From Grease to Hairspray, he probably has the best pipes in the whole organization. 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. "If I had to sum it all up, like, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves, like your own power of choice. Cartwright joined Scientology around the time The Simpsons made its series debut. 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. I've read books, and I've learned about it.". The actor first joined the Church of Scientology in 1975, and the religions website lists him as one of the most successful Scientologists. 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.. All they want is my money, Elvis allegedly shouted after a meeting with Scientologists in Hollywood. 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. However, Remini announced that she left the church in July 2013. Gilbert Arenas. 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.". Actress Catherine Bell is known for roles in series including Army Wives and JAG. She is also known for playing Cassie Nightingale in Hallmarks The Good Witch television series and films. 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!" Van Susteren is a commentator, lawyer, and former television news anchor for MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Contact the author at andy@gawker.com. 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. After all, many of us have heard, Read More 20 Celebrities You Forgot Posed for PlayboyContinue, Connecticut is known for inventions, as the first color television, the Polaroid camera, helicopter, nuclear-powered submarine, phone book, and hamburger were all produced first in this state. Celebrity Scientologists and Stars Who Have Left the Church 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. Danny Masterson spoke extensively about his beliefs in a February 2015 interview with Paper Magazine. The religion was founded by American author L. Ron Hubbard. "This, to me, is priceless." Gossip Girl remains her favorite all-time show, and she'll never, ever get tired of whatever Taylor Swift has to offer. | The SEO Show, Are you sick of talking about Aaron Rodgers yet? Actress Catherine Bell poses for photos during the 38th Anniversary Gala held at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, during August 2007, in Los Angeles. In fact, Susan will probably beat me to clear.". Hubbards "Having achieved the state of Clear is the single most important thing that I've done for myself. There are many to whom America and the world listens Scientologys blustery founder wrote in a newsletter announcing the plan. The actor, known for his role in Veronica Mars, believes that the misconceptions about Scientology come from people not learning about the religion and basing their opinions on the false beliefs of others. 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. The rapper claims that he was fascinated by this religion from the start and says it took him to look at things rather than to judge. That's too bad, because Arenas has so many more entertaining, silly bouts of weirdness we'd rather look back upon. The actor claims that Scientology has given him confidence and certainty, so he can work towards his goals and communicate well with anyone. In 2007, the voice actress was awarded the status of Patron Laureate because her donations to the religion had totaled more than $10 million. Ex-Scientology exec Marty Rathbun said in 2012 that David Miscavige was central to the split. All rights reserved. The controversial religion also operates Celebrity Centres, which are special churches that are open to members of the public but mostly cater to artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world, according to the churchs website. Despite the negativity, there are many celebrities that follow this faith. According to ex-Scientology executive Marty Rathbun in the HBO documentary Going Clear, Travolta is Scientologys captive because of all the dirt hes given the church during auditing sessions. Ribisi is also a twin, and his twin sister, Marissa, is also a Scientologist, as is her ex-husband, musician Beck. John Travolta holding an E-meter, the polygraph-like device used during Scientologys auditing sessions. 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. Celebrities You Didn't Realize Were Scientologists The actress, who was once included on the church's website's list Im no kind of Scientologist, but Ive been around it enough to know its a very intelligent thing.. WebConclusion. 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. Priscilla Presley: Elvis, Priscillas ex-husband, was no fan of the church, according to the book Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations From The Memphis Mafia. "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. The controversial religion also operates Celebrity Centres, which are special churches that are open to members of the public but mostly cater to artists, politicians, leaders of industry, sports figures and anyone with the power and vision to create a better world, according to the churchs website. He has defended the church many times in past interviews, even. The Avatar and Saving Private Ryan actor comes from a Scientology-founded family, which he and twin sister Marissa Ribisi still practice. Athletes (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.) The actor first became involved in the religion in the 1980s during his first marriage to Mimi Rogers. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. "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.". The actors affiliation with the church reportedly led to the end of both unions in 2001 and 2012, respectively. Tom Cruise is one of the Church of Scientologys most well-known members and outspoken advocates. Moss has defended her religious beliefs and said that Scientology is often misunderstood. 11 Celebs Who Are Scientologists And 11 Who Left ", Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Harv Launches Solo Career: Pop Producer Details Inspiring Debut Single Losses, Billboards Greatest Pop Stars of 2022: No. Until her death in 2020, Travoltas wife Kelly Preston was also a Scientologist. Doug E. Fresh: The 80s rapper/beatboxer has a track on The Joy of Creating, an L. Ron Hubbard-tribute album. 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. She mentions Scientology, but denies being a Scientologist. I've gone a long way since then-I'm just a step short of 'clear.' According to Fantastic Voyage co-star Raquel Welch, Boyd was also gay and closeted. Tom Cruises films include Top Gun, Rain Man, Cocktail, The Firm, A Few Good Men, Jerry Maguire, and the Mission: Impossible series of films. Everyone knows about Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Beck; casual followers of Scientology or celebrity gossip may also know Kirstie Alley, Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, and recent apostate Leah Remini. 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. 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. Also in 2001 was Kidman's musical role inMoulin Rouge! Watch the full interview on "20/20," Friday, Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. 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. Kirstie Alley won accolades for her breakout role as Rebecca Howe on the sitcom Cheers. Prepon is known for her roles in films such as Come Early Morning, Lay the Favorite, The Hero, and The Girl on the Train.. There are many other facets to a celebritys life other than what you see on-screen or read about them. ", Actress Juliette Lewis told Vanity Fair in December 2010 that she was a practicing Scientologist and Christian. 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. In a 2014 interview with comedian Marc Maron, he ignored the funny man's question about "aliens" in the religion. Clearly, Scientologists are not Christian. "In Scientology, there's no belief system or anyone who's worshipped or whatnot; it's all sort of like college of the mind. The, Albert L. Ortega / WireImage / Getty Images, Cartwright the longtime voice of Bart Simpson has been an avid Scientologist for decades. 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. 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. Through the years, the Church of Scientology has recruited countless celebrities to become members. 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. Scientology? What Do They Believe? Are They Christian 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. John Travolta is known for his roles in films including Grease, Hairspray, Pup Fiction, Saturday Night Fever, Get Shorty, and Primary Colors.. Along with other high-profile celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Juliette Lewis has spoken out about the pharmaceutical companies and how they control mainstream media. Like his brother and sister, Danny and Alanna, Christopher Masterson is a Scientologist, and he was brought up in this religion from birth. However, Scientology has caused a divide in the family. 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. Jason Lee: Lee, star of mid-aughts sitcom My Name Is Earl, is a Scientologist, as is Earl co-star Ethan Suplee. 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. His father, Sopa Images / LightRocket via Getty Images, While it seems like Gaiman himself never actively practiced Scientology, he did grow up in a very Scientologist household. At 52, I abandoned everything, every friend, every family 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. Lewis, a musician and award-winning actress in Cape Fear (1991) is a longtime member of the church and vocal supporter of Cruise's outburst criticizing pharmaceutical companies. 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. 'Anything, Roman Catholicism, Buddhism, LSD, Im for anything that works,' he once said. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was born (well, at least on earth) 107 years ago on March 13, 1911. ", Having dated her That '70s Show costar and fellow church member Masterson's brother, Christopher, Prepon is a true believer. Kenton Gray is a Giovanni Ribisi was born into a family of Scientologists, so he is a lifelong follower of the religion. They met at a Las Vegas poker tournament in 2004 and married in a castle in Ireland in 2011. Whither The Scientologist Athlete? - Deadspin 26 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Scientologists - Best Life Donald Trump has tweeted about [Scientologist singer] Joy Villa, a person whos infiltrated the White House. At the same time he addressed three other young athletes from Hesse. He's also a Scientologist. Giovanni Ribisi is known for roles in films such as Saving Private Ryan, A Million Ways to Die in the West, Avatar, and Lost in Translation. Late singer Bono's relationship with the church began in the 1970s "because Cher wanted him to go," his assistant told the New York Post in 1999. Scientology has frequently been in the media spotlight in recent Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? ", Michael Pea, like Masterson, is primarily an actor known for his roles in NYPD Blue,Crash,The Martianand a recent remake ofCHIPS. [Wiki] [IMDb] [source]. She didnt become a Scientologist until adulthood and has been open about achieving the state of Clear. "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. 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. | Agree to Disagree. Remini Calls Out Trump Administration Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. ". And so as long as nothing is inhibiting that? Alley joined Scientology in 1979, despite being raised as a Methodist. Photos via Getty, AP, IMDb, and Wikipedia. In Scientology, you discover for yourself what is true for you.". But one religion that is being debated in the industry is January 24, 1986, San Luis Obispo, California), a writer who introduced his ideas to the general public in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950). " she said. John Travolta is just one among many celebrities who have been associated with or proudly made it known that they're part of the Church of Scientology. "It means that you have gotten rid of all the things that would create aberrated behavior in you that you didn't want. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. I took a couple of courses. Theres no way Ill ever get involved with that son-of-a-bitchin group. In the '70s he founded a group called The Apollo Stars which performed concerts that promoted Scientology. In the liner notes of her 2004 albumAmerica's Sweetheart, Courtney Love thanked Scientology and Kirstie Alley. This 7-piece outdoor sectional furniture set is marked down from $900 to $600 on Amazon right now. 