Actresses Who Converted to a Different Religion

Faith often plays a central role in the lives of public figures who seek spiritual fulfillment or community through religious transitions. Many prominent actresses have made the choice to leave their birth religions in favor of new belief systems that resonate more deeply with their personal values. These conversions are frequently motivated by marriage or life changing events that prompt a search for deeper meaning. This list explores the diverse spiritual journeys of performers from across the global film industry.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts discovered Hinduism while filming ‘Eat Pray Love’ in India. She was raised in a Christian household but felt a deep connection to the spiritual practices she encountered during production. The actress now practices her faith openly and takes her children to temple for worship. This personal shift reflects her long standing interest in eastern philosophy and peaceful living.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor converted to Judaism in 1959 after the death of her third husband Mike Todd. She was raised as a Christian Scientist but felt that the Jewish faith offered her a sense of belonging and comfort. Taylor remained committed to her new religion for the rest of her life and was even buried in a Jewish ceremony. Her conversion was a significant personal milestone that influenced her humanitarian efforts later in her career.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe converted to Judaism before her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller in 1956. Although she was raised in various Christian foster homes she embraced the teachings of her new faith with sincerity. She reportedly kept a musical menorah that played the Israeli national anthem on her mantle. Even after her divorce from Miller she continued to identify with the Jewish faith until her passing.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher converted to Judaism before marrying actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. The ‘Wedding Crashers’ star spent three years studying and completing the necessary requirements for her conversion. She has stated that having a shared religion is important for raising her family and maintaining a unified household. Fisher often expresses how much she values the traditions and community found within her chosen faith.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel converted to Judaism shortly before her marriage to producer Jacob Pechenik. The ‘New Girl’ lead was raised in a family with both Roman Catholic and Quaker roots but chose to transition to her husband’s faith. Her conversion was a private matter that she addressed after the birth of her children to ensure they were raised in a consistent religious environment. She has integrated many Jewish customs into her personal family life.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes famously converted to Scientology during her high profile relationship and subsequent marriage to Tom Cruise. She was raised in a devout Catholic family but began studying the teachings of the church shortly after meeting the ‘Top Gun’ star. Following her divorce in 2012 she returned to the Catholic Church and enrolled her daughter in a Catholic school. This transition back to her original faith marked a significant turning point in her public and private life.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini was a lifelong member of the Church of Scientology before making a very public exit from the organization. She eventually returned to her roots in the Catholic Church and has spoken about finding peace in traditional religious practices. The ‘King of Queens’ actress now uses her platform to discuss her experiences with organized religion and spiritual freedom. Her journey has become one of the most well known conversion stories in Hollywood.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner was raised in a Baptist family but converted to Nichiren Buddhism in the 1970s during a difficult period in her life. She credited the practice of chanting with giving her the strength to leave an abusive marriage and rebuild her career. The legendary performer and ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ actress remained a dedicated Buddhist for several decades. She often spoke about how the faith provided her with a sense of inner peace and resilience.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone is a high profile convert to Tibetan Buddhism after being raised in a more traditional Western religious environment. She was introduced to the faith by fellow actor Richard Gere and has since become a student of the Dalai Lama. The ‘Basic Instinct’ star often discusses how Buddhist principles help her navigate the pressures of fame and maintain her health. Her spiritual path is a central part of her daily routine and public advocacy work.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn was raised in a Jewish household but has practiced Buddhism for many years. She identifies as a Jewish Buddhist and often blends the cultural traditions of her upbringing with the meditative practices of her chosen faith. The ‘Private Benjamin’ actress founded a foundation that incorporates mindfulness and social emotional learning based on Buddhist techniques. Her spiritual journey is focused on the pursuit of happiness and mental well being.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in the late 1980s and has remained committed to the faith throughout her turbulent career. The actress and musician known for ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’ credits her chanting practice with helping her overcome personal struggles. She has frequently discussed how her religious beliefs provide a grounding force in her life. Love remains an active member of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist community.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda experienced a spiritual awakening later in life and converted to Christianity in the early 2000s. The ‘Grace and Frankie’ star was previously known for her secular and activist views but found a new sense of purpose in her faith. She has described herself as a person of faith who values the social justice aspects of Christian teachings. This conversion surprised many but has remained a consistent part of her life for two decades.

