Scientology has been one of the most discussed — and most contentious — belief systems of Hollywood for decades. Some celebrities attribute their lives to it, while others were at the forefront of scandals that revealed its seedy underbelly. From blockbuster legends to television stalwarts, these are 12 celebrities who have been closely associated with the Church of Scientology.
12. Tom Cruise
When it comes to Scientology in Hollywood, Tom Cruise is the one. Introduced in the late ’80s by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, Cruise claims that the Church cured his dyslexia and spurred his success. He’s referred to it as “a beautiful religion” and has been one of its loudest champions. His commitment is so strong that some members apparently view him as a savior. Nevertheless, his strong connection to the Church has been attributed to the collapse of his marriages to Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, the former allegedly fleeing to protect their daughter from Scientology’s control.
11. Danny Masterson and Family
That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson was raised in a Scientology family and was vocal in his endorsement of the Church. But his trial on criminal charges brought an unsavory light to that relationship: Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Victims said Scientology had protected him, and the Church has been accused of attempting to silence accusers. His brothers — Alanna, Christopher, and Jordan — continue to be members, although their father, Joe Reaiche, has said that they were “brainwashed” against him when he left the Church.
10. Emily Armstrong
Emily Armstrong, who now leads Linkin Park, was born into Scientology. Her family was an active member, and she attended high-profile events as a child. Armstrong once stood by Danny Masterson at an initial court appearance but then went on to distance herself, stating she regretted it when further information came to light. Now, she has denounced abuse and sympathized with victims, and some fans even interpret attacks on Scientology hidden within her Dead Sara lyrics. Her current status with the Church is uncertain.
9. John Travolta
John Travolta joined Scientology in 1975 and often credits the faith with helping him through personal tragedies, including the death of his son. While he tends to keep his beliefs private, he defended the Church against criticism after Leah Remini’s documentary, saying it had supported him for decades. Some speculate he pulled back after his wife, Kelly Presto, ’s cancer battle, since Scientology’s founder opposed chemotherapy.
8. Elisabeth Moss
Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale actress Elisabeth Moss doesn’t talk much about her affiliation with Scientology, even though she was born into the religion. When a fan once likened the Church to the dystopian state featured in her television program, Moss was adamant that values such as religious freedom and equality were at its core. Opponents say Scientology’s behavior is more often the opposite.
7. Catherine Bell
Most famous for Army Wives, Catherine Bell has publicly defended Scientology. She has countered that most of the criticism is based on misconceptions and invites people to read L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics themselves before judging.
6. Jason Dohring
Veronica Mars star attributes his success to Scientology, which he was introduced to through his father. According to Dohring, religion is misunderstood by outsiders who make judgments based on secondhand information and not personal study.
5. Jenna Elfman
Jenna Elfman, best known for Dharma & Greg, has been a proud Scientologist since 1990. She asserts it provides her with energy, happiness, and balance in life.
4. Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi
Identical twins Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi grew up in the Church. Giovanni, who is best known for Friends and Avatar, has stood up for his beliefs as private and useful to him. Marissa, on the other hand, was wedded to musician Beck, who was linked with Scientology for years, too.
3. Erika Christensen
Parenthood actress Erika Christensen was raised in Scientology and explained the challenge of raising a child within the faith, noting that it’s a practice, not a belief.
2. Michael Peña
Actor Michael Peña, who has appeared in American Hustle and The Martian, has credited a Scientology program, Study Tech, as helping him with reading skills and enhancing his acting.
1. Nancy Cartwright
The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, has long been a member of the Church and one of its largest financial supporters, giving over $20 million. She has spoken of being honored by Scientology in the past as “the most beautiful acknowledgement” she had ever experienced.
From megastars such as Tom Cruise to the favorite TV voices like Nancy Cartwright, Scientology’s power within Hollywood can’t be denied. To some, it’s a haven of comfort and achievement. To others, it’s been at the center of scandal and controversy. In either case, these individuals illustrate just how far the Church’s influence goes into the industry of entertainment.