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). (By the way, there are unconfirmed rumors that Brad Pitt went through some Scientology initiation and/or classes when he was dating Lewis but later decided not to continue, but since all of that is unconfirmed, Pitt won't be in this post.). As for the show's other cast members, recurring guest Giovanni Ribisi is a Scientologist, as is Juliette Lewis, who appeared in one episode. In fact, Conaway told Inside Editionin 2008 that Travolta was who introduced him to Scientology. She still wishes Brad and Jen were still together. Scientology Celebrities: 25 Musicians Part of the Religion Bell was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic school. The Church of Scientology has become one of the most ridiculed religions since its launch in 1952. Their religious beliefs are something personal to them, so fans are not always aware of their favorite celebritys religious stance. All they want is my money," Elvis allegedly yelled. All Rights Reserved. Lewis previously told a Daily Beast reporter 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 time Tom Cruise coming out against anti-depressants and Ritalin and just saying, 'Hey, why don't you put a warning label on there?' He noted in a 2016 interview that he has "been a Scientologist all my life. Actress Juliette Lewis is a lifelong Scientologists, as she was raised in the religion by her father, actor Geoffrey Lewis. He is identified as a Scientologist in Lawrence Wrights The Apostate, the New Yorker article that became the book that became Going Clear, HBOs Scientology documentary. Image via Getty. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. However, Van Morrison denied those allegations, saying,"There have been many lies put out about me and this finally states my position. In 2007, Cartwright made a $10 million donation to the church, the New York Post reports. "I am no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy," she said on the church's site. Bijou Phillips is married to Danny Masterson, who is also a Scientologist. Phillips is an actress, model, and singer. The actress is a devout Scientologist. Pea was also a drummer in an alt-rock band named Nico Vega. Karakorum A million filthy losers for every clean winner Mar 29, 2021 #11 TheSneakster said: The album was sponsored by the church and went gold. 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. Jenna Elfman of "Dharma and Greg" fame said in a January 2005 issue of Scientology's magazine, Celebrity, "I intend to make Scientology as accessible to as many people as I can." 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. Celebrities Open Up About Why They Are Scientologists According to ABC News, one of the most famous Scientology celebrities is Tom Cruise. "I've been a Scientologist since 1999 and I've never come across any piece of information that remotely is negative or derogatory in any way towards the LGBT community," "Orange Is the New Black" actress Laura Prepon said in a June 2014 interview with Fusion's Alicia Menendez. Amusingly, about half of the SI story centers around Brodie's quasi-hippie-philosophical leadership and how Scientology provided him with the foundation for his success after an arm injury almost cost him his career. Their father, Joe Reaiche, said that it splintered the family and made him a suppressive person. [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. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. Why Do So Many Scientologists Die of Cancer 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. Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images, The former Dancing with the Stars contestant credits the religion for more than just her beliefs. Dohring claims that this religion has helped him to become successful, and he is involved in promoting Scientology. 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). It was reported in 1999 via Bono's widow, former U.S. Representative Mary Bono, that her late ex-husband attempted to leave the church in 1991 but"they made it very difficult for him. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking news? 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. Travolta's wife Preston, who is also a former model and actress in films such as Mischief, Twins, and Jerry Maguire, is a member of the organization founded by Hubbard in 1954. According to this Wiki pag e, it's mostly actors. The family lives in Palm Springs, California. ", Raised a Scientologist along with his sister, Marissa (married to musician Beck, another Scientologist), the Ted actor participated in the gala opening of Scientology's "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death" Museum in December 2005. But more than 60 years after the creation of Project Celebrity, is the religion faring well amongst the famous? Elizabeth Moss, known as Peggy Olson on AMC's "Mad Men" praised Scientology in a 2013 interview with ABC News' Peter Travers. Seinfeld was never officially a member of the organization, but he did explain on the, Pea who has a long list of credits including, Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection, Prepon joined Scientology around 1999, and was still in the organization when she joined the cast of, Moss perhaps most famous for her role in, Wireimage House / WireImage / Getty Images, Jim Smeal / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images, Like Katie Holmes, Kidman was affiliated with Scientology because of her marriage to Tom Cruise. They are a cult. Holmes is an actress, director, and producer who is known for her roles in films including Logan Lucky, Miss Meadows, Woman in Gold, Touched with Fire, Jack and Jill, Mad Money, and Batman Begins.. In a 2012 interview with Vulturethe musician (born Bek David Campbell) said, "It's just something that I've been around. 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. It has been claimed that in footage fromLeah Remini's controversial documentary,Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, singer Brandy is spotted at a fundraiser. Leah Remini: 'Being Critical of Tom Cruise Is Being Critical of Scientology'. I have never joined any organization, nor plan to.". There's nothing more to it. 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. One of them was in communication, and I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.". 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. 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. 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. 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.