Sharmila Tagore

Sharmila Tagore converted to Islam to marry the legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. She was born into a prominent Hindu Bengali family but took the name Ayesha Sultana upon her conversion. The ‘Amar Prem’ actress successfully balanced her professional career and her personal life in a multi faith environment. Her children were raised with an appreciation for the diverse heritage of both parents.

Hema Malini

Hema Malini converted to Islam to marry fellow actor Dharmendra because his first wife would not grant him a divorce. Since Hindu law did not allow polygamy the couple chose to convert to fulfill their desire to be legally wed. The ‘Sholay’ star has largely maintained her Hindu cultural identity in public life despite the legal conversion. This move remains one of the most talked about personal stories in the history of the Indian film industry.

Amrita Singh

Amrita Singh was born into a Sikh-Muslim family but converted to Islam before her marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan. The ‘Mard’ actress embraced the religion and raised her children in the faith during their years together. Although the couple later divorced Singh has remained a private figure regarding her ongoing spiritual practices. Her transition was a major headline in the entertainment news during the early nineties.

Ayesha Takia

Ayesha Takia converted to Islam before marrying her husband Farhan Azmi in a traditional ceremony. The ‘Wanted’ actress was raised in a family with mixed Hindu and British roots but chose to adopt her husband’s faith. She has since stepped away from the film industry to focus on her family and business ventures. Takia has expressed that her faith is a vital part of her identity as a wife and mother.

Nayanthara

Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian into a Christian family but converted to Hinduism at the Arya Samaj Temple in Chennai. The superstar actress chose to make this change for personal reasons and officially adopted her screen name as her legal name. She has since been seen visiting many prominent temples across India to offer prayers. Her conversion was a significant event that was widely covered by the South Indian media.

Nagma

Nagma was born to a Muslim mother and a Hindu father but chose to convert to Christianity in 2007. The ‘Baaghi’ actress has since become involved in evangelical work and often shares her testimony at religious gatherings. She has stated that she found a sense of direction and peace through her new faith that she had not experienced before. Nagma continues to be an active member of her church community while pursuing her political career.

Monica

Monica is a former child star and actress in the South Indian film industry who converted to Islam in 2014. She changed her name to M.G. Rahima and announced that she would be quitting the film industry to live according to her new beliefs. She cited the teachings of the religion as the primary reason for her decision to leave her career behind. Her announcement was met with a mix of surprise and support from her fans.

Dipika Kakar

Dipika Kakar converted to Islam before her marriage to her co star Shoaib Ibrahim in 2018. The ‘Sasural Simar Ka’ actress took the name Faiza but continues to be known by her professional name in the media. She has stated in interviews that she made the decision out of her own free will and is happy with her choice. Kakar often shares glimpses of her religious life and festival celebrations on social media.

Kate Capshaw

Kate Capshaw converted to Judaism before her marriage to director Steven Spielberg in 1991. The ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ actress spent considerable time studying the faith before making the transition. She has since raised her large family in the Jewish tradition and is active in various community organizations. Her conversion was described as a deeply sincere move that unified her household.

Connie Chung

Connie Chung converted to Judaism after marrying talk show host Maury Povich in 1984. The veteran journalist and occasional actress committed to the faith and has maintained a kosher home for her family. She has spoken about the importance of religious tradition in providing a stable foundation for her long marriage. Chung is known for her dedication to the customs and holidays of her chosen religion.

Hazel Keech

Hazel Keech converted to Islam and changed her name to Gurbasant Kaur after marrying cricketer Yuvraj Singh. The ‘Bodyguard’ actress was born to a British father and a Mauritian mother of Hindu descent but embraced the new identity for her wedding. The ceremony included traditional rituals that honored the new spiritual chapter in her life. She has since focused on her family and her work as a mental health advocate.

