Some came seeking help for their fear of auditions, while others married into the religion. Whatever the reason, a lot of celebrities out there love Scientology, and some of Hollywood's biggest stars have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not more) in their quest to "go clear" (what Scientologists believe is reaching a state of well-being and mental freedom) — and those stars are more than happy to talk about it with anyone who will listen.
From A-listers such as John Travolta and Tom Cruise to stars of mega-popular shows like The Handmaid's Tale (Elisabeth Moss), Scientology has managed to get a hold on so many celebs who have dedicated themselves to its teachings. Although recently, there's been a bit of an exodus from those in Hollywood who follow the religion (especially after former Scientologist Leah Remini began speaking out against it), so things may be changing soon.
Here are 18 celebrity followers of the controversial religion/self-help philosophy that was originally started by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.
Elisabeth Moss
The star of The Handmaid's Tale is a Scientologist, which some fans have found hard to reconcile with the fact that she is part of a show which is about what happens when people follow a dangerous religion. But according to what Elisabeth told a fan who questioned her about it, she doesn't see the comparison at all.
"Religious freedom and tolerance and understanding the truth and equal rights for every race, religion, and creed are extremely important to me," she wrote in an Instagram comment, reports People. "The most important things to me probably. And so Gilead and THT hit me on a very personal level. Thanks for the interesting question!"
Nancy Cartwright
The woman who voices Bart Simpson is part of the religion. She also has $10 million to spare, money that she donated to the church in 2007, thus earning its Patron Laureate award. Nancy Cartwright joined after attending a barbecue where she noticed that everyone with a thriving career was a Scientologist, and all were in relationships.
Greta Van Susteren
Fox News host Greta Van Susteren and her husband belong to Scientology, have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to it, and even own a home in Clearwater, Florida, where the church is headquartered. And irony: Greta's sister, Lise, is a psychiatrist. Church leader David Miscavige once called psychiatrists the "stepchildren of Hitler and the Nazis."
Tom Cruise
Introduced to Scientology by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, in the 1980s, Tom Cruise has become the church's most high-profile ambassador, even filming an infamous indoctrination video and receiving the Freedom Medal of Valor. He's close to leader David Miscavige despite reports that David had a hand in the demise of his marriages.
Erika Christensen
As the child of Scientologists, Parenthood star Erika Christensen is a lifelong adherent. She credits the religion with keeping her grounded and even appeared in a video meant for fellow members, in which she gushes about how a set of old lectures of L. Ron Hubbard's have impacted her life.
John Travolta
John Travolta became sold on Scientology after reading Dianetics, the best-selling introductory tome, while on a movie set. Now he and Tom Cruise are the church's most famous members and ardent defenders. "It's not understood," he has said. "When something works well it becomes a target."
Kelly Preston
Though Kelly Preston died in July 2020, as the wife of a high-profile member (John Travolta, of course), she was outspoken about how the religion and its practice of auditing (the process by which members work out personal obstacles holding them back) helped her get through tough times, including the death of the couple's son Jett.
Juliette Lewis
The Natural Born Killers actress is a Clear. According to the church, that's a person who has rid herself of all unwanted emotions and past trauma. "Having achieved the state of Clear is the single most important thing that I've done for myself," Juliette Lewis said. "It's allowed me to live life in a way that I only imagined."
Jenna Elfman
Raised in a Roman Catholic home, Dharma & Greg star Jenna Elfman became active in Scientology, following the example of her husband, Bodhi Elfman, and his family, who have long been members. She's since participated in church-affiliated efforts and hasn't shied away from defending the religion against controversy.
Giovanni Ribisi
Giovanni Ribisi is a lifelong Scientologist, and his family is deep into the church. His mom is even an agent with several church members for clients. In the past, rumors swirled about whether the actor was leaving Scientology after Giovanni said in an interview that he wasn't active enough in the religion to quit.
Kirstie Alley
The star of Fat Actress is now an OT-7, y'all. Allow Kirstie Alley to explain what it means to achieve the advanced Scientology awareness level. "It means you have gotten rid of all the things that would create aberrated behavior in you that you did not want," she said. Her hope now is to become more aware and "less insane."
Doug E. Fresh
The rapper is one of the few high-profile Black Scientologists. Asked about his beliefs in an Essence interview, Doug E. Fresh said: "It is not a white religion. It is not just for white people … The Black community has to check it out and see what's there. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but you may be amazed at what you get."
Laura Prepon
That serene look on Laura Prepon's face in every picture of her? That's thanks to Scientology, apparently. Confronting her fears and consequences of past decisions in auditing sessions helped her shake them off and overcome obstacles in an even-keeled manner. Or so she said in an interview with the church's Celebrity magazine.
Danny Masterson
The That '70s Show star is another second-generation Scientologist and one of the few who has given mainstream media an interview about his religion. Even more details of Danny Masterson's ties to the church have come out in the investigation into allegations that he has sexually assaulted multiple women.
Michael Peña
One of the few Latino celebs known to be Scientologist, Michael Peña heard about the church from another celebrity, Jenna Elfman. As a young actor starting out, he was flipping through TV channels and stopped when he saw her being interviewed about how Scientology had helped her. He reportedly drove to a local church, walked in, and asked, "How do I become a Scientologist?"
Jason Dohring
In an interview with Portrait magazine, the Veronica Mars actor said Scientology saved his acting career. He told the outlet: "I became a professional through Scientology. I understand acting better because Scientology is the study of life."
Catherine Bell
Catherine Bell, Army Wives and JAG actress, came to Scientology for help conquering her fears of auditioning and stayed for general enlightenment. In an interview with the church's internal magazine, Source, she describes the complex path to getting there. Seems intense — and expensive: $400,000 by one estimate.
Marisol Nichols
Not too long ago, Riverdale star Marisol Nichols reportedly reached Operating Thetan 8, the highest level of "auditing" or the process by which members confront and overcome their traumas. That means she should be able to leave her body at will, have total recall, and control others with her mind. Will we see a leading role in an Oscar film soon?
