Actresses You Didn’t Know Grew Up in Notorious Cults

Many of the most famous women in Hollywood have personal histories that involve unconventional and isolated childhoods. Some recognizable actresses spent their formative years in secretive religious groups or international communes that the public later identified as notorious cults. These unique upbringings often shaped their perspectives on the world and influenced their artistic work in the film and television industry. This list explores the stars who successfully transitioned from restricted communal living to global stardom.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan spent the first nine years of her life as a member of the Children of God group in Italy. Her father served as a leader for the local chapter of the organization before he decided to flee the community with his children. McGowan has frequently discussed the restrictive atmosphere of the group and her relief upon leaving that lifestyle behind. She eventually moved to the United States and found major success as an actress in ‘Scream’ (1996) and ‘Charmed’ (1998). Her early experiences fueled her later work as a prominent activist and author.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder lived in an intentional community called the Rainbow Commune in Northern California during her early childhood. She resided on a remote three hundred acre plot of land with several other families and had limited access to modern technology. This environment lacked television and encouraged a lifestyle rooted in nature and communal cooperation. Ryder has credited this period for fostering her active imagination and her love for classic literature. She eventually left the commune and rose to fame with starring roles in ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and ‘Stranger Things’ (2016).

Glenn Close

Glenn Close spent a significant portion of her youth in a spiritual movement known as Moral Re Armament. Her father joined the organization when she was seven years old and moved the family to a headquarters in Switzerland. Close lived under the strict rules of the group for fifteen years before she left at age twenty two to pursue a career in acting. She has described the experience as a period of intense conformity that made it difficult to develop a personal identity. Her resilience led her to become an acclaimed actress in films such as ‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987).

Summer Phoenix

Summer Phoenix was born into the Children of God organization while her family was traveling through Florida and South America. Her parents were dedicated missionaries for the group before they eventually became disillusioned and departed in the late seventies. The family changed their last name to Phoenix to symbolize a new beginning after leaving the cult. Summer grew up in a creative environment and followed her siblings into the entertainment industry. She is well known for her roles in films such as ‘The Believer’ (2001) and ‘Dinner Rush’ (2000).

Rain Phoenix

Rain Phoenix spent her earliest years living in various locations throughout South America as part of the Children of God movement. Her parents worked as missionaries for the group during a time when it was expanding its international reach. After the family escaped the organization they settled in California and focused on the performing arts. Rain began her career as a child actress and singer alongside her talented siblings. She has appeared in projects like ‘Even Cowgirls Get the Blues’ (1993) and ‘Amazing Stories’ (1985).

Patricia Arquette

Patricia Arquette grew up in a communal living environment known as the Skymont Subud commune in Virginia. The community was founded by her parents and other members who sought a lifestyle focused on spiritual exploration and collective living. While not as restrictive as some other groups the commune had its own set of unique rules and social dynamics. Patricia eventually transitioned into a professional acting career and earned critical acclaim for her diverse roles. She is widely recognized for her work in ‘Medium’ (2005) and her Academy Award winning performance in ‘Boyhood’ (2014).

Rosanna Arquette

Rosanna Arquette shared the same communal upbringing as her siblings in the Subud community located in the Virginia countryside. She spent her formative years navigating the challenges of a non traditional household that prioritized spiritual growth over conventional education. This background provided her with a unique perspective that she brought to her early performances in Hollywood. Rosanna became a major star in the eighties with memorable roles in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ (1985). She has remained a consistent figure in the film industry for decades and appeared in ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994).

Alexis Arquette

Alexis Arquette was raised alongside her siblings in the intentional community established by her parents in Virginia. The commune environment allowed for a high degree of creative freedom which influenced her path toward the performing arts. Alexis moved to Los Angeles as a young adult and became a versatile actress and activist within the entertainment industry. She is fondly remembered for her roles in ‘The Wedding Singer’ (1998) and ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994). Her upbringing in a communal setting contributed to her unconventional approach to life and her career.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss was born and raised in the Church of Scientology and remains an active member of the organization today. She grew up in a family of musicians who were deeply involved in the group and its various programs. Moss has stated that her beliefs provided her with the focus and stability needed to navigate the competitive world of acting. She achieved worldwide fame for her powerful performances in ‘Mad Men’ (2007) and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017). Despite public scrutiny regarding her affiliation she continues to be one of the most respected actresses in television.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis was raised within a family of Scientologists and has been a member of the church since her childhood. Her father was a character actor who introduced her to the organization and its teachings at an early age. Lewis credits the group for helping her overcome personal struggles during her rise to fame in the nineties. She became a breakout star with her Academy Award nominated role in ‘Cape Fear’ (1991). She has maintained a successful career in both acting and music while remaining vocal about her spiritual beliefs.

