Many in the entertainment world are dropping the platform
Brad Pitt became involved with Scientology for a period of three years during the 1990s, thanks to his then-girlfriend Juliette Lewis. Recently, an ex-member of the church revealed some details about Pitt's experience.
During the "purification rundown," as part of L. Ron Hubbard's method, it was reported that time was spent with a 15-year-old girl, who happened to be the daughter of a well-known Scientologist. This included high vitamin doses, extended saunas, and exercise.
As part of the therapy and training program, Pitt underwent a session where a church supervisor, Michael Mallen, engaged in "bullbaiting" by yelling insults at him. Mallen, who had been with the church for 40 years and wrote the book 'Brainwashed,' revealed that Pitt became angered by the insults and abruptly left the session.
Cruise is widely recognized as a prominent figure for the Church, having joined in 1990 through his then-wife, Mimi Rogers.
The musician has been affiliated with Scientology for most of his life as a second-generation member.
Since the 1970s, he has remained active, persuading his 'Grease' co-star Jeff Conaway to enroll in courses.
Rogers tied the knot with Tom Cruise in the late 1980s, giving rise to Hollywood's leading member of Scientology. She has since left the Church.
She abandoned it after divorcing the faith's poster child in 2012.
Kidman, one of Tom Cruise's ex-wives, got involved in Scientology around the same time as their 1990 marriage.
Similar to Katie Holmes, she left the Church following their divorce in the early 2000s.
In his book 'Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life,' published in 2002, the 'Superman' actor, who passed away two years later, talked about his involvement with Scientology.
In 1975, he explored the headquarters but ultimately decided not to join, upon reading more about Scientology.
The actress and spokesmodel who passed away in 2022 developed an interest in Scientology after relocating to Los Angeles in the 1970s.
She has drawn a parallel between the treatment of Scientologists and the Roman persecution of Christianity.
The late Lisa Marie left the Church in 2016, but her mother and daughter remain members.
The 'Ant-Man' actor became a member of the Church after watching an interview between Jenna Elfman and Barbara Walters in the late 1990s.
In an interview, Peña told The Guardian, the faith has improved his acting skills.
Reaiche has previously claimed that Scientology had brainwashed his children in an interview.
Scientology has a strong presence in the family as his sister, who also practices, is married to musician Beck.
In a 2018 interview with People, Christensen defended the religion.
During a 2009 interview with Essence, he revealed, "I found it fascinating. It changed how I thought."
He stated in a 2016 interview with The Dentonite that he no longer follows the religion.
Cartwright, the actress who voices Bart Simpson, became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1991.
The musician and performer embraced the faith in the early 1990s.
According to Billboard, Hayes also provided the voice for the Chef character in the well-known animated show 'South Park.' He quit the show following an episode in 2006 which poked fun at the religion.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2014, Archer expressed the religion had been "very meaningful" in her life.
In 2000, Duchovny attended the wedding of his friend, actor Jason Beghe, who was a member of the Church.
Actress Laura Prepon, known for her role in 'Orange Is the New Black,' became involved with Scientology in 1999 and was considered one of Hollywood's devoted members. However, she later revealed she had actually quit the religion.
Before leaving the church, back in 2015 she expressed that the religion had helped her become more authentic.
In a 2007 article from the New York Times Magazine, it was reported that the 'Arrested Development' actor was a Scientologist.
According to The Underground Bunker, the cult leader claimed to have been a follower of Scientology in the 1970s.
According to the report, Manson's life began to improve for the first time as a result of his involvement in religion.
The famous American author dabbled in Scientology, Salinger's daughter told The New York Times. The eccentric writer pursued the religion alongside other belief systems such as homeopathy and Christian Science.
Though Elvis Presley reportedly said “[expletive] those people” after visiting a Scientology center, his daughter was indoctrinated in the 1970s by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
The actress from 'Dharma & Greg' openly supports and is a member of the Church of Scientology.
According to the Daily Mail, she credited the church for helping her overcome a cocaine addiction.
Travolta, alongside Cruise, is highly valued by the Church for their membership.
In 2017, when a 'The Handmaid’s Tale' fan questioned the similarities between Scientology and the religion depicted in the show, she defended it through a comment on an Instagram post.
He publicly admitted his connection in a 2005 interview with The New York Times Magazine.
The actress became a member of the Church after marrying Tom Cruise.
The actress from 'The Handmaid's Tale' was brought up in the religion and still follows it, even though she seldom talks about it in public.
