Celebrities Who Are Devoutly Religious

Faith shapes lives in quiet ways—and sometimes in very public ones. Across film sets, recording studios, stadiums, and late-night desks, plenty of famous faces speak openly about prayer, belief, and the rituals that keep them grounded. Some choose projects that reflect their convictions; others build charities inspired by scripture; many simply share how their faith steadies them through success and struggle.

This list spotlights celebrities who make their devotion part of their daily rhythm. You’ll see actors who pause for prayer before tough scenes, athletes who practice and fast while competing at the highest level, and musicians who weave worship into their art. Different traditions, one throughline: a sincere commitment to something higher than themselves.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has long been candid about his Christian faith, crediting prayer, scripture, and the guidance of church mentors for keeping him centered throughout decades in Hollywood. The son of a minister, he often speaks about staying “on his knees,” a mantra that reflects both humility and constancy.

That spiritual anchor surfaces in the roles he chooses and the way he discusses purpose and service. Fans have noted how projects like ‘The Book of Eli’ intersect with themes of belief and perseverance, but Washington is just as passionate about off-screen mentorship—especially encouraging younger artists to keep faith and discipline at the core of their lives.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s music is steeped in the gospel traditions she grew up with, and her public persona radiates compassion that she traces back to her Christian upbringing. She’s never shied away from talking about prayer or from recording faith-forward songs right alongside her country classics.

Her devotion shows up in giving, too—from funding literacy through her Imagination Library to backing health and disaster relief efforts. Whether she’s lighting up a stage or producing holiday specials like ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors’, Parton treats faith as a verb: love God, love people, and show it.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg speaks openly about his Catholic practice, often sharing how early-morning prayer, fasting, and the sacraments structure his day. He’s said that faith helps him balance the demands of career, family, and fitness with a sense of accountability.

That commitment has influenced his creative choices as well. Wahlberg helped bring ‘Father Stu’ to the screen, a story anchored in conversion, vocation, and suffering-with-hope. He frequently encourages fans to lean on prayer in hard seasons, presenting faith as both discipline and deep consolation.

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert’s Catholic faith is no secret; he’s discussed it with humor and reverence alike, even catechizing with a wink behind the desk on ‘The Late Show’. He credits belief with helping him process grief and orient his life toward joy that’s deeper than entertainment.

Away from the monologue, Colbert is known to practice what he professes: attending Mass, engaging with theology, and treating guests with a hospitality that feels, well, sacramental. His witness is a reminder that faith can be intellectually serious and genuinely funny at the same time.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt often thanks God in acceptance speeches and interviews, talking about how church community and prayer sustained him through career highs and lows. He’s frank about the work of faith—sticking with spiritual habits when fame can make everything feel disposable.

That devotion also shapes his sense of responsibility as a public figure. Whether he’s headlining ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ or visiting kids’ hospitals, Pratt points to gratitude as a daily practice. The throughline is simple: stay grounded, give back, and acknowledge the Source.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali, a practicing Muslim, has described how submission to God informs not just his personal life but his artistic integrity. He speaks about guarding his inner life and choosing roles that don’t fracture his conscience, even when Hollywood would reward compromise.

His reflective presence on projects like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’ mirrors the interiority he cultivates off set. Ali often emphasizes patience, prayer, and discipline—virtues that make his performances feel lived-in and his public witness quietly luminous.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Undefeated UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is outspoken about Islam, routinely thanking God after fights and keeping religious practices central during training and travel. His post-victory prostrations became iconic, a visible expression of gratitude and submission.

Khabib’s devotion also shapes his lifestyle choices and mentorship of younger athletes. He champions humility, respect, and restraint—values he links directly to faith. Whether promoting sports programs or speaking to fans, he frames success as stewardship more than status.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles has referenced her Catholic faith over the years, from carrying a rosary to attending Mass when possible amid intense competition schedules. She credits prayer with helping her navigate pressure, injury, and the courage to prioritize mental health.

Her witness is measured, steady, and sincere. Even at the summit of gymnastics, Biles keeps perspective—celebrating teammates, supporting causes, and naming the grace that undergirds it all. Devotion, for her, looks like gratitude in motion.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas often shares how Hindu rituals and festivals root her amid a whirlwind global career. Whether performing puja with family or marking holy days on set, she treats devotion as a living tradition that travels with her.

That practice also informs her philanthropy and cross-cultural storytelling—from starring in ‘Quantico’ to producing films that elevate South Asian voices. Chopra Jonas models a faith that is both deeply personal and generously public, welcoming others into the beauty she inherits.

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper has woven Christian themes into his artistry for years, rapping about grace, repentance, and gratitude with unembarrassed conviction. He’s talked about returning to prayer during a turbulent stretch in his life and how that pivot reshaped his music and priorities.

Onstage and off, he treats faith as fuel for service—funding education initiatives, supporting local artists, and spotlighting community needs. His concerts can feel like testimony: joy-soaked, exuberant, and anchored in praise that spills beyond the mic.

Candace Cameron Bure

Candace Cameron Bure is forthright about her Christian beliefs, often discussing prayer, Bible reading, and the importance of church in interviews and on social media. She frames her convictions as a compass for career decisions and for how she engages fans.

That devotion has led her to projects that reflect family and faith-forward themes, from ‘Full House’ and ‘Fuller House’ to a long run of cozy mysteries and seasonal fare. Love it or debate it, her consistency is unmistakable: she aims to make entertainment that aligns with what she believes.

Jonathan Roumie

Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in ‘The Chosen’, is a practicing Catholic who speaks about leaning on prayer before and after scenes. He’s candid about the spiritual responsibility he feels embodying sacred stories with reverence and accuracy.

Off set, Roumie participates in faith events, shares devotional practices, and supports initiatives that invite people into prayer. His gentle, grounded demeanor has made him an unexpected ambassador for thoughtful, artful portrayals of the Gospels.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is one of the most visible Muslim athletes on earth, often celebrating goals with sujood and observing fasting and prayer with quiet resolve. He’s shown that elite performance and religious commitment can not only coexist but enrich each other.

Salah’s philanthropy—especially in his Egyptian hometown—flows from those same convictions. He donates to hospitals, schools, and families in need, embodying a faith that overflows in generosity as naturally as he finds the back of the net.

Jim Gaffigan

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, a Catholic and father of five, jokes about everyday family life without punching down on belief. He’s said that the sacraments and parish community help him keep his priorities in order despite a relentless touring and filming schedule.

That integrity showed up in ‘The Jim Gaffigan Show’, which featured a priest as a regular character and treated faith as part of ordinary, messy life. Gaffigan’s devotion looks like showing up—at church, at home, and onstage—with kindness and consistency.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo speaks openly about his Christian faith and the role it plays in discerning which stories to tell. Before stepping into demanding parts like Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’, he has described seasons of prayer and fasting to prepare both craft and character.

Beyond the screen, Oyelowo supports education and storytelling programs that uplift overlooked communities, grounding his advocacy in a theology of dignity. He treats fame as a platform to serve, not a pedestal, which is devotion in action.

Have a favorite example of faith in the spotlight—or someone we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments.