Actresses Who Converted to a Different Religion

The entertainment industry is filled with stories of personal transformation that go beyond the roles played on screen. Many actresses have embarked on spiritual journeys that led them to embrace new faiths and cultural traditions throughout their lives. These transitions often occur due to marriage, personal enlightenment, or a search for deeper meaning in their adulthood. This list explores several high profile women in global cinema who have officially changed their religious affiliations.

Julia Roberts

The ‘Eat Pray Love’ star was raised with a mix of Baptist and Catholic influences during her childhood in Georgia. She officially announced her conversion to Hinduism in 2010 after filming her famous spiritual journey movie in India. Roberts now practices the faith and has stated that her entire family goes to temple together to chant and pray. She credits this shift in her spiritual life with bringing her a sense of peace and tranquility.

Elizabeth Taylor

The star of ‘Cleopatra’ was born into a Christian Scientist family but explored different faiths throughout her storied career. She formally converted to Judaism in 1959 at Temple Israel in Hollywood after a year of intensive study. Taylor took the Hebrew name Elisheba Rachel and remained dedicated to the faith for the rest of her life. Her conversion followed the death of her third husband and preceded her marriage to Eddie Fisher.

Marilyn Monroe

The ‘Some Like It Hot’ actress was raised in a foster home with Christian Science leanings before her rise to fame. She converted to Judaism in 1956 shortly before her marriage to the playwright Arthur Miller. Monroe reportedly took her conversion seriously and kept a musical menorah in her home that played the Israeli national anthem. Even after her divorce from Miller she continued to identify with the Jewish faith until her passing.

Isla Fisher

The ‘Wedding Crashers’ actress was born in Oman and raised in Australia with a Christian background. She underwent a three year period of study to convert to Judaism before marrying her husband Sacha Baron Cohen in 2010. Fisher has stated that she finds the religion to be family oriented in its traditions and rituals. She took the Hebrew name Ayala and continues to raise her children within the Jewish faith.

Zooey Deschanel

The star of ‘New Girl’ was raised in a household with both Roman Catholic and Quaker influences. She decided to convert to Judaism in 2015 shortly before she married her second husband Jacob Pechenik. Deschanel has since embraced the customs and holidays associated with her new faith in her private life. She often shares her experiences with Jewish traditions while maintaining a discreet approach to her spiritual journey.

Kate Capshaw

The ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ actress was raised as an Episcopalian in the American Midwest. She made the decision to convert to Judaism before her 1991 wedding to the director Steven Spielberg. Capshaw spent nearly a year studying the religion to ensure she fully understood its cultural and spiritual significance. The couple has since raised their large family with strong Jewish values and traditions.

Jane Fonda

The star of ‘Grace and Frankie’ spent many years identifying as an atheist before experiencing a spiritual awakening in her adult years. She became a born again Christian in 2001 and has spoken openly about her journey toward faith. Fonda credits her conversion with helping her navigate personal challenges and find a sense of community. She often discusses how her spiritual beliefs intersect with her long history of social activism.

Sharon Stone

The ‘Basic Instinct’ star grew up in a traditional household but began exploring Eastern philosophies as her career reached its peak. She eventually converted to Tibetan Buddhism after being introduced to the faith by fellow actors in Hollywood. Stone has met with the Dalai Lama and credits her meditation practice with helping her recover from major health crises. She continues to advocate for Buddhist principles of compassion and mindfulness in her daily life.

Goldie Hawn

The ‘Private Benjamin’ star was raised in a Jewish family but began incorporating Eastern practices into her life during the 1970s. She identifies as a Jewish Buddhist and often refers to herself as a Jewbu due to her dual spiritual alignment. Hawn practices mindfulness meditation daily and has integrated these techniques into her charitable foundation for children. She believes that the combination of her cultural heritage and Buddhist philosophy provides a balanced perspective.

Drew Barrymore

The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ actress grew up without a formal religious upbringing in the spotlight of the film industry. She reportedly converted to Judaism after marrying her former husband Will Kopelman in 2012. Barrymore has spoken about the beauty of the faith and her desire to raise her daughters with Jewish traditions. She continues to celebrate Jewish holidays and values the sense of community provided by the religion.

Katie Holmes

The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ actress was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family in Ohio. She famously converted to Scientology in 2005 shortly after beginning her high profile relationship with Tom Cruise. Holmes spent several years practicing the religion and participating in its various programs and study courses. Following her divorce in 2012 she returned to her roots and began attending Catholic services again.

Leah Remini

The star of ‘The King of Queens’ was brought into the Church of Scientology as a child and remained a member for decades. She made a very public exit from the organization in 2013 and eventually returned to her Catholic upbringing. Remini has since become a vocal critic of her former faith while embracing the sacraments of the Catholic Church. She finds comfort in the traditional rituals and the spiritual foundation she rediscovered in her adulthood.

