Celebrity Scientologists Who Might Surprise You

By Justine Ashley Costanza | July 02 2012 4:10 PM

Photo: REUTERS

Laura Prepon

Best known for her role as Donna on "That 70's Show," Laura Prepon first converted to Scientology while dating Danny Masterson (brother of "'70s" costar Christopher Masterson). Though she and Masterson eventually called it quits, she is still a practicing Scientologist. "When I hear something negative, I don't get defensive. I know what's true for me and what works for me," she told Women's Health.

Photo: Reuters

Nancy Cartwright

Nancy Cartwright (aka the voice of Bart Simpson) has been a Scientologist since the late '80s. In a controversial move, Cartwright donated a whopping $10 million to the church in 2007.

Photo: CBS

Leah Remini

“King of Queens” star Leah Remini has been a vocal supporter of the Church of Scientology. She even displayed public support for the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum back in 2006. In 2008, an email from the actress proclaiming her status as an OTV (the fifth level of Scientology), was leaked and picked up by multiple outlets.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Beck

Brilliant alternative rock musician Beck came out as a Scientologist in 2005. "Yeah, I'm a Scientologist. My father has been a Scientologist for about 35 years, so I grew up in and around it,” he told the Sunday Tribune. Interestingly enough, Beck’s mother, Bibbe, a midwife, delivered Marissa Ribisi (the singer’s wife) and her twin brother, actor Giovanni Ribisi. Both were also raised Scientologist.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Erika Christensen

Actress Erika Christensen grew up studying the principles and practices of Scientology at the Delphi Academy in Los Angeles. A devoted follower of the religion, she has appeared at such notable events as the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre's Anniversary Gala. In a 2004 interview with the New York Daily News, Christensen talked openly about her faith. "Scientology helps me in acting to focus on communication," she said. "You can also develop an awareness of yourself."

Since Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise on Thursday, speculation as to why their marriage ended have been rampant. Several outlets have pinned the blame on Cruise's faith in the teachings of Scientology. Us Weekly's current cover story reads: Katie Holmes 'Felt Like She Was in Rosemary's Baby' With Tom Cruise Marriage. The 1968 Roman Polanski film centers on a woman whose husband forces her to have the devil's child. The New York Post reports: Katie Holmes Fears Scientology Members Following Her Every Move.

The unfavorable news surrounding Cruise's religious practices are nothing new. Over the years, the actor has staunchly defended his beliefs, publicly condemning psychiatry (which goes against the use of natural medicine) by calling it a pseudo science. Furthermore, bizarre, leaked videos of Cruise using Scientology rhetoric have been the butt of jokes.

The controversial, celeb-friendly religion is practiced by everyone from John Travolta to Kirstie Alley. Though many Hollywood followers are widely known as members of the L. Ron Hubbard belief system, others rarely touch on the subject publicly.

Here are five celebs you may not have known were members of the Church of Scientology.