Saroj Khan

Saroj Khan was a legendary choreographer and actress who was born into a Hindu family as Nirmala Nagpal. She converted to Islam after marrying film producer B.S. Sohanlal and later continued to practice the faith after their separation. Khan stated in interviews that she found great comfort in Islamic prayers and had converted by choice. She remained a respected figure in the film industry until her passing.

Divya Bharti

Divya Bharti was a rising star in the early nineties who converted to Islam to marry producer Sajid Nadiadwala. She took the name Sana and kept her marriage and conversion private for a period of time to avoid career repercussions. Her sudden and tragic death shortly after her conversion shocked the industry and her fans. The details of her spiritual transition only became widely known after her passing.

Mamta Kulkarni

Mamta Kulkarni was a popular actress in the nineties who reportedly converted to Islam later in her life. After leaving the film industry she moved abroad and adopted a much more private and spiritual lifestyle. Some reports suggest she embraced the faith alongside her partner while living in the Middle East. Her transformation from a glamorous star to a religious devotee has been a subject of much media speculation.

Lisa Ray

Lisa Ray was raised in a secular household with a Polish mother and an Indian father but found solace in Buddhism during her battle with cancer. The ‘Water’ actress has discussed how Buddhist philosophy helped her cope with the uncertainty of her health crisis. She incorporates meditation and mindfulness into her daily life to maintain her physical and mental balance. Ray often writes about her spiritual journey in her memoirs and articles.

Annie

Annie is a former Malayalam film actress who converted to Christianity to marry director Shaji Kailas. She was born into a Hindu family but chose to embrace her husband’s faith and took the name Chitra. Following her conversion she retired from the acting profession to focus on her domestic life and hosting television shows. Her decision was widely discussed in the regional media at the time of her marriage.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore became a dedicated follower of Kabbalah during her marriage to Ashton Kutcher in the mid 2000s. Although raised in a traditional background she found the mystical teachings of this branch of Judaism to be spiritually fulfilling. The ‘Ghost’ actress was often seen wearing the red string bracelet associated with the practice at public events. She has continued to incorporate elements of these teachings into her personal philosophy.

Madonna

Madonna was raised in a strict Catholic household but famously became the most high profile practitioner of Kabbalah in the world. The actress and pop icon known for ‘Evita’ began studying the faith in the late nineties and even took the Hebrew name Esther. She has donated millions of dollars to the Kabbalah Centre and has integrated its symbolism into her creative work. Her conversion sparked a global interest in the spiritual movement among other celebrities.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell has explored various spiritual paths throughout her career including Candomblé and Kabbalah. The actress and supermodel was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but sought different forms of spiritual healing and connection in adulthood. She has often spoken about the importance of prayer and cleansing rituals in maintaining her energy. Her journey reflects a modern approach to picking and choosing spiritual elements that provide personal strength.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley was raised as a Methodist but became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1979. The ‘Cheers’ and ‘Look Who’s Talking’ star credited the organization with helping her overcome a drug addiction early in her career. She remained one of the most vocal and loyal members of the church for the rest of her life. Alley frequently defended her faith in public and reached some of the highest levels within the organization’s hierarchy.

Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley joined the Church of Scientology in the late 1970s and remained an active member for several decades. The actress known for the ‘Naked Gun’ series was introduced to the organization after the death of her former husband Elvis Presley. She found a sense of community and personal growth through the various courses and programs offered by the group. Her daughter was also raised within the faith for many years.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis was raised in a household that practiced Scientology and has remained a committed member throughout her adult life. The ‘Cape Fear’ actress has often spoken about how the teachings of the church help her stay focused and grounded in a chaotic industry. She identifies as both a Christian and a Scientologist though her primary spiritual practice is centered on the latter. Lewis continues to be an advocate for the freedom of religious choice.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston was a devout member of the Church of Scientology for many years after converting from her original upbringing. The ‘Jerry Maguire’ actress credited the faith with helping her through the loss of her son and other personal hardships. She and her husband John Travolta were among the most prominent celebrity couples associated with the organization. Preston remained active in her religious community until her death in 2020.

