Carmen Llewelyn: Scientologists followed me down the street. Archer remarried in 1979 and had a second son five years later. Donald Trump has tweeted about [Scientologist singer] Joy Villa, a person whos infiltrated the White House. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. 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. She's not technically a musician, but Nancy Cartwright the voice of Bart Simpson nevertheless scored a radio hit in 1990 with the Michael Jackson-written song "Do the Bartman." In the '70s he founded a group called The Apollo Stars which performed concerts that promoted Scientology. Jason Dohring is a second-generation Scientologist, as he is the son of Scientologist and multimillionaire Doug Dohring. Frank Stallone is the younger brother of iconic actor Sylvester Stallone. Tom Cruise is one of the Church of Scientologys most well-known members and outspoken advocates. 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. All of the Churchs active, dyed-in-the-wool celebrity members, and those who were members at the time of their deaths. In fact, Susan will probably beat me to clear.". Founder L. Ron Hubbard received special thanks in the liner notes of Van Morrison's1983 albumInarticulate Speech of the Heart. - January 18, 2018 06:30 pm EST. "The auditing has stripped away all of this charge, false ideas, decisions and mis-emotions that were affecting me.". "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. In 1995, she told a reporter for People she is "a strong advocate for their ethics. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Aside from his own hits like "Free Ride," he worked on Mission Earth, a 1986 album of words and music by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. 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. 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. Nancy Cartwright: The 2015 Grammy album of the year winner was born into Scientology. The author of the piece, Robert F. Jones, can't help but snicker when describing the role of Scientology in Brodie's comeback: The hierophant in question is L. Ron Hubbard, a reformed science-fiction writer and the founding prophet of Scientology. I'm kind of amazed more popular athletes aren't practicing Scientlogists, given how malleable (and super rich) these guys are coming out of college. They are a cult. He and Presley divorced after six years of marriage. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? That's too bad, because Arenas has so many more entertaining, silly bouts of weirdness we'd rather look back upon. According to this Wiki pag e, it's mostly actors. Image via AP. 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. Scientology Celebrities: 25 Musicians Part of the Religion "So I can personally highly recommend it. 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. However, Van Morrison denied those allegations, saying,"There have been many lies put out about me and this finally states my position. Hip-hop's alpha beatboxer, Doug E. Fresh (born Douglas E. Davis), is a member of the Church of Scientology. After going into explicit details about this newfangled "California" religion, Jones relies upon Brodie to fill in the blanks about how L.Ron Hubbard saved him. The Dharma and Greg star, along with brother Bodhi Elfman and father Richard Elfman, are longtime members of the Church of Scientology. One of them was in communication, and I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.". I took a couple of courses. The actor first became involved in the religion in the 1980s during his first marriage to Mimi Rogers. Scientology is a religion that was invented in the early 1950s by American author L. Ron Hubbard. By the way, I used those older photos so that you'd recognize who he is. 'Anything, Roman Catholicism, Buddhism, LSD, Im for anything that works,' he once said. He has defended the church many times in past interviews, even. 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. When most people think about the most famous actors, musicians, or athletes,, Read More 7 Rock and Rollers who Went from Overweight to Completely TonedContinue, In 1953 a man named Hugh Hefner published a unique mens magazine: Playboy. In 2007, the voice actress was awarded the status of Patron Laureate because her donations to the religion had totaled more than $10 million. Leah Remini was another A-list Scientologist, joining at the age of 9 with her family. One of the biggest stars associated with Scientology, Cruise is a close friend of leader David Miscavige, according to multiple reports. Scientology is somewhat of a smorgasbord of religions and beliefs. 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 unincorporated community of Willowbrook borders Compton on the north, Read More 20 of Our Favorite Celebrities from ComptonContinue, In the eyes of some, America is the greatest country in the world. 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.. [Scientology] no longer part of my life., Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Women In Film, "Scientology helps me in acting to focus on communication," the actress once told the New York Daily News. After the couple divorced in 1990, Cruise walked down the aisle twice more, withNicole Kidman in 1990 and Katie Holmes in 2006. One religion that is followed by some high-profile people is Scientology. However, after her split with Cruise, Rogers, Suplee is married to Juliette Lewis's sister, Brandy Lewis, and was one of several people involved in. Archer, an Academy Award nominee for her role in Fatal Attraction, is a vastly connected member of the church. 