Six Successful Well Knowns Who Finally Broke Off with Scientology

After more than 30 years as a member of the Church of Scientology, actress Leah Remini, has decided to leave the organization.  The New York Post reported on July 11 that the King of Queens star became disillusioned with the Church after being subjected to “interrogations” and “thought modification” for questioning leader David Miscavige’s management. As a source told the Post’s Page Six, “She is stepping back from a regime she thinks is corrupt. She thinks no religion should tear apart a family or abuse someone under the umbrella of ‘religion.’” After reports of her defection were published, Remini issued a statement about her decision: “I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming positive response I have received from the media, my colleagues, and fans from around the world. I am truly grateful and thankful for all your support.” 

Best known for his role as George Bluth Sr. on Arrested Development, Jeffrey Tambor was reported to be a Scientologist in 2007.  However, a year later he went public, wishing to dispel the rumor by stating: “I took some Scientology classes at one time, studied Scientology for a while, but no more. I have nothing against it, but I am no longer a Scientologist.” 

Elvis Presley’s only daughter made a creative exit from the Church with the release of her 2012 album “Storm and Grace.”  Although her mother, Priscilla, remains a longtime Scientologist, multiple reports of Presley’s disillusionment with the religion appeared to be confirmed in the lyrics to a song on the album, “So Long,” which can be seen as thinly-veiled criticism:

Churches, they don’t have a soul
Soup for sale without a bowl
Religion so corrupt and running lives
Farewell, fair weathered friends
I can’t say I’ll miss you in the end

The star has never officially issued a statement about her split from the Church, though the lyrics tend to say it all.

Actor Jason Beghe had one of the most outspoken defections from the Church when he released a passionate YouTube video in 2008 attacking the organization. In the two-hour segment, the Californication star expressed his profound discontent with the religion, saying, “If Scientology is real, then something’s f***ed up. It ain’t delivering what it’s promised.”  Several years later, Beghe told the Village Voice that he believes the Church is frustrated that he has become more successful since leaving.  “The entire Scientology mythology is that if you leave the church you go on to fail,” he noted, “But I’ve quadrupled my income. I’m hotter than I’ve ever been. And it’s killing them.” 

Beat writer William S. Burroughs joined the Church of Scientology in the 1960s while living in London, and became a devoted follower, even preaching about its creative benefits to his friend Allen Ginsberg. But by the end of the decade, Burroughs grew deeply suspicious of the religion’s operational style and left the Church. His 1971 book Ali’s Smile: Naked Scientology was critical of the Church’s authoritarian rule, and Burroughs ultimately became vocal about his concerns. “Scientology is a model control system, a state in fact with its own courts, police, rewards and penalties,” the late author once warned. “It is based on a tight in-group like the CIA.” 

While Jerry Seinfeld never officially joined the Church, he did take some Scientology classes when he was in his twenties. What’s more, Seinfeld believes that its teachings contributed to his success. “In my early years of stand-up it was very helpful,” he revealed to Parade in 2007. “I took a couple of courses… I learned some things about communication that really got my act going.” Seinfeld also explained that his love of electronics might be partially responsible for his interest in Scientology. “They have a lot of very good technology,” he told the magazine. “That’s what really appealed to me about it. It’s not faith-based. It’s all technology. And I’m obsessed with technology.”

TIME
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