Janet Jackson

The singer and ‘Poetic Justice’ actress was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness alongside her famous siblings. She reportedly converted to Islam following her marriage to the businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. During her time living in the Middle East she was often seen wearing modest attire that reflected her new religious path. While she has kept her spiritual life private since her divorce she remains known for this significant religious transition.

Sharmila Tagore

The legendary Indian actress began her career in Bengali cinema before becoming a major star in Bollywood. She was born into a Hindu family and is a descendant of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. She converted to Islam in 1968 in order to marry the Nawab of Pataudi and adopted the name Begum Ayesha Sultana. Tagore has successfully balanced her cultural heritage with her adopted faith throughout her marriage and career.

Hema Malini

The ‘Sholay’ star was born into a traditional Tamil Iyengar family and became a prominent figure in Indian cinema. She reportedly converted to Islam in 1979 to marry her frequent co star Dharmendra who also converted. This move allowed the couple to legally wed while Dharmendra remained married to his first wife under Hindu law. Despite the conversion she continues to publicly celebrate Hindu festivals and maintains a connection to her original roots.

Nayanthara

The prominent South Indian actress was born into a Syrian Christian family in Kerala. She officially converted to Hinduism in 2011 at a temple in Chennai to align with her personal beliefs and lifestyle choices. Following the conversion ceremony she adopted the name Nayanthara as her legal name rather than just a stage name. She has since been seen participating in various Hindu religious ceremonies and visiting prominent temples across India.

Monica

The South Indian actress known for her roles in Tamil and Malayalam films was born into a Christian family. In 2014 she held a press conference to announce her conversion to Islam and her decision to quit the acting profession. She took the name M G Rahima and stated that her decision was based on a deep attraction to the principles of the religion. Her announcement surprised many fans as she was at the height of her professional career at the time.

Candace Cameron Bure

The ‘Full House’ star grew up in a home that was not particularly religious during her early years as a child actress. She experienced a spiritual transformation at the age of twelve and became a devout born again Christian. Bure has since made her faith a central part of her public persona and career choices in Hollywood. She frequently discusses her beliefs in interviews and produces content that aligns with her religious values.

Angie Harmon

The ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ actress was raised in Texas and has been open about her spiritual journey throughout her career. She identifies as a born again Christian and often speaks about the importance of prayer in her daily life. Harmon has credited her faith with helping her navigate the pressures of the entertainment industry and raising her children. She frequently uses her social media platforms to share inspirational messages and Bible verses with her followers.

Sherri Shepherd

The comedian and ’30 Rock’ actress had a varied religious upbringing before finding her current spiritual path. She became a born again Christian later in her adult life and often incorporates her faith into her work. Shepherd has spoken about how her relationship with God has provided her with strength during difficult personal and professional periods. She remains an active member of her church community while continuing her work in television and film.

Mayim Bialik

The ‘The Big Bang Theory’ star was raised in a Reform Jewish household but drifted away from the faith during her youth. As an adult she underwent a spiritual return and chose to embrace Modern Orthodox Judaism. Bialik often writes about the challenges and rewards of maintaining traditional religious observations while working in Hollywood. She is a vocal advocate for Jewish education and frequently discusses the intersection of science and religion.

Demi Moore

The ‘Ghost’ star was raised in a turbulent environment and sought spiritual guidance as her career reached its peak in the 1990s. She became a devoted follower of Kabbalah which is a form of Jewish mysticism. Moore was often seen wearing the traditional red string bracelet and attending classes at the Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles. She has credited the teachings with helping her find inner peace and a sense of purpose beyond her fame.

Madonna

The ‘Evita’ actress and pop icon was raised in a strict Catholic household in Michigan. She began a high profile exploration of Kabbalah in the late 1990s and eventually became one of its most famous practitioners. Madonna adopted the Hebrew name Esther and began incorporating mystical symbols into her music videos and stage performances. Her dedication to the study of Jewish mysticism has remained a consistent part of her life for over two decades.

Priscilla Presley

The ‘Dallas’ actress and former wife of Elvis Presley grew up in a military family with a traditional background. She was introduced to Scientology in the late 1970s and became an active member of the church for many years. Presley has stated that the teachings helped her cope with the loss of Elvis and the challenges of managing his estate. While she has distanced herself from the organization in recent years her long involvement was a significant chapter.

Kirstie Alley

The ‘Cheers’ star was raised in a Methodist family in Kansas before moving to California to pursue acting. She converted to Scientology in 1979 and credited the religion with helping her overcome serious personal struggles. Alley remained a high profile and outspoken member of the church until her death in 2022. She often defended the organization in the media and credited its programs with her personal and professional success.

Jenna Elfman

The ‘Dharma & Greg’ actress was raised as a Roman Catholic and was a trained ballerina before entering Hollywood. She converted to Scientology after meeting her husband Bodhi Elfman who was already a member of the church. Elfman has been an active participant in the organization for many years and often speaks about how its teachings improve her life. She is a frequent guest at major church events and uses her platform to support its charitable initiatives.