In 2021, she stated to the NY Times that she doesn't identify that way. "I’m a spiritualist," she claimed.
The actress' parents studied Scientology and while she was openly a follower, Juliette seems to have changed her mind.
Leah Remini, raised as a Scientologist from childhood, left the church in 2013 and became an outspoken critic. The actress created the documentary series 'Scientology and the Aftermath' in 2016, to expose the church's practices.
The actress from 'Parenthood' was brought up in the Church by her parents who made the decision to homeschool her as well.
Tambor attended Scientology classes for two years. However, he revealed in his memoir that he abruptly broke ties with the Church when it began to pressure him to leave his second wife.
There were many rumors linking the once power couple to the controversial religion. Leah Remini has mentioned that Jada is a member of it.
In a 2021 interview with People, the actress stated: "I haven't practiced Scientology in close to five years and it's no longer part of my life."
Jada clarified on Twitter that while she studies Dianetics, she and Will were not affiliated with Scientology.
The wedding took place at the Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles, where Scientologists approached Duchovny in an attempt to recruit him. Duchovny reluctantly agreed to participate in their "auditing" procedures, but became uncomfortable when they delved into intensely personal matters. Eventually, Beghe himself left Scientology and publicly labeled it a cult.
The well-liked actor and comedian confessed to enrolling in Scientology classes in his 30s and has expressed his fascination with self-improvement.
The 'Fatal Attraction' actress became a member of the Church in the mid-1970s and has been actively involved ever since.
According to Carmen Llywelyn, ex-wife of the actor from 'My Name Is Earl,' their marriage ended due to his dedication to Scientology.
However, his son has said the Church made Hayes quit after the episode, against Hayes' wishes.
According to the New York Post, the Church received a donation of US$10 million from Cartwright in 2007, almost double her yearly salary.
The actress from 'Army Wives' is involved in the Church and has shown support for several faith affiliated organizations.
The rapper, famous for his beatboxing talent, became a member of the faith in the early 2000s and is unafraid to defend it.
The actor commonly referred to as 'Sneaky Pete,' is recognized for his regular appearances on 'My Name Is Earl' and 'Friends.' He has been a committed Scientologist for a considerable amount of time.
The actress from 'Walking Dead' was brought up in the Church of Scientology.
According to this information, Pitt underwent intense practices within the church, such as spending up to five hours a day in a hot sauna with a 15-year-old girl and being subjected to therapeutic sessions that involved screaming.
The actress was introduced to the faith when she was young by her father, who was a member and acquainted with L. Ron Hubbard.
Her father, Joe Reaiche, an Australian former rugby league footballer, used to be part of the clergy but was later excommunicated, causing him to lose touch with his children.
According to reports, Bell is said to have achieved the Scientology 'State of Clear,' a significant milestone in advancing towards 'Total Freedom,' the faith's highest concept of spiritual freedom.
Remini has now taken legal action against the church and its leader, David Miscavige. "For 17 years, Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, significantly impacting my life and career. I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last," Remini said in a statement on August 3, 2023.
Scientology, established in 1952 by L. Ron Hubbard, remains a highly controversial religious movement. Throughout its existence, Scientology has faced intense scrutiny, with critics challenging its practices, finances, and treatment of its members. Allegations of aggressive legal tactics, strict control, and abusive behavior within the church have fueled controversies, including debates over its tax-exempt status.
Despite the controversies, Scientology remains a powerful and influential organization, provoking both public fascination and concern. To discover the figures connected to Scientology, click through the gallery—the list may surprise you!
He has since joined the religion's close-knit group and is now one of the organization's well-known representatives. Isabella Cruise, his daughter, also wrote a letter expressing her admiration for the religion and how it has been fulfilling for her.
Joe Reaiche's stepson, known for his role in 'That '70s Show,' Masterson still maintains his involvement in the religion.
However, he didn't join since he was "flitting from thing to thing" at the time.
Behind closed doors: Hollywood's tryst with Scientology exposed
Intrigue, power, and controversy swirl around Scientology
CELEBRITY Religion
Scientology, established in 1952 by L. Ron Hubbard, remains a highly controversial religious movement. Throughout its existence, Scientology has faced intense scrutiny, with critics challenging its practices, finances, and treatment of its members. Allegations of aggressive legal tactics, strict control, and abusive behavior within the church have fueled controversies, including debates over its tax-exempt status.
Despite the controversies, Scientology remains a powerful and influential organization, provoking both public fascination and concern. To discover the figures connected to Scientology, click through the gallery—the list may surprise you!