Young Actors Who Don’t Believe In God

Hollywood and the entertainment industry have increasingly become spaces where secularism and diverse belief systems thrive. Many younger actors from the millennial and Gen Z generations are moving away from traditional religious upbringings to embrace atheism or agnosticism. Some of these stars are vocal advocates for secularism while others simply view religion as a cultural background rather than a spiritual practice. This list explores the young male actors who have publicly stated they do not believe in God or do not follow a specific religion.

Daniel Radcliffe

The star of ‘Harry Potter’ has been very open about his lack of religious belief for many years. Radcliffe identifies as an atheist and has jokingly referred to himself as a militant atheist when religion influences politics. He has expressed deep respect for prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. The actor prefers to place his faith in humanity and science rather than a higher power.

Dylan O’Brien

Best known for his role in ‘The Maze Runner’, O’Brien has made his stance on organized religion clear through social media. He once tweeted a sharp criticism of the Bible in response to religious hypocrisy impacting human rights. The actor often advocates for social causes that align with secular humanism rather than religious dogma. His views reflect a growing trend of young actors rejecting traditional religious texts.

Paul Mescal

The breakout star of ‘Normal People’ and ‘Gladiator II’ has clarified his position on faith in recent interviews. Mescal stated that he is not a religious person and does not practice any specific faith. He has compared the act of performing to a form of blind faith that replaces religion for him. He believes in the power of art and human connection over supernatural deities.

Barry Keoghan

Irish actor Barry Keoghan delivered a memorable performance in ‘Saltburn’ and has spoken about his spiritual views. He has explicitly stated that he does not believe in God. Instead of a deity he believes in concepts like hard work and destiny shaping his life. Keoghan maintains a spiritual connection to his late mother but rejects traditional religious structures.

Pete Davidson

The ‘Saturday Night Live’ alumnus often uses his comedy to critique religious institutions. Davidson was raised Catholic but later discovered his Jewish ancestry via a DNA test. He has made headlines for comparing the Catholic Church to controversial figures due to its scandals. His humor frequently targets the hypocrisy he perceives in organized religion.

Bill Skarsgård

Part of the legendary Swedish acting family, the ‘It’ star grew up in a very secular environment. Skarsgård has stated that he is neither spiritual nor religious. He finds a sense of comfort in the idea that there is no higher power watching over him. His lack of belief aligns with the generally secular culture of his home country.

Tyler, The Creator

The rapper and creator of ‘Loiter Squad’ is one of the most vocal atheists in the music and entertainment industry. He has famously stated that he does not worship the devil because he simply hates religion. His lyrics often contain themes that question religious authority and blind faith. He encourages his fans to think for themselves rather than following a flock.

Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham began his career on YouTube and became an acclaimed filmmaker with ‘Eighth Grade’. His comedy specials often feature songs that deconstruct the concept of God and religion. In songs like ‘From God’s Perspective’ he satirizes the idea of a deity who cares about human trivialities. He openly identifies as an atheist and uses his platform to explore existential dread without religion.

Troye Sivan

The singer and actor who appeared in ‘The Idol’ was raised in a Modern Orthodox Jewish family. Sivan has since stepped away from the religious aspects of his upbringing. He told interviewers that he personally does not believe in God. He still identifies with the culture and community of Judaism but rejects the theological beliefs.

Robert Sheehan

Known for his eccentric roles in ‘Misfits’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’, Sheehan identifies as agnostic. He has mentioned that he did not take religion classes seriously during his school years in Ireland. The actor is open to exploring the complexities of human existence but does not subscribe to a specific god. He prefers to find meaning through his creative work and personal experiences.

Will Poulter

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ star has a secular outlook on life. Poulter has discussed how concepts like redemption and faith can exist outside of a religious framework. He believes people can deal with moral struggles without needing to believe in a god. His views emphasize human agency and psychology over divine intervention.

Zayn Malik

Former ‘One Direction’ member Zayn Malik caused a stir when he revealed he no longer identifies as a Muslim. He stated in an interview with British Vogue that he does not believe in the specific doctrines of the religion. Malik does not believe in hell or the need to pray in a specific language. He prefers to keep his spiritual beliefs personal and undefined.

Nicholas Hoult

British actor Nicholas Hoult has starred in major franchises like ‘X-Men’ and ‘Mad Max’. He has stated that he has never felt particularly religious despite a standard upbringing. Hoult focuses on trying to be a good person rather than following religious rules. He views morality as a human responsibility rather than a divine mandate.

