Most Famous Black Actors Involved with Scientology

Curious where pop-culture names intersect with Scientology? This quick guide highlights prominent Black actors who’ve been publicly linked to the church in various ways, from taking courses to supporting projects that used L. Ron Hubbard’s education methods. To keep things useful, each entry leads with what they’re best known for on screen, then notes the Scientology connection for context.

Isaac Hayes

Isaac Hayes is widely recognized by TV fans as the voice of Chef on ‘South Park’ and by film audiences for his iconic presence connected to ‘Shaft’ as the Oscar-winning songwriter of its theme. After years working on ‘South Park’, he departed the show following controversy tied to an episode satirizing Scientology. Outside animation and film music, Hayes had a long, public association with the Church of Scientology. His departure from the series and his church membership have been frequently discussed in entertainment coverage.

Will Smith

Will Smith is known worldwide for blockbusters like ‘Men in Black’, ‘Independence Day’, ‘Bad Boys’, and the sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. His film career spans action, sci-fi, drama, and comedy, including acclaimed roles such as ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. Smith has said he is not a Scientologist, but he and his family funded the New Village Leadership Academy, a private school that used Hubbard’s ‘Study Tech’. He has also acknowledged learning about Scientology ideas through friendships within the industry.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith’s screen credits include ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, ‘The Matrix Revolutions’, ‘Girls Trip’, and the TV series ‘Gotham’. She has worked across action, comedy, and drama, often taking on producing roles alongside acting. Pinkett Smith has publicly stated she took Scientology-related courses, including ‘Study Tech’, while clarifying she is not a member of the church. Her connection is most often referenced in coverage of the school the family supported and her own exploration of various belief systems.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood starred in the hit sitcom ‘Moesha’ and headlined the beloved TV musical ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’, while also appearing in projects like ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’. Her television work made her a defining figure of late-night family programming and teen dramas. Brandy has said she took classes at Scientology’s Celebrity Centre but does not consider herself a Scientologist. Her link to the church is typically cited in interviews discussing her early career years and personal development.

Persia White

Persia White is best known for the long-running sitcom ‘Girlfriends’ and for appearances on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Her television career spans comedy and supernatural drama, with recurring roles that built a steady fan base. White has been reported to have participated in Scientology-related events and programs. Public references to this connection tend to surface in entertainment reporting about ‘Girlfriends’ cast members’ off-screen activities.

Share your thoughts—and any other names you think belong on this list—in the comments!