Hollywood Actresses Who Were Involved In Cults

The intersection of Hollywood glamour and high-control groups has fascinated the public for decades. Many actresses find themselves drawn to these organizations while seeking purpose or stability amidst the intense pressures of the entertainment industry. While some stars were born into restrictive movements, others were recruited later in life under the guise of professional coaching or spiritual enlightenment. These groups often target creative individuals by promising exclusive knowledge or a path to personal perfection. The following accounts reveal how even the most visible figures in pop culture can fall prey to manipulation and coercive control.

Allison Mack

Best known for her role as Chloe Sullivan in the long-running series ‘Smallville’, Allison Mack became a high-ranking member of the self-improvement group NXIVM. She was deeply involved in a secret sorority within the organization called DOS, where women were branded and forced into servitude. Mack played a key role in recruiting other women into this inner circle under the guise of female empowerment. She was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges related to her activities in the cult.

Kristin Kreuk

Another ‘Smallville’ star, Kristin Kreuk joined NXIVM in the mid-2000s, initially seeking personal growth and executive coaching. She is often cited as the person who introduced Allison Mack to the organization, though Kreuk maintains she was unaware of the group’s illegal activities. Kreuk left the group several years before the existence of the abusive DOS subgroup was revealed to the public. She has since expressed regret for her association with the organization and sympathy for the victims.

Nicki Clyne

Nicki Clyne, an actress known for her role in ‘Battlestar Galactica’, was a committed member of NXIVM and remained loyal to its leader, Keith Raniere, even after his arrest. She was a member of the DOS sorority and was reportedly married to Allison Mack in a union that prosecutors alleged was for immigration purposes. Clyne frequently defended the organization in the media during the legal proceedings against its leadership. She has since stepped away from the spotlight following the group’s dismantling.

Sarah Edmondson

Canadian actress Sarah Edmondson, who appeared in ‘Salvation’, was a dedicated member of NXIVM for over a decade before becoming a whistleblower. She was one of the women branded with Keith Raniere’s initials during a secret initiation ceremony for the DOS subgroup. Edmondson’s decision to go public with her traumatic experience helped trigger the investigation that led to the cult’s downfall. She later detailed her harrowing journey in her memoir, ‘Scarred’.

Catherine Oxenberg

Star of the hit 1980s soap opera ‘Dynasty’, Catherine Oxenberg initially attended NXIVM seminars with her daughter, hoping it would be a bonding experience. While Catherine eventually saw through the group’s facade and left, her daughter remained and fell deeper into the organization’s control. Oxenberg launched a tireless public crusade to expose the cult and rescue her daughter from its clutches. Her efforts were chronicled in her book ‘Captive’ and the documentary series ‘The Vow’.

India Oxenberg

The daughter of Catherine Oxenberg and an actress in her own right, India Oxenberg spent seven years inside NXIVM. She was inducted into the master-slave group DOS, where she was subjected to a restrictive diet and forced labor. India was branded and assigned to recruit other women, enduring significant psychological manipulation during her time in the cult. After leaving the group, she produced the documentary series ‘Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult’ to share her story of recovery.

Grace Park

Known for her roles in ‘Battlestar Galactica’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’, Grace Park was among the actors who took courses offered by NXIVM. She appeared in video testimonials for the organization alongside other cast members during the height of its popularity in Hollywood circles. Reports indicate that Park left the group quietly years before the criminal allegations against its leadership surfaced. She has not spoken publicly about her specific experiences within the organization.

Bethany Joy Lenz

‘One Tree Hill’ actress Bethany Joy Lenz spent a decade in a cult-like religious group while starring in the popular teen drama. She recently revealed that the group, which she calls the “Big House Family,” controlled her finances, career choices, and personal relationships. Lenz detailed how the group’s leader manipulated her into isolation and arranged a marriage to another member. She chronicles her escape and recovery in her memoir, ‘Dinner for Vampires’.

Rose McGowan

Before finding fame in ‘Charmed’, Rose McGowan spent her early childhood in the Children of God cult. The group, which operated communes in Italy where McGowan was born, advocated for separation from the outside world and controversial sexual practices. Her father eventually grew disillusioned with the group’s direction and feared for his daughter’s safety, prompting the family to escape in the middle of the night. McGowan has been vocal about how this unconventional upbringing shaped her worldview and rebellious spirit.

Glenn Close

Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close spent her formative years in a group called the Moral Re-Armament (MRA). Her father, a prominent doctor, joined the organization when she was seven, moving the family to its headquarters in Switzerland. Close has described the environment as a cult that dictated every aspect of her life, from her clothes to her thoughts. She managed to break away from the group at the age of 22 when she went to college to study drama.

Michelle Pfeiffer

When she first arrived in Hollywood, Michelle Pfeiffer fell under the influence of a couple who ran a metaphysics and vegetarian cult. They practiced Breatharianism, a belief system that claims humans can live without food or water, subsisting only on sunlight and air. The couple controlled her finances and put her on a severe diet that drained her physical and mental health. Pfeiffer realized she was in a cult while helping her future first husband research the Unification Church for a film role.