Erika Christensen

Erika Christensen was born into a family that practiced Scientology and she was raised according to the tenets of the organization. Her parents were dedicated members who encouraged her to use the church’s communication courses to help her acting career. Christensen began working as a professional actress while still a teenager and quickly found success in major film projects. She is best known for her role in the film ‘Traffic’ (2000) and the long running television series ‘Parenthood’ (2010). She continues to be a public advocate for the church in various interviews.

Alanna Masterson

Alanna Masterson grew up in a family that was heavily involved in the Church of Scientology from the time she was a small child. Her older brothers were already established actors within the organization when she began her own career. She spent much of her youth attending church related schools and participating in community events. Masterson gained international recognition for her role as Tara Chambler on the hit series ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010). She remains connected to the organization along with many members of her extended family.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough was raised in the Church of Scientology by her parents and spent time in various church communities during her youth. As the granddaughter of Elvis Presley she lived a high profile life while adhering to the teachings of the organization. Keough has pursued a successful career in modeling and acting and has starred in several critically acclaimed independent films. She is known for her work in ‘The Girlfriend Experience’ (2016) and ‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ (2023). She has navigated the complexities of her family legacy and her religious upbringing while building a distinct career.

Bijou Phillips

Bijou Phillips was raised in the Church of Scientology and attended various schools associated with the organization. Her father was a famous musician who was an active member of the group during her childhood. Phillips began a career in modeling and acting as a teenager and became a well known figure in the independent film scene. She is recognized for her roles in movies like ‘Almost Famous’ (2000) and the television comedy ‘Raising Hope’ (2010). Her upbringing in the organization has been a significant part of her personal history and public identity.

Marisol Nichols

Marisol Nichols joined the Church of Scientology when she was eleven years old and grew up participating in its various programs. She has credited the organization for helping her navigate a difficult adolescence and finding a productive path forward. Nichols began her acting career in the nineties and eventually landed major roles in popular television shows. She is widely known for her portrayal of Hermione Lodge on the series ‘Riverdale’ (2017). She remains an active and vocal member of the church while maintaining a steady career in Hollywood.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini was brought into the Church of Scientology by her mother when she was nine years old and spent her youth as a dedicated member. She moved to Florida as a teenager to work at the church’s headquarters before eventually pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. Remini became a household name starring in the sitcom ‘The King of Queens’ (1998). She famously left the organization in two thousand thirteen and became a leading critic of the group. Her documentary series explored the inner workings of the church and shared the stories of other former members.

Chloe Fineman

Chloe Fineman was raised in a family of Scientologists and grew up attending church events and participating in the organization. Her father is a high ranking member of the church which made her upbringing deeply rooted in its teachings. Fineman developed a talent for impressions and comedy during her youth and eventually joined the Groundlings improv troupe. She became a featured cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975) and has since become one of its breakout stars. She maintains a private life regarding her current religious affiliations while her career continues to soar.

Mimi Rogers

Mimi Rogers was born into the Church of Scientology because her father was a prominent early member of the organization. She grew up in the church and eventually became a highly trained auditor within the group. Rogers is often credited with introducing her first husband Tom Cruise to the religion during the eighties. She has had a long and successful career in film and television starring in projects like ‘The Rapture’ (1991). Although she eventually distanced herself from the organization her early life was entirely shaped by its influence.

Lynsey Bartilson

Lynsey Bartilson was raised in the Church of Scientology and was involved in many of the group’s youth programs. She began her career as a child actress and found success in several television roles during the late nineties. She is best known for her portrayal of Lily Finnerty on the sitcom ‘Grounded for Life’ (2001). Bartilson has been an active spokesperson for various church initiatives including youth literacy programs. She continues to work in the entertainment industry as an actress and voice artist while maintaining her religious ties.

Marissa Ribisi

Marissa Ribisi was born and raised in a family of Scientologists and spent her entire childhood within the organization. Her parents were active members who encouraged their children to pursue creative careers from a young age. Ribisi found success as an actress in the nineties with roles in cult classic films like ‘Dazed and Confused’ (1993). She also launched her own fashion line and has remained a consistent part of the Hollywood scene. She was married to musician Beck for many years and both were prominent figures within the church community.

