Celebrity Scientologists and ex-Scientologists
For decades, the Church of Scientology has been known for attracting two things: Controversy and celebrities.
The controversy stems from years of accusations (and denials) of physical and mental abuse of members and former members. As for the the celebrities, they range from actors to musicians to directors.
See which celebrities have left Scientology and which stars are still involved with the church.
Leah Remini
Actress Leah Remini, best known for her lead role on “King of Queens,” was introduced to Scientology at age 9, but left in 2013.
Her A&E miniseries, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” provided a scathing critique the church, accusing it of abusing current and former members, dividing families and swindling money from parishioners. The church has denied the claims.
Laura Prepon
In a 2015 interview, “Orange Is the New Black” actress Laura Prepon said Scientology has made her “more me.”
Michael Pena
The actor joined Scientology in 2000 and told The Guardian in 2016 that his involvement with the church has “made me a better actor.”
Elisabeth Moss
The “Mad Men” alum told The Telegraph in 2013 that Scientology helps her feel “centered.”
Greta Van Susteren
Cable TV anchor Van Susteren, a Scientologist, told People magazine in 1995 that she is “a strong advocate of their ethics.”
Beck
The musician was born into the church and said in a 2005 New York Times Magazine article that he was a still an active member.
Alanna Masterson
“The Walking Dead” actress Masterson is a devout Scientologist and is estranged from her father, who left the church, according to a 2015 Vanity Fair article.
Tom Cruise
Cruise got involved with the church in 1990 through then-wife Mimi Rogers. One of the biggest stars associated with Scientology, Cruise is a close friend of leader David Miscavige, according to multiple reports.
Giovanni Ribisi
Ribisi says he’s “been a Scientologist all my life,” according to a 2016 article in The Telegraph. His twin sister, Marissa, who is married to the musician Beck, is also a Scientologist.
Katie Holmes
Holmes joined Scientology when she began dating Cruise in 2005. She left the church when they divorced in 2012, according to multiple reports.
Mimi Rogers
Rogers’ father was a close friend of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, and she became involved with the church early in her childhood.
Rogers is currently considered a “former” member of the church, according to E! News.
Nicole Kidman
Kidman became involved with Scientology around the time she married Cruise in 1990. She left the church after the two separated in 2001, according to multiple reports.
Jason Beghe
The actor joined Scientology in 1994, but left the church in 2005, according to Fox News.
John Travolta
Travolta, a longtime Scientology member, has defended the church as recently as 2015 after HBO’s critical documentary, “Going Clear,” aired.
Erika Christensen
The actress has appeared in Scientology promotional videos and defended the church as recently as 2013, according to E! News.
Kelly Preston
Preston is often spotted at Scientology events with her husband, John Travolta. In a 2009 interview, she said Scientology helped her deal with the death of their son, Jett.
Kirstie Alley
The actress has been a vocal supporter of Scientology since she joined in 1979.
Doug E. Fresh
The rapper told Essence Magazine in 2009 that he was a part of the church, saying: “It is scientific, mathematical, and spiritual.”
Jenna Elfman
Jenna Elfman was introduced to Scientology by her husband, actor Bodhi Elfman, whom she married in 1995, according to Rolling Stone.
Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis Presley’s daughter was a member of the church since she was a child, but left in 2012, saying: “I was slowly starting to self-destruct,” according to the Huffington Post.
Jason Lee
The actor had practiced Scientology since the 1990s but revealed in 2016 that he had left the church, according to The Telegraph.
Catherine Bell
The actress appeared in a 2006 Scientology promotional video called “United.”
Nancy Cartwright
The voice actress joined the church in 1991, and defended it in a 2016 video interview with The AP. “Shame on them,” she said of Scientology’s critics. “You can’t knock me for what I’m doing. I am helping.”