Winona Ryder

‘Stranger Things’ star Winona Ryder spent a portion of her childhood living in the Rainbow Commune in Northern California. The remote community had no electricity, and residents lived off the land, sharing duties and resources in a counter-culture environment. Ryder developed her love for reading and imagination during this time since there was no television to watch. Although her family eventually moved away, the experience deeply influenced her artistic sensibilities.

Patricia Arquette

Oscar winner Patricia Arquette grew up in a commune established by her parents, who were followers of the spiritual movement Subud. The group practiced a form of spontaneous spiritual exercise called Latihan, which her parents believed would lead to enlightenment. Arquette has spoken about the chaotic and poverty-stricken conditions of her childhood in the commune. Despite the hardships, she credits the bohemian environment for fostering her creativity and resilience.

Leah Remini

Best known for ‘The King of Queens’, Leah Remini was raised in the Church of Scientology and was a devout member for over 30 years. She left the organization in 2013 after questioning the leadership and the disappearance of the church leader’s wife. Since her departure, she has become one of the most outspoken critics of Scientology, producing the Emmy-winning series ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’. Her activism has shed light on the alleged abuses and disconnection policies within the group.

Laura Prepon

‘Orange Is the New Black’ actress Laura Prepon was a prominent Scientologist for many years, often crediting the church’s courses for her composure and success. However, she revealed in 2021 that she had not practiced the religion for several years and was no longer a part of the organization. Prepon stated that she had moved away from the church’s teachings and was focusing on a different spiritual path. Her quiet exit surprised many fans who had associated her closely with the group.

Elisabeth Moss

Star of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Elisabeth Moss was born into a Scientology family and remains an active member of the church. She rarely discusses her religious beliefs in interviews but has defended the organization against critics on social media. Moss credits the church’s communication courses for helping her navigate the pressures of her acting career. Her involvement has often been a point of controversy given the themes of totalitarian control in her most famous television role.

Juliette Lewis

Actress and musician Juliette Lewis was born into Scientology and was a vocal defender of the religion for much of her career. She famously attributed her recovery from drug addiction in her youth to the church’s Narconon program. However, in recent years, Lewis has identified as a spiritualist and distanced herself from the “Scientologist” label in interviews. This shift has led to speculation that she has stepped back from active involvement in the organization.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes became involved in Scientology after beginning her high-profile relationship with Tom Cruise. During their marriage, she studied the religion and was often seen at church events, raising their daughter Suri within the faith. In 2012, Holmes filed for divorce and orchestrated a swift departure from both the marriage and the organization to protect her daughter. She has since returned to her Catholic roots and does not speak publicly about her time in the church.

Nicole Kidman

During her marriage to Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman was a member of the Church of Scientology and rose through its ranks. After their divorce in 2001, she left the church and has remained tight-lipped about her experiences, reportedly to maintain a relationship with her children who remain members. Kidman returned to her Catholic faith and has focused on her acclaimed acting career. She is often categorized by the church as a “Suppressive Person” due to her departure and lack of support for the group.

Nazanin Boniadi

‘Homeland’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ actress Nazanin Boniadi was a dedicated Scientologist who was allegedly vetted by the church to be a girlfriend for Tom Cruise. After the relationship ended, she was reportedly punished with menial labor and curfews for confiding in a friend about her heartbreak. Boniadi left the church and became a vocal critic, testifying about her experiences to the FBI. She has since become a prominent human rights activist.

Kirstie Alley

The late ‘Cheers’ actress Kirstie Alley was one of Hollywood’s most staunch and vocal supporters of Scientology. She reached the highest level of spiritual attainment within the church, known as OT VIII, and credited its teachings for her drug rehabilitation and career success. Alley frequently took to social media to attack critics of the religion and defend the organization’s practices. She remained a devoted member until her death in 2022.

Kelly Preston

Actress Kelly Preston, known for ‘Jerry Maguire’, was a dedicated Scientologist along with her husband, John Travolta. She credited the church’s auditing and handling techniques for helping her cope with the tragic loss of her son, Jett. Preston was very active in the church’s Celebrity Centre and supported its various social programs. She remained a faithful member of the organization until her passing from breast cancer in 2020.

Mimi Rogers

Actress Mimi Rogers is widely credited with introducing her then-husband Tom Cruise to Scientology in the late 1980s. Her father was a prominent mission holder and friend of the church’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Although she was a “second-generation” Scientologist and deeply embedded in the group during her marriage to Cruise, she eventually left the organization. Rogers has since remained private about her current spiritual beliefs and her past involvement.

Erika Christensen

‘Parenthood’ star Erika Christensen was raised as a Scientologist and continues to be an open and proud member of the church. She has stated in interviews that the religion helps her center herself and navigate life’s challenges. Christensen has defended the church against documentary criticisms, arguing that her personal experience does not align with the negative portrayals. She frequently participates in church events and fundraisers.