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. Masterson is married to actress Bijou Phillips, with whom he has a daughter. (Danny has denied the allegations. 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. In a 2014 interview with comedian Marc Maron, he ignored the funny man's question about "aliens" in the religion. Nancy Cartwright: The voice of Bart, Nelson, Todd Flanders, and Ralph Wiggum on The Simpsons has been a Scientologist since 1989. She eventually severed ties, telling USA Today, "They were taking my soul, my money, my everything. Lisa Marie's mom (and Elvis' widow) Priscilla, is still associated with Scientology. 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. 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 (Katselas, a well-known acting coach, was punished for not being loyal enough to the new Miscavige regime and way of doing things, Ortega writes.) In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church, the New York Post reports. The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list of successful Scientologists, believed for years that her religion was life-changing. Elfman also appeared at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville in April 2009. Now she and the four kids are into Scientology, too. Brad Pitt: According to writer and former Scientologist Amy Scobee, Pitt completed two courses in the early 90s while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but decided that the church wasnt for him. The Church of Scientology has become one of the most ridiculed religions since its launch in 1952. John Travolta holding an E-meter, the polygraph-like device used during Scientologys auditing sessions. Isaac Hayes onstage at a 2005 Celebrity Centre gala. The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list Actress Erika Christensen named Scientology as one of the things that help her stay grounded in Hollywood while appearing on the web show hosted by her "Parenthood" co-star Joy Bryant. 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.. John Travolta is known for his roles in films including Grease, Hairspray, Pup Fiction, Saturday Night Fever, Get Shorty, and Primary Colors.. The married couple have been involved in Scientology for a long time. 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.". 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. It helps you to improve your life. 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. They took pictures of my kids. But who else? 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. 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 Kirstie Alley is listed by Ranker as a celebrity follower of Scientology. She later detailed her experiences in a book,Troublemaker, and an acclaimed A&E series,Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Composer Mark Isham who plays the trumpet and the synthesizer has scored dozens of films from the '80s to present day, from the Oscar-winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) to the best picture Oscar winner Crash (2004). Anne Archer is best known for her role in Fatal Attraction, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. Im not a Scientologist. And they were saying, Hey, you cant do that.", So, Danny Masterson is and will forever be first and foremost remembered as Steven Hyde in That '70s Show, but he also has dabbled in music on the side under the name DJ Mom Jeans. Coincidentally, the first person Favre did an on-air interview with was Greta Van Susteren a practicing Scientologist. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Michael D. Roberts [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. Scientology has frequently been in the media spotlight in recent The actress also says that prior to joining the religion, she felt despair and anxiety that has since been alleviated by achieving the state of Clear. I've read books, and I've learned about it.". 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. WebRecruiting and retaining Scientologist celebrities and getting them to endorse Scientology to the public at large has been important to the Church of Scientology since its early days. Actress Alanna Masterson is the sister of fellow actors and Scientologists Christian and Danny Masterson. She has since said it has become a meaningful part of her life. There's nothing more to it. "I am no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy," she said on the church's site. 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. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was born (well, at least on earth) 107 years ago on March 13, 1911. Cruise apparently broke up with her after she insulted Scientology chief David Miscavige. Over the years, Alley has defended the religion on many occasions. Orif Brett Favre's resistance to retirement wasn't motivated by a desire to keep wining, but because he needs to maintain his public appearances in order to achieve OTVII. Celebrities in Hollywood You Didn't Know Are Scientologists The actor claims that Scientology has given him confidence and certainty, so he can work towards his goals and communicate well with anyone. Miscavige also played a large role in their divorce, according to Rathbun. 