Nancy Cartwright

The actress known for voicing Bart Simpson on ‘The Simpsons’ was raised in a Catholic family in Ohio. She converted to Scientology in 1991 after finding that its teachings resonated with her more than her original faith. Cartwright has donated millions of dollars to the organization and is considered one of its most prominent celebrity members. She has spoken about how the religion has helped her achieve success and maintain a positive outlook.

Catherine Bell

The ‘JAG’ and ‘Good Witch’ actress was born in London and raised in a household with diverse cultural influences. She was raised as a Roman Catholic but decided to convert to Scientology during her early years as a model. Bell has been an active member for several decades and has appeared in many of the organization’s promotional films. She credits the faith with providing her the tools to handle the stresses of a career in the television industry.

Amrita Singh

The popular Bollywood actress was born into a family with Sikh and Muslim heritage but was raised primarily within the Sikh tradition. She converted to Islam in 1991 in order to marry the actor Saif Ali Khan. Although the couple eventually divorced she remained a respected figure in the industry and raised her children with an awareness of their background. Singh has since returned to acting in character roles while maintaining her private spiritual life.

Ayesha Takia

The ‘Wanted’ actress was born to a Hindu father and an Anglo Indian mother in Mumbai. She converted to Islam in 2009 before marrying her husband Farhan Azmi who is a prominent businessman. Since her marriage she has largely stepped away from the film industry to focus on her family and hospitality ventures. Takia has expressed her happiness with her chosen path and the peace she has found in her new religious community.

Dipika Kakar

The Indian television actress is best known for her lead role in the soap opera ‘Sasural Simar Ka’. She converted to Islam in 2018 just before her marriage to her co star Shoaib Ibrahim. Following her conversion she adopted the name Faiza though she continues to use her birth name professionally. Kakar has been very open with her fans about her decision and often shares glimpses of her life celebrating Islamic traditions.

Mamta Kulkarni

The ‘Karan Arjun’ actress was a major star in Bollywood during the 1990s before disappearing from the public eye. Reports surfaced later that she had converted to Islam after moving to the Middle East with her husband. Kulkarni has occasionally appeared in the media to discuss her spiritual transformation and her departure from the world of cinema. She claims to have found a more meaningful life away from the spotlight through her new religious beliefs.

Hazel Keech

The actress appeared in the film ‘Bodyguard’ and several Indian reality television shows. She converted to Sikhism in 2016 following her marriage to the famous Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. During the wedding festivities she was given the new name Gurbasant Kaur by the family spiritual guru. Keech has embraced the customs of the Sikh faith and frequently participates in religious ceremonies alongside her husband.

Tina Turner

The ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ actress and singer was raised in a Baptist family in the American South. She famously converted to Soka Gakkai Buddhism in the early 1970s while dealing with a tumultuous personal life. Turner credited the practice of chanting with giving her the strength to leave an abusive relationship and rebuild her career. She remained a devoted Buddhist for the rest of her life and spoke about the transformative power of her practice.

Anne Archer

The ‘Fatal Attraction’ actress was raised in a family with traditional values and explored various spiritual paths during her early career. She converted to Scientology in 1975 and has since become one of the most recognizable faces of the organization. Archer has credited the faith with providing her a sense of stability and helping her maintain a long career in Hollywood. She is also the founder of a non profit organization that promotes human rights education.

Marisol Nichols

The ‘Riverdale’ star was raised in a household that did not prioritize religious practice during her youth in Chicago. She converted to Scientology in 1997 after searching for ways to improve her personal life and career focus. Nichols has often shared how the teachings of the religion helped her overcome past struggles and find a new sense of empowerment. She remains an active member of the church and frequently participates in its global humanitarian campaigns.

Lissy

The popular South Indian actress was born into a Christian family and became a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema. She converted to Hinduism in 1990 shortly before her marriage to the director Priyadarshan. Following the conversion ceremony she adopted the name Lakshmi and embraced the traditions of her husband’s family. Although the couple later divorced she continues to maintain a connection to the cultural and spiritual values she adopted.

Annie

The ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’ star was raised in a Christian household before making her mark in the Malayalam film industry. She made the decision to convert to Hinduism after marrying the film director Shaji Kailas in 1996. After her conversion she changed her name to Chitra and retired from the acting world to focus on her domestic life. She eventually returned to the public eye as a television host while continuing to practice the faith of her household.

Divya Bharti

The ‘Deewana’ actress was born into a Hindu family and rose to incredible heights of fame during the early 1990s. She reportedly converted to Islam in 1992 in order to marry the film producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Following her conversion she took the name Sana and kept her marriage and religious shift private for a period of time. Her sudden passing in 1993 left fans shocked but her short life remains a significant part of Bollywood history.

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