Jenna Elfman

Jenna Elfman, star of ‘Dharma & Greg’, is a high-profile Scientologist who frequently acts as a spokesperson for the religion. She has credited the church with keeping her marriage strong and helping her maintain her artistic focus. Elfman is known for aggressively confronting critics and defending the church’s controversial reputation. She sits on the board of advisers for the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a Scientology-founded group.

Catherine Bell

‘JAG’ and ‘Good Witch’ actress Catherine Bell has been a practicing Scientologist for decades. She has appeared in promotional videos for the church and credits its “study technology” for her ability to memorize lines and manage her career. Bell has achieved the state of “Clear” within the church’s spiritual hierarchy. She continues to support the organization’s literacy and human rights initiatives.

Alanna Masterson

‘The Walking Dead’ actress Alanna Masterson comes from a prominent Scientology family and remains a devout member. She has reportedly disconnected from her father, who was expelled from the church and became a whistleblower. Masterson is often seen at church galas and events, maintaining close ties with other celebrity members. Her loyalty to the organization has been a subject of public discussion due to her family’s complex history with the group.

Marisol Nichols

‘Riverdale’ actress Marisol Nichols was a member of the Church of Scientology for many years, often praising its impact on her life. However, reports surfaced in recent years suggesting she had quietly left the organization and was even acting as an informal source for critics. She has since focused on her work as an undercover activist against human trafficking. Nichols has not issued a formal public statement detailing her current status with the church.

Bijou Phillips

Actress and model Bijou Phillips, known for ‘Almost Famous’, is a Scientologist and the wife of convicted actor Danny Masterson. She has supported her husband throughout his legal troubles, which many view as being intertwined with church politics. Phillips comes from a famous family and found stability within the church’s structure. She remains part of the tight-knit circle of celebrity Scientologists in Los Angeles.

Riley Keough

The granddaughter of Elvis Presley and star of ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, Riley Keough was raised in Scientology by her mother, Lisa Marie Presley. While she grew up in the church environment, recent reports suggest she has distanced herself from the organization. Following her mother’s death, Keough has focused on managing the family estate and her acting career. She has not been seen participating in public Scientology events in recent years.

Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley turned to Scientology after the death of Elvis, finding solace in its teachings during a difficult time. She raised her daughter Lisa Marie within the church and utilized its educational programs. While she has been a long-time member, there have been conflicting reports in recent years about whether she remains active following her daughter’s defection. However, she has not publicly renounced the church.

Anne Archer

Oscar-nominated actress Anne Archer, known for ‘Fatal Attraction’, has been a Scientologist since the mid-1970s. Her son, Tommy Davis, was once the church’s chief spokesperson and a high-ranking official. Archer founded the non-profit Artists for Human Rights, which is affiliated with the church’s humanitarian missions. She remains a staunch defender of the religion and its founder’s legacy.

Nancy Cartwright

The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright is a dedicated Scientologist who has donated millions of dollars to the church. She famously recorded a robocall using her Bart Simpson voice to promote a Scientology event, which caused controversy with the show’s producers. Cartwright credits the religion for her artistic success and happiness. She is one of the church’s most generous financial patrons.

Michelle Stafford

Daytime Emmy winner Michelle Stafford, star of ‘The Young and the Restless’, is an outspoken Scientologist. She credits the religion’s courses with helping her navigate the entertainment industry and handle personal relationships. Stafford has often recommended the church’s “Study Tech” to others as a tool for learning. She remains an active member of the Hollywood Scientology community.

Karen Black

The late actress Karen Black, known for ‘Five Easy Pieces’, was a Scientologist for most of her adult life. She frequently credited the religion with helping her stay grounded in the chaotic film industry. Black remained a member until her death in 2013, often appearing in the church’s magazine, ‘Celebrity’. Her husband continued to defend the church’s handling of her illness after her passing.

Toni Braxton

R&B legend and actress Toni Braxton grew up in the United House of Prayer for All People, a strict apostolic sect. She has described the environment as extremely restrictive, where she was forbidden from listening to secular music or wearing pants. The group involved speaking in tongues and rigorous fasting, which Braxton found terrifying as a child. She eventually left the group to pursue her music career, which led to her family’s excommunication from the sect.

Summer Phoenix

Summer Phoenix, the youngest of the Phoenix acting siblings, was born into the Children of God cult. Her family left the group shortly after her birth due to the leader’s increasingly disturbing doctrines. While she did not experience the commune life as long as her older siblings, the family’s nomadic lifestyle and recovery from the cult defined her early years. She has since built a career as an actress and model.

Rain Phoenix

Actress and musician Rain Phoenix spent her early childhood traveling South America with the Children of God. Like her brother River, she was required to sing and perform on the streets to earn money for the cult. Rain has spoken about the complex legacy of her upbringing and the freedom her parents sought but failed to find in the group. She remains close to her siblings, bonded by their unique and often difficult shared history.

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