LGBT Actresses Who Are (Were) In The Cults

The intersection of Hollywood stardom and high control groups has long fascinated the public. Many performers have spoken out about their experiences growing up in or joining organizations that exert extreme influence over their members. For LGBT individuals these environments often present unique challenges due to restrictive doctrines regarding identity and sexuality. This list explores several actresses who have navigated the difficult path from high control environments to living authentically in the spotlight. Their stories highlight the resilience required to escape oppressive systems and find a voice in the entertainment industry.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan was born into the Children of God cult in Italy before her family escaped when she was a child. She has spoken extensively about the trauma and control exerted by the group during her early years. The actress later identified as nonbinary and queer while navigating a high profile career in Hollywood. She became a leading voice in the Me Too movement and often draws parallels between systemic industry abuse and cult dynamics. Her memoir ‘Brave’ details her journey from the group to international stardom.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche grew up in a household dominated by her father who she later claimed led a double life. During a period of intense personal struggle the actress believed she was an extraterrestrial named Celestia from the planet Fourth Dimension. This spiritual crisis was often linked to her upbringing and the psychological pressure she experienced as a young performer. She famously dated Ellen DeGeneres in the late nineties and became one of the most visible bisexual women in the industry. Her career included notable roles in ‘Six Days, Seven Nights’ and ‘Volcano’.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but eventually distanced herself from the strict religious organization. She has described the upbringing as restrictive and noted how it influenced her rebellious nature. The actress came out as bisexual in 2013 and has been a prominent figure in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Her experiences with high control religious teachings shaped her outlook on personal freedom and identity. She continues to be a vocal advocate for authenticity in the entertainment industry.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood has described her relationship with Marilyn Manson as being akin to living in a high control cult. She detailed how the environment involved isolation and psychological manipulation typical of predatory groups. The actress is openly bisexual and has used her platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Her role in ‘Westworld’ earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. She later produced the documentary ‘Phoenix Rising’ to share her story of recovery and activism.

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints which many former members describe as having cult like control. She spent part of her childhood in London training as a dancer while navigating the strict expectations of her faith. The actress and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ professional later revealed that she identifies as not straight. She has been open about the process of deconstructing her religious upbringing to find her own identity. Her work in ‘Footloose’ and ‘Safe Haven’ established her as a versatile talent in film and television.

India Oxenberg

India Oxenberg spent several years as a high ranking member of the NXIVM organization before its leader was arrested. She was part of the secret society within the group where members were branded and subjected to extreme control. After escaping the organization she became an advocate for other survivors and detailed her experiences in the book ‘Still Learning’. She has since discussed her fluid sexuality and the way the group manipulated personal relationships. Her story was a central focus of the documentary series ‘The Vow’.

Rain Phoenix

Rain Phoenix was born into the Children of God cult and lived in various communes across South America during her childhood. Along with her siblings she performed on the streets to raise money for the religious group before the family eventually fled. She is an actress and musician who has appeared in films like ‘Even Cowgirls Get the Blues’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. Rain has been open about her fluid sexuality and her long history of advocacy for animal rights and social justice. Her early life in the commune remains a defining part of her personal narrative and artistic expression.

Summer Phoenix

Summer Phoenix also spent her early years within the Children of God organization before her family relocated to the United States. She began acting at a young age and appeared in projects such as ‘The Believer’ and ‘Dinner Rush’. The actress has identified as bisexual and has frequently collaborated with her siblings on various creative ventures. Her experience growing up in a high control environment provided a unique perspective on the pressures of the entertainment industry. She continues to balance her work in film with her dedication to various charitable causes.

Michelle Visage

Michelle Visage was a member of the Church of Scientology for several years before choosing to leave the organization. She has since spoken about the financial and emotional demands placed on members of the controversial group. While best known as a judge on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ she has a background in acting and music. Visage identifies as bisexual and has been a longtime ally and member of the LGBT community. Her departure from the church allowed her to embrace her identity and career without the restrictions of the group.

Jena Malone

Jena Malone grew up in various communes and has described her early life as being nomadic and unconventional. These communal living situations often shared similarities with high control groups regarding shared resources and social dynamics. The actress came out as pansexual in 2022 and has enjoyed a successful career in films like ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Contact’. She often speaks about the freedom she found after moving away from the restrictive environments of her youth. Her artistic choices frequently reflect themes of independence and social nonconformity.

Catherine Bell

Catherine Bell is a longtime member of the Church of Scientology and has been one of its most visible faces in Hollywood. She is well known for her starring role in the long running television series ‘JAG’. The actress has been in a committed relationship with photographer and actress Brooke Daniells for over a decade. While the church has a complicated history with LGBT issues Bell has maintained her standing within the organization. She continues to work steadily in the industry and remains a prominent figure in the ‘Good Witch’ film series.

Ethel Cain

Ethel Cain is a musician and actress who grew up in a strict Southern Baptist community that she has described in cult like terms. The high control nature of her religious upbringing is a central theme in her cinematic music videos and short films. She is a trans woman who has gained a massive following for her Southern Gothic aesthetic and storytelling. Her debut album ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ explores the trauma of growing up in an oppressive and religious environment. She continues to use her platform to examine the intersection of faith and identity through her art.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto was raised in a Pentecostal church in Arkansas and has characterized the environment as highly controlling and restrictive. She eventually left the religious community to pursue a career in music and acting. The singer and actress is openly lesbian and has been a prominent figure in the indie rock scene and the film ‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’. She has often discussed the challenges of reconciling her identity with the fundamentalist teachings of her youth. Her outspoken nature and unique style have made her an icon for body positivity and LGBT rights.

Please share your thoughts on these survivor stories in the comments.