Lisa Whelchel

Lisa Whelchel grew up in a highly religious environment and was involved with the group known as The Way International during her youth. This organization was often described as a cult due to its isolationist tendencies and strict interpretations of scripture. Whelchel spent her teenage years starring as Blair Warner on the hit show ‘The Facts of Life’ (1979) while navigating her religious commitments. After the show ended she became a successful author and public speaker focusing on Christian themes and parenting. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing her career with the demands of her early religious community.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton grew up in a strict religious household that was part of a group called the Pillar of Truth. The organization required members to follow rigid rules regarding dress and behavior including a ban on modern music and television. Braxton and her sisters began singing in the church choir where they developed the skills that would lead to their future fame. She eventually broke away from the group to pursue a legendary career in R and B music and acting. She has appeared in films such as ‘Kingdom Come’ (2001) and her own reality television series.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and spent much of her early childhood attending meetings and participating in the group’s traditions. While the group is widely recognized as a religion many former members and critics describe its internal structure as cult like due to its shunning practices. Campbell moved on to become one of the most famous supermodels in history and eventually transitioned into acting. She has appeared in various television shows including ‘Empire’ (2015) and ‘American Horror Story’ (2011). She has credited her early discipline to the strict environment of her youth.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott was raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household and spent her formative years following the rules of the organization. Her upbringing meant that she did not participate in holidays or birthdays which set her apart from many of her peers. Scott eventually left the group to pursue her passions for poetry and music and she became a multi Grammy winning artist. She transitioned into a successful acting career with roles in ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ (2007) and ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ (2008). She has often reflected on how her childhood influenced her soulful approach to art.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl was raised in a household that adhered to the strict teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. While the mainstream church is a major religion certain factions and strict upbringings within it are often discussed in the context of high control groups. Heigl has spoken about the discipline and values that her Mormon upbringing provided her during her early years as a child model and actress. She rose to massive fame starring in the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005). She eventually moved away from the church but has acknowledged its impact on her life.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams grew up in a Mormon family and spent her early years in a community that prioritized church activities and traditional family structures. Her family left the church when she was a teenager following her parents’ divorce which led to a significant shift in her lifestyle. Adams has credited her religious background with instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of communal responsibility. She became one of the most respected actresses of her generation with multiple Academy Award nominations. Her breakout role in ‘Enchanted’ (2007) cemented her status as a major Hollywood star.

Eliza Dushku

Eliza Dushku was raised in a very religious Mormon household and spent her youth participating in church programs in Massachusetts. Her family had deep roots in the faith which influenced the social and cultural environment of her childhood. Dushku began acting at a young age and eventually moved away from the strict tenets of the religion as her career progressed. She gained a massive following for her roles in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997) and the film ‘Bring It On’ (2000). She has since become an advocate for various social causes and has spoken about her journey of self discovery.

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson was born into a family that was involved in the Church of Scientology and she was raised within the organization. Her parents were active members who supported her entry into the entertainment industry during her teenage years. Johnson became an overnight sensation after starring in the film ‘Blame It on Rio’ (1984) when she was only seventeen years old. She continued to work in film and television throughout the eighties and nineties while maintaining her ties to the church. Her career was a prominent example of a second generation member finding success in Hollywood.

Angelique Rivera

Angelique Rivera has spoken in interviews about growing up in a high control religious environment that she described as cult like. Her upbringing involved strict regulations on personal behavior and limited interactions with the outside world. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the themes of repression and identity which she used in her acting work. Rivera earned critical praise for her breakout role in the series ‘American Crime’ (2015). She has used her platform to discuss the importance of mental health and overcoming a difficult childhood.

Coco Rocha

Coco Rocha was raised in the Jehovah’s Witness faith and has remained an active member of the group throughout her professional life. She has often spoken about how her religious beliefs influence her career choices and her refusal to pose in certain ways. While primarily known as a world famous supermodel she has also pursued acting and television hosting. Rocha appeared in the documentary ‘The September Issue’ (2009) and served as a judge on ‘The Face’ (2013). She continues to balance the demands of the fashion and entertainment industries with her personal faith.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and has frequently credited her faith with providing her the strength to succeed. Although best known as one of the greatest athletes of all time she has a significant resume as an actress. She has appeared in films such as ‘Pixels’ (2015) and has provided voice work for several animated series. Williams continues to practice the faith and has spoken about its role in her life during various press conferences. Her acting career has allowed her to showcase a different side of her personality to a global audience.

Venus Williams

Venus Williams grew up alongside her sister in the Jehovah’s Witness faith and participated in the group’s activities throughout her childhood. Like her sister she has achieved legendary status in the world of sports while also exploring a career in the entertainment industry. Venus has appeared in television shows and films including a cameo in ‘Ocean’s Eight’ (2018). She has often discussed the importance of her spiritual foundation in helping her navigate the pressures of fame. Her career across multiple fields remains an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler was raised in a household where she was exposed to the teachings of the Mormon faith through her father’s background. She spent time attending church services and participating in the culture of the religion during her formative years. Handler eventually moved into the world of stand up comedy and became a major television host and actress. She is well known for her long running late night show ‘Chelsea Lately’ (2007) and several successful books. She has often used her childhood experiences as a source of material for her comedic performances.

Share your thoughts on these surprising celebrity upbringings in the comments.