Scientology has long been a source of intrigue and controversy in the media.
Although categorized as a cult in Germany, the Church of Scientology is considered a religion by others and generates headlines for teachings that many consider restrictive.
However, this has not stopped several Hollywood actors from standing up for the religion.
Recently, Alex Gibney, the director behind the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Faithexpressed shock that Tom Cruise, a famous Scientologist, was not called for his participation.
“There was no account of him, that surprised me,” Gibney said A rolling stone.
Whether it’s through Louis Theroux’s exploration of the Church or rumors of John Travolta’s attempt to break away from it, Scientology’s place in popular culture cannot be denied.
Here is an overview of some of the most famous Hollywood stars who have been associated with the Church.
Tom Cruise
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No mission is impossible for the A-list star when he has Scientology by his side. “We are the authorities in the mind, we can bring peace and unite cultures,” he said in a 2008 video raving about the Church’s authority.
Scientology can bring peace everywhere, it seems, except for Cruise’s love life, as both Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes are rumored to have broken up with the actor over his involvement. Katie is said to have left because she didn’t want their child, Suri, to be raised in Scientology, and she filed for divorce and sole custody in one fell swoop in 2012.
Kidman said The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. “I have two children who are Scientologists – Connor and Isabella – and I fully respect their beliefs.”
John Travolta
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The Grease and Criminal star joined the Church of Scientology in 1975 and was quoted on the Church of Scientology website as saying, “I would say Scientology put me in the big time.”
He has since been rumored to be breaking away from the Church following the medical treatment and death of his wife, Kelly Preston. Preston died of breast cancer in 2020 after a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy—treatments that L. Ron Hubbard, the Church’s founder, strongly opposed.
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Elizabeth Moss
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The The Handmaid’s Tale star was raised as a second generation Scientologist. Moss quickly defended the Church when fans of The Handmaid’s Tale pointed out the discrepancy between Moss’s role as a rebel against state control and being such an ardent follower of the Church.
In response to claims that there were similarities between the show’s ruling regime, Gilead, and Scientology, Moss said the comparisons were “not true at all.”
“Equal rights for every race, religion and creed is extremely important to me, and that’s why Gilead and THT [The Handmaid’s Tale] hit me on a very personal level.
Tiffany Haddish
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Haddish became involved with the Church when he was homeless and struggling for money. She retold her skit with the Church for comedic effect in 2020. “You have to sign this contract, this contract for like billions of years,” Haddish explained, “and I signed it, but then they took me to these barracks to sleep and I had bunk beds – I don’t do bunk beds.’
Haddish jokingly stated that her contract was torn up in front of her after she refused to waive the sleeping arrangements.
Danny Masterson
Christopher Masterson [Left] pictured with Danny Masterson [Right]
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Masterson became famous for his role as Hyde That 70’s Show. In the years since the sitcom ended, the actor has been in the press for his trial and retrial on three counts of rape.
He was raised as a Scientologist along with his brother Christopher Masterson, who is also an actor who has appeared in Malcolm in the middle and My best friend’s wedding.
Juliet Lewis
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Oscar-nominated Lewis was a devoted follower of the Church, quoted on the Scientology website as saying: “I’m no longer stuck in the bottomless pit of despair and apathy, achieving Clear is the single most important thing I’ve done for myself you are.”
“Clear” is a Scientology term that refers to a person who no longer has a “reactive mind.” However, in 2021, she confirmed that New York Times that she no longer identifies as a Scientologist, declaring herself a “spiritualist.”
Laura Prepon
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Prepon, best known for her roles as Alex Vause in Orange is the new black and Donna inside That 70’s Showbecame involved with Scientology during her relationship with Christopher Masterson [Danny Masterson’s brother] after meeting him on That 70’s Show set.
She left the Church in 2016 and said people magazine: “It’s not part of my life anymore.”
Giovanni Ribisi
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The Los Angeles born and raised actor known for films like Sneaky Pete, Avatar and Tedwas born into Scientology and attended the opening of a Scientology museum in December 2005.
He doesn’t often comment on his religion, saying, “It’s a personal thing — it’s something that works for me and I think it’s as simple as that,” in a 2017 interview with Jim and Sam.