The world of Scientology has long been marked by mystery and controversy, with numerous celebrities joining and later leaving the Church. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, Scientology gained traction among celebrities through its Celebrity Centre and 'Project Celebrity' recruitment program. While some famous individuals have embraced its teachings, others have abandoned the faith, sharing their experiences and shedding light on personal struggles and revelations that led them away from the Church. A diverse array of accomplished individuals have been involved with Scientology, only to leave it behind, showcasing aspects of the faith that disillusioned them or led to their departure, often amid significant life events. Notable examples include Leah Remini, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes, whose departures from Scientology were highly publicized, with Remini becoming a vocal critic and Kidman's exit being more subdued but equally significant due to her marriage to Tom Cruise, one of Scientology's most famous members. Examining the stories of famous ex-Scientologists provides valuable insights into their relationships with the organization and helps unravel the complexities of this secretive community. They offer a glimpse into the Church's practices, such as the use of the E-meter and the pursuit of 'OT levels,' and the consequences of leaving, including being labeled a 'Suppressive Person' and facing retaliation. The Church's response to celebrity departures often involves dismissing former members as 'disgruntled' or implementing 'Fair Game' policies, including surveillance and harassment. Scientology strategically uses celebrities to recruit new members through 'dissemination,' making the organization appealing to potential recruits. Celebrity Scientologists typically reach different levels before leaving, with some achieving Operating Thetan (OT) levels, and their departures often depend on their level of involvement and exposure to the Church's closely held beliefs.
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Laura Prepon quit practicing Scientology five years ago., theOrange Is the New Blackthe actress revealed toPeoplein August 2021.
“I’m no longer practicing Scientology. I’ve always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I’ve prayed in churches, meditated in temples. I’ve studied Chinese meridian theory. I haven’t practiced Scientology in close to five years and it’s no longer part of my life,” she toldPeople. Now, she meditates daily with her husband, actor Ben Foster, she said. “We meditate daily, and I’m really liking it, because it helps me hear my own voice and it’s something we can do together.”
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Nicole Kidman was a member of the Church of Scientology when she married Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001. She now identifies as Roman Catholic.
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Katie Holmes was a member of the Church of Scientology when she married Tom Cruise from 2006 to 2012. After the couple divorced, she returned to the Catholic Church.
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Demi Moore reportedly joined the Church of Scientology in the early 1980s. She left when she married Bruce Willis in 1987. Willis allegedly did not want his children raised in the Church.
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Jeffrey Tambor dabbled in Scientology in 2007. The next year, he stated he was not a Scientologist. He explained, “I took some Scientology classes at one time, studied Scientology for a while, but no more. I have nothing against it, but I am no longer a Scientologist.”
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Russell Crowe was never officially a Scientologist. He studied the Church's philosophies after spending time with Tom Cruise. He toldPeople,“I never ended up putting my two cents down on anybody’s table. I’ve never graced [Scientology’s] doorway.”
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Leah Remini was a member of the Church of Scientology for about 30 years. She left in 2013 because she felt many leaders were corrupt. She objected to the Church's policy of disconnection with "Suppressive Persons."
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Lisa Marie Presley was a member of the Church of Scientology but left the organization in 2012.
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Neil Gaiman grew up in the Church of Scientology but no longer believes in organized religion. He said, "I realized, ultimately, that people believe what they want to believe. I realized that on the one hand not everyone can be right, but on the other hand you can all be as right as you want, because you are arguing about things that, mostly, are imaginary," in the Sydney Morning Herald.Sydney Morning Herald.
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Candice Bergen was reportedly active in Scientology in the 1960s. She quit after a short time.
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William S. Burroughs joined Scientology in the 1960s. He left because the organization did not permit enough critical discussion. Burroughs enjoyed the philosophies Scientology offered.
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Peaches Geldof claimed she was a Scientologist in 2009. By 2013, she identified as a member of the Ordo Templi Orientis.
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Filmmaker Paul Haggis was a Church of Scientology member for decades. He left in 2009, calling the organization a cult. He stated, "I was in a cult for thirty-four years. Everyone else could see it. I don’t know why I couldn’t."
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Priscilla PresleyPriscilla Presley left Scientology in October 2017. She said, "I've had enough. I'm done." She joined the church after Elvis's death, and her daughter Lisa Marie was raised there.
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Larry Anderson was a Scientologist for over 30 years. He left the church in 2009. He released audio he recorded with Church officials for the public.
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Charles Manson reportedly used Scientology philosophies to recruit members for the Manson Family.
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Mimi Rogers grew up in the Church of Scientology. She served as the auditor for her ex-husband, Tom Cruise, when he joined. By 2012, Rogers appeared to leave the Church, unhappy with leader David Miscavige.
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Vince Offer left the Church of Scientology after the organization allegedly smeared his 1999 film, "The Underground Comedy Movie."The Underground Comedy Movie.
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Nazanin Boniadi was Tom Cruise's girlfriend once. As of 2012, she left the Church of Scientology.
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Jason Beghe joined the Church of Scientology in the mid-1990s. He left in 2007. The next year, he criticized the group, stating it is "very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health, and evolution."
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Jeff Conaway got help with his drug addiction through Scientology courses with help from hisGreaseco-star John Travolta. Jeff Conaway quit the Church before officially joining.
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Isaac Hayes was very active in Scientology. The Church reportedly forced him to quit his chef role on "South Park" because of the show's view on religion. The Church later cut ties with Hayes because of his past involvement on the show.
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Top GunProducer Don Simpson left Scientology after spending over $25,000 on religion courses. He later called the organization "a con."
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Michael Fairman was a major Church of Scientology member. He left in 2011. At that time, he was labeled a "Suppressive Person."
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