Jamie Bell

The ‘Billy Elliot’ star has been cited as an atheist in various profiles throughout his career. Bell focuses his energy on his craft and his family rather than spiritual pursuits. He has not spoken frequently about religion but maintains a secular public persona. His career choices often reflect gritty realism rather than faith-based narratives.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron became a global superstar with ‘High School Musical’ and has since taken on more mature roles. He was raised in an agnostic household and has stated that his family did not practice religion. Efron has explored nature and sustainability in his travel series ‘Down to Earth’ without invoking religious themes. He relies on physical health and environmental connection for his sense of purpose.

Matt Smith

The former ‘Doctor Who’ star became an atheist after engaging with scientific literature. Smith cited reading ‘The God Delusion’ by Richard Dawkins as a turning point in his worldview. He stated that the book ignited his interest in a scientific and mathematical version of the world. He rejects the notion of a creator in favor of evidence-based understanding.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is the creator of ‘Atlanta’ and performs music as Childish Gambino. He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but eventually left the faith. Glover has stated in stand-up routines and interviews that he does not believe in God. He uses his art to explore the human condition and the absurdity of life without religious filters.

Seth Rogen

Comedian and actor Seth Rogen is well known for his secular Jewish identity. He has bluntly stated in interviews that he is a complete atheist. Rogen often incorporates his lack of belief into his films and stand-up comedy. He views his Jewish heritage as a cultural and ethnic identity rather than a religious one.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill rose to fame with ‘Superbad’ and has become a respected dramatic actor. Like his frequent collaborator Seth Rogen he identifies as Jewish but is not religious. Hill does not practice the theological aspects of Judaism. He navigates his life and career through a secular lens.

Jesse Eisenberg

The star of ‘The Social Network’ and ‘Zombieland’ grew up in a secular suburban Jewish household. Eisenberg has explained that religious aspects have never been a part of his life. He has expressed a feeling of disconnection from the idea of a higher power. His films often feature characters who rely on intellect and neurosis rather than faith.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani wrote about his complex relationship with religion in the film ‘The Big Sick’. He was raised in a Shiite Muslim family but now identifies as an atheist. His work often highlights the cultural friction between religious families and their secular children. Nanjiani embraces a rationalist worldview in his personal life.

Aziz Ansari

The creator of ‘Master of None’ has frequently discussed his non-religious stance. Ansari was raised by Muslim parents but does not practice the faith himself. He has described himself as an atheist who loves food and travel. His comedy often bridges the gap between his parents’ devout beliefs and his own secular lifestyle.

Daniel Sloss

Scottish comedian and actor Daniel Sloss is known for his dark and analytical humor. Sloss is an outspoken atheist who dedicates large portions of his specials to deconstructing religion. He jokes about the inconsistencies in the Bible and the concept of God. His logical approach to life leaves no room for supernatural beliefs.

Matty Healy

The lead singer of The 1975 has acted in television and comes from a famous acting family. Healy is an outspoken atheist who has described religion as a disease. His lyrics often grapple with the absence of God and the search for meaning in a modern world. He is critical of how religious dogma affects society and politics.

Jack Whitehall

British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall often jokes about his privileged upbringing and education. He has made it clear in his stand-up that he does not possess religious faith. Whitehall often satirizes the ceremonial and performative aspects of religion. He approaches life with a cynical but lighthearted secular attitude.

James Acaster

James Acaster is a celebrated comedian and actor who is open about his lack of belief. He frequently points out the absurdity of religious stories in his routines. Acaster relies on logic and observational humor to make sense of the world. He does not subscribe to any organized faith or spiritual movement.

Simon Bird

Best known as Will McKenzie in ‘The Inbetweeners’, Simon Bird has a secular worldview. He has identified as an atheist in interviews regarding his personal life. Bird is skeptical of religious claims and focuses on grounded comedy. His work often reflects the awkward realities of modern secular life.

Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas starred alongside Simon Bird in ‘The Inbetweeners’ and shares similar views. He is not involved in organized religion and lives a secular life. Thomas tends to keep his personal beliefs private but does not profess any faith. He represents the largely non-religious demographic of young British actors.

Josh Thomas

The Australian creator and star of ‘Please Like Me’ is openly gay and atheist. His television work candidly explores the conflict between religious expectations and queer identity. Thomas uses his platform to normalize secularism and LGBTQ+ acceptance. He rejects religious judgment and embraces a humanist perspective.

Which of these actors’ perspectives on faith surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.