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. In response to Jane Does claim that the church is nothing more than a cult built on mind control, Scientologys lawyers told Us Weekly, The church will vigorously defend itself against these unfounded allegations.. While many celebrities have chosen the religion later in life, Elisabeth Moss was raised in Scientology. 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. Remini published a memoir titled Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology in 2015, in which she was highly critical of the churchs practices. Frequent Earl guest Giovanni Ribisi is a Scientologist, and so is Juliette Lewis, who appeared in one episode. Ever since I broke it in 1963, it hadn't been completely right. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. This gallery was originally published in December 2015 and has since been continually updated. ", Popular 1980s rapper and beatboxer Doug E. Fresh contributed a track on a tribute album to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. 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. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church. No athletes listed. WebScientology, international movement that emerged in the 1950s in response to the thought of L. Ron Hubbard (in full Lafayette Ronald Hubbard; b. And in Hollywood, that's more stable than being a hunk of meat.". Celebrities Who Worship at the Altar of Scientology Priscilla Presley: Elvis, Priscillas ex-husband, was no fan of the church, according to the book Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations From The Memphis Mafia. In 1986, Frank collaborated with fellow Scientologist John Travolta and actor Leif Garrett to make album The Road to Freedom, which was a musical version of the word founded by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbards In Scientology, when a family divides into believers and nonbelievers, disconnection is a common and painful experience. I did not like the fact that he said, Hey, Im done with it. [Wiki] [IMDb] [source], Judy Norton-Taylor [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. 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. In a 2012 interview with Vulturethe musician (born Bek David Campbell) said, "It's just something that I've been around. 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. Archer, an Academy Award nominee for her role in Fatal Attraction, is a vastly connected member of the church. And so as long as nothing is inhibiting that? [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. Image via Getty. Saved my own life several times." Theres no way Ill ever get involved with that son-of-a-bitchin group. '", The late Sonny Bono, who died in 1998, of iconic duo Sonny & Cher was a confirmed Scientologist for a time in his life. "It's a beautiful thing for me and I've saved lives with it. 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. That Hollywood is overrun with adherents to the religion of Xenu is generally taken for granted as fact. Whitaker also had a short Scientology dalliance inspired by Travolta, according to Going Clear. But there are misconceptions that are annoying.". Both his second and third wives joined the religion following their marriage to Cruise. 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]. To be clear, the late Leonard Cohen was not a practicing Scientologist. But the man from the record label tells me she doesn't want to discuss her beliefs. "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. Doug E. Fresh: The 80s rapper/beatboxer has a track on The Joy of Creating, an L. Ron Hubbard-tribute album. NBA player Gilbert Arenas is probably most famous for a 2010 incident where he and a teammate pulled unloaded guns on each other in the locker room. These celebrities live around Tampa Bay "I took a couple of courses. Scroll down to see more celebrity Scientologists and stars who have left the church. For the first four months of my preclear, I didn't say a word to my wife or kids. When she complained about the break-up, a friend reported her to the church, and she was allegedly forced to clean toilets with a toothbrush as punishment. Here are the 20 most famous Scientology celebrities. Scientology 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. Celebrities who were once full-fledged members of the church, but have since exited. I was resentful of that. She mentions Scientology, but denies being a Scientologist. There were rumors that he was threatening to leave, adds New Yorker writer Lawrence Wright. Tom Cruise with David Miscavige. According to Wikipedia, The citys population, as of the 2010 United States Census, was 96,456. In 2012, the "Loser" singer acknowledged outright his affiliation with the church, telling Vulture, "It's just something that I've been around." 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 are plenty of actors who I hear about being Scientologists but rarely an athlete. In the liner notes of her 2004 albumAmerica's Sweetheart, Courtney Love thanked Scientology and Kirstie Alley.