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 In 1982, Corea contributed to Space Jazz: The Soundtrack of the Book Battlefield Earth, the companion album to Hubbard's 1982 book Battlefield Earth. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church. Jeff Conaway co-starred alongside confirmed Scientologist John Travolta inGrease. Beck is a second-generation Scientologists as both his parents are involved in the organization. This is controversial considering actress and former metal rockstress (and, yes, wife to Will) Jada Pinkett Smith vehemently denied allegations that she practiced Scientology Sept. 19. 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. Archer remarried in 1979 and had a second son five years later. 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. No athletes listed. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. The family lives in Palm Springs, California. Image via Church of Scientology. His former girlfriend, radio personality Miss Jones, was working with the late Isaac Hayes, who was also a Scientologist. Soul and funk legend Isaac Hayes was a longtime Scientologist, which allegedly got him into a hot spot when South Park mercilessly mocked Scientology in a 2005 episode. Kirstie Alley is listed by Ranker as a celebrity follower of Scientology. You know, the tenets of "Live Strong" and Dianetics aren't that different. There are many to whom America and the world listens Scientologys blustery founder wrote in a newsletter announcing the plan. That's too bad, because Arenas has so many more entertaining, silly bouts of weirdness we'd rather look back upon. Nancy Cartwright: The voice of Bart, Nelson, Todd Flanders, and Ralph Wiggum on The Simpsons has been a Scientologist since 1989. And what, you might ask, is Scientology? Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images, The former Dancing with the Stars contestant credits the religion for more than just her beliefs. Michael D. Roberts [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. "If I had to sum it up, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves. The Barbadian-born rapper, beatboxer, and record producer has released five studio albums. Stanley Clarke [Wiki] [source] It is widely rumored that the seminal jazz fusion group Return to Forever broke up because bandleader and devout Scientologist Chick Corea was dismayed that Stanley Clarke had left the church. His September 1961 report [by prison officials] noted, He appears to have developed a certain amount of insight into his problems through the study of [Scientology]. Archer, an Academy Award nominee for her role in Fatal Attraction, is a vastly connected member of the church. The 2015 Grammy album of the year winner was born into Scientology. However, Scientology has caused a divide in the family. Ex-Scientology exec Marty Rathbun said in 2012 that David Miscavige was central to the split. Make your patio the place to beThis 7-piece outdoor sectional furniture set is marked down from $900 to $600 on Amazon right now. While many celebrities have chosen the religion later in life, Elisabeth Moss was raised in Scientology. Nancy Cartwright: During a documentary by A&E Investigative Reports called Inside Scientology, the actress spoke about the church's Celebrity Centre. 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. 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. Patrick Swayze: The late actor is also among those who Travolta briefly introduced to the church. 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. ", Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Photos via Getty, AP, IMDb, and Wikipedia. At the time, she said it's her "duty to clear the planet," by helping people get rid of negative thoughts and emotions. All Rights Reserved. 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. "I am no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy," she said on the church's site. ), Credit: Todd Williamson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images. In a 2015 interview, she said Scientology has made her "more me. 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. Like, your own power of choice," she said on Parenthood costar Joy Bryant's web series, Across the Board. Actress Leah Remini, best known for her role as Carrie Heffernan on the TV series "The King of Queens," sat down for an exclusive interview with ABC News' "20/20," to talk about her 30 years inside the Church of Scientology, her ultimate decision to sever ties with the Church and her new memoir, "Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology." Isaac Hayes onstage at a 2005 Celebrity Centre gala. 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. 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. US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. 26 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Scientologists - Best Life 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. I have never joined any organization, nor plan to.". "Honestly, I've become more me," the actress said in the organization's Celebrity magazine of her religious affiliation. Nicole Kidman is most recently in the headlines for her acclaimed portrayal in HBO limited seriesBig Little Lies. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? claimed involvement with the church of Scientology, reached the highest level available in Scientology rankings, OT Level VIII, kept brief when asked about her religious beliefs on press tours, claim Scientology leaders threatened them to keep quiet, dedicated her personal and professional life to exposing the messy practices of the church, accused by multiple women of sexual assault, Remini, among others, believe to be orchestrated by, Project Celebrity: 31 of the Most Famous Scientologists, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' First 'Live' Episodes Together Divide Fans, Major Netflix Reality Show Star Comes out as Bisexual, Katie Holmes 'Deeply Concerned' About Jamie Foxx, Michael J. And the way I personally view it is as a pragmatic philosophy, meaning that it's not necessarily a set of beliefs that you go around and try to invest belief into, and hope, it's really something that's sort of day-to-day and practical. "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.". John Travolta holding an E-meter, the polygraph-like device used during Scientologys auditing sessions. The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list "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. ET. 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. Prominent Scientologist Tom Cruise joined the Church of Scientology not long after his father died in 1984. Moss said Scientology gives her stability and makes her feel like a better version of herself. It's a study [that helps] see people as spiritual beings. Scientology teaches followers of the religion to question their actions and not allow the reactive side of the mind to take over. Make no mistake about it, erotica was around at the time, but Playboy was different. Cher, who is not a Scientologist, disputed the claim, telling Access Hollywood in 2008 she "didn't understand" her ex-husband's faith. According to a TV critic at The Guardian, the plot of the entire NBC series has shades of Hubbard-inspired connections. Jason Dohring is a second-generation Scientologist, as he is the son of Scientologist and multimillionaire Doug Dohring. Not long after, Hayes who died in 2008 was released from his contract with South Park, where he voiced the character "Chef.". Carmen Llewelyn: Scientologists followed me down the street. "It's a beautiful thing for me and I've saved lives with it. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. If it's in the news and it involves a celebrity, she's likely to be all over it. And in Hollywood, that's more stable than being a hunk of meat.". "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.