26 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Scientologists - Best Life

Shrouded in secrecy, the Church of Scientology, which was founded in 1953 by American author L. Ron Hubbard, is one of the most controversial religions in the world. In the decades since its inception, the church has come under fire for its stance on psychiatry, its high costs, its alleged mistreatment of members, and, most basically, its legitimacy as a religion at all. But if there’s one thing the public knows about it for sure, it’s that there are a lot of celebrity Scientologists.

We’re all familiar with outspoken celebrity Scientologists such as John Travolta and Tom Cruise. But many other actors, singers, and public figures belong to the religion, and some even attribute their success to it. So keep reading for the famous practicing Scientologists you never knew about—as well as what they’ve said about the mysterious religion in the past. And for more star surprises, here are 15 Secret Celebrity Nicknames Only Their Friends Use.

1 Elisabeth Moss

Recently known for her role as June in Fear the Walking Dead (and previously as Dharma in Dharma and Greg), Jenna Elfman has been a Scientologist for almost three decades. In an August 2018 interview with People, Elfman opened up about her relationship with the practice. She says the religion has had a positive effect on her marriage and balancing her family life with Hollywood. “I use it every single day of my life and it keeps me energized and vivacious and happy,” the actor said.

3 Laura Prepon

Prepon’s That ’70s Show costar Danny Masterson is also an active member of the Church of Scientology, having been raised in it. “It’s just the study of the mind and cutting it into two parts: the analytical mind and the reactive mind,” he told Paper in 2005. “One is the one that we use and think with, and the other is the one that uses us, and we do things and like, ‘Why am I doing that?’ or ‘Why am I thinking this thing?’ Hubbard figured a way to get rid of the reactive mind so it doesn’t affect you and it doesn’t take over your life.”

In June 2020, Masterson was charged with three counts of rape for assaults that allegedly occurred in the early ’00s, as Deadline reports. Through a statement from his lawyer, the actor maintained his innocence. He’s yet to be tried.

5 Lisa Marie Presley

Known for her voice role as Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright is a firm believer in Scientology, as well as a major donor. According to Scientology’s own Impact magazine, in 2007 Cartwright was awarded Patron Laureate status for totaling $10 million in donations to the International Association of Scientologists.

7 Juliette Lewis

Giovanni Ribisi stars in the series Sneaky Pete and also had recurring roles in My Name Is Earl and Friends. He’s been a Scientologist all his life and has defended the religion on the Jim and Sam Show. He is also quoted in What Is Scientology saying, “Scientology has given me certainty of myself. I have the ability to comfortably communicate with anyone in any situation and be certain of my own goals.”

9 Isaac Hayes