Catherine Bell

Catherine Bell is a well known actress who converted to Scientology early in her career. The ‘JAG’ and ‘Good Witch’ star has appeared in numerous promotional videos for the church and has spoken about the benefits of its study technology. She was raised by a single mother in a diverse environment but found the structure of her chosen faith to be a guiding force. Bell remains a visible member of the organization today.

Anne Meara

Anne Meara was raised in an Irish Catholic family but converted to Judaism six years after marrying fellow comedian Jerry Stiller. The actress and mother of Ben Stiller took her conversion very seriously and spent years studying the faith. She stated that she did not convert because of her marriage but because she genuinely wanted to explore the religion. Meara remained a dedicated member of the Jewish community until her passing in 2015.

Carroll Baker

Carroll Baker converted to Judaism before her marriage to director Jack Garfein in 1955. The ‘Baby Doll’ actress was raised as a Catholic but embraced the traditions and beliefs of her husband’s family. Even after her career moved to Europe and she experienced several changes in her personal life she maintained a connection to the faith. Her journey illustrates the common mid century Hollywood trend of converting for family unity.

June Allyson

June Allyson converted to Judaism to marry her husband Alfred Glenn Maxwell in the later years of her life. The ‘Little Women’ star was previously known for her wholesome screen persona and traditional Christian background. Her decision to convert was a personal choice that reflected her commitment to her final marriage. She remained involved in her religious community until her death.

Martha Hyer

Martha Hyer was a prominent actress in the fifties and sixties who converted to Judaism to marry producer Hal B. Wallis. She was raised in a traditional Methodist family in Texas but chose to adopt her husband’s faith for their life together. The ‘Some Came Running’ star lived a quiet life after her retirement from acting and remained devoted to her chosen religion. Her conversion was seen as a sign of her deep respect for her husband’s heritage.

Polly Bergen

Polly Bergen converted to Judaism during her marriage to the talent agent Freddie Fields in the 1950s. The ‘Cape Fear’ actress remained committed to the faith even after their marriage ended in divorce. She often spoke about how the values of the religion shaped her outlook on life and her philanthropic activities. Bergen was a respected figure in Hollywood who balanced a successful career with her personal religious convictions.

Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant is a popular Indian actress and media personality who converted from Hinduism to Christianity. She has been very public about her faith and frequently shares videos of herself praying or attending church services. Sawant has stated that she found peace and a new beginning through her conversion during a difficult phase of her career. Her religious expression is often a topic of discussion in the Indian entertainment news.

Lissy

Lissy is a popular South Indian actress who converted from Hinduism to Christianity to marry director Priyadarshan. She took the name Marie upon her conversion and focused on her family life during the peak of her fame. Though the couple eventually went through a high profile divorce Lissy has remained a prominent figure in the social circles of the film industry. Her conversion was a major event in the regional film world during the late eighties.

Dyan Cannon

Dyan Cannon was raised in a Jewish family but became a born again Christian later in her life. The ‘Heaven Can Wait’ actress has spoken extensively about her spiritual journey and how her faith helped her find peace after her divorce from Cary Grant. She eventually started hosting her own ministry meetings on the CBS studio lot. Cannon remains a dedicated follower of her faith and often shares her spiritual insights in interviews.

Debra Paget

Debra Paget was a major Hollywood star in the fifties who reportedly explored Islam during her marriage to director Louis C. Kung. While she was raised in a theatrical and traditional Western family her international travels and marriages led her to study different belief systems. She eventually retired from acting at a young age and became more involved in religious and family life. Her story reflects the personal evolution that many actresses experience after leaving the limelight.

Please share your thoughts about these spiritual journeys in the comments.