Celebrities You Had No Idea Were Raised in Extreme Religious Sects

Many people are surprised to learn that some of the most famous figures in Hollywood spent their childhoods within the walls of extreme religious sects. These organizations often dictated every aspect of their lives from the clothes they wore to the education they received. Growing up in such environments provided these individuals with a unique perspective that often influenced their later creative work and personal resilience. This list explores the backgrounds of several celebrities who eventually transitioned from secluded religious communities to the global spotlight.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix spent his early childhood traveling through South America with his family as part of the Children of God religious group. His parents served as missionaries for the organization before eventually becoming disillusioned with its practices and moving back to the United States. The actor has spoken about how his parents believed they were involved in a community of like minded people sharing a religious vision. After leaving the group the family changed their surname to Phoenix to symbolize a new beginning for everyone involved.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan was born into the Italian chapter of the Children of God where her father served as a leader in the local community. She lived in various compounds across Europe before her family fled the group when she was a young child. The actress described the environment as one that discouraged contact with the outside world and enforced strict behavioral codes. Her father decided to leave after noticing the organization was moving in a direction that he found increasingly concerning for his children.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close was seven years old when her father joined a group called Moral Re Armament which dictated much of her life for the next fifteen years. She lived in communal settings where members were required to follow rigid rules and surrender their personal autonomy to the group leaders. The actress has detailed how the experience shaped her perspective on performance and the human psyche. She eventually broke away from the movement at the age of twenty two to pursue her career in acting.

David Arquette

David Arquette grew up in a residential commune in Virginia known as Skymont Subud which was founded by his parents and other members of the spiritual movement. This intentional community sought to live outside the norms of mainstream society while practicing a specific form of spiritual exercise. The Arquette children experienced a unique upbringing that prioritized communal living and shared spiritual goals over traditional structures. David has reflected on how this environment fostered a sense of creativity while also presenting challenges for a young person trying to find their own identity.

Patricia Arquette

Patricia Arquette shared the same upbringing as her siblings within the Skymont Subud commune during her formative years. The family lived without modern luxuries like electricity or plumbing for a significant portion of their time in the community. She has described the experience as one that combined beautiful natural surroundings with the isolation inherent to living in a secluded religious sect. Her childhood in the commune influenced her later work and her approach to navigating the entertainment industry as an adult.

Rosanna Arquette

Rosanna Arquette spent her childhood living in the Skymont Subud commune alongside her parents and siblings. The communal lifestyle involved group prayers and a rejection of many societal norms which left a lasting impression on her. She has described the environment as both challenging and foundational for her artistic development. The actress eventually moved away from the commune to establish herself as a major figure in the independent film scene.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini was brought into the Church of Scientology at a young age by her mother and spent her youth dedicated to the organization’s teachings. She eventually reached high levels within the group and became one of its most visible public supporters for many years. After decades of involvement she made a highly publicized exit from the organization citing concerns over its management and treatment of members. Since leaving she has dedicated much of her career to documenting the experiences of others who have left the group through various media projects.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss was born into a family that practiced Scientology and she has remained a member of the organization throughout her professional life. She often credits the teachings of the group for helping her maintain focus and stability in the demanding world of television and film. While she rarely discusses her religious beliefs in depth during interviews she has confirmed that her upbringing shaped her worldview significantly. Her involvement remains a topic of interest for many fans given the themes of her most famous roles in shows like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Beck

Beck was raised in a family that practiced Scientology and he identified as a member of the organization for the majority of his adult life. He once spoke about how the group provided him with tools for living and a sense of community during his rise to musical fame. In more recent years the musician surprised the public by clarifying that he no longer considers himself a Scientologist. He has shifted his focus toward his musical evolution while distancing himself from the religious affiliations of his youth.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis grew up with a father who was a devoted member of Scientology and she became active in the organization during her teenage years. She has frequently praised the group for helping her overcome personal struggles and maintaining her mental health during her early career. The actress and singer has been a vocal defender of her beliefs in various public forums over the decades. Despite her high profile career she continues to integrate the principles she learned as a child into her adult life.

Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi is a second generation member of Scientology and was raised with the group’s principles as a central part of his education. His parents were deeply involved in the community which led to him and his siblings participating in the organization from a very young age. He has often spoken about how the training he received helped him develop the discipline necessary for a successful acting career. The actor remains an active participant in the group and often attends official events alongside other celebrity members.

Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley was introduced to Scientology by her mother Priscilla Presley following the death of Elvis Presley. She spent many years as a dedicated member and even established several charitable initiatives under the organization’s banner. In her later years she reportedly distanced herself from the group and expressed dissatisfaction with some of its practices. Her children were also raised with exposure to the organization’s teachings before the family’s relationship with the group changed.

Christopher Masterson

Christopher Masterson grew up in a family that was heavily involved in the Church of Scientology and he has maintained his membership throughout his acting career. Known primarily for his role on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ he has often kept his religious life separate from his public persona. He and his siblings were raised following the specific lifestyle guidelines promoted by the organization. His connection to the group is shared with several other prominent members of his immediate family.

Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson was raised within the Scientology community and became one of its most recognizable young stars during the run of ‘That ’70s Show’. His involvement in the group was a major part of his social circle and professional network for decades. The organization’s policies and internal justice system became a central point of discussion during his recent high profile legal battles. He was consistently supported by the church leadership until his eventual conviction and sentencing.

Erika Christensen

Erika Christensen was raised by parents who were active members of Scientology and she has been open about her lifelong commitment to the group. She has stated in interviews that her religious upbringing provided her with a sense of purpose and a clear moral framework. The actress often uses her platform to clarify misconceptions about the organization and its practices. She continues to be a prominent figure within the community while maintaining a steady career in Hollywood.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and was raised in the Church of Scientology due to her mother’s long term involvement. She attended schools and social events affiliated with the organization during her childhood and adolescence. While she has been less vocal about her current status within the group her upbringing was firmly situated within that religious context. Her family’s history with the sect has been a point of public interest for many years.

River Phoenix

River Phoenix was the eldest child of the Phoenix family and spent his formative years as a member of the Children of God. He lived in various missions across Latin America where he often performed music on the street to raise money for the group. The actor eventually left the organization with his family after they became aware of its controversial practices and leadership. His experiences in the sect influenced his strong commitment to activism and his protective nature toward his younger siblings.

Rain Phoenix

Rain Phoenix was also raised within the Children of God and traveled extensively with her family during her childhood. Like her brothers she participated in the communal life and religious activities mandated by the organization’s leaders. After the family relocated to the United States she focused on music and acting while moving past the restrictions of her early life. She has remained close with her siblings as they all processed the unique circumstances of their shared upbringing.

Summer Phoenix

Summer Phoenix was the youngest child born into the Phoenix family during their time with the Children of God. She spent her infancy and early years within the group’s communal structure before her parents decided to move the family back to the United States. Like her siblings she was raised in an environment that prioritized spiritual devotion and communal living over traditional social structures. She eventually followed her brothers and sisters into the entertainment industry where she found success as an actress and model.

Emily Armstrong

Emily Armstrong was raised within the Scientology community and has ties to the organization through her family and social circles. Her involvement became a subject of public discussion when she was announced as the new lead singer for the band Linkin Park. Fans and journalists have looked into her history with the group and her attendance at various official events. She has generally kept her personal beliefs private while focusing on her transition into her new role with the famous rock group.

Alanna Masterson

Alanna Masterson was raised in the Church of Scientology and has remained an active member throughout her adult life. Known for her work on ‘The Walking Dead’ she grew up in a household that was deeply committed to the organization’s teachings. Her family has several prominent ties to the church which has influenced her social circles and professional choices. She has often spoken about the support she receives from her community while navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry.

Jaina Lee Ortiz

Jaina Lee Ortiz was raised within the Church of Scientology and has been a member of the organization since she was a young child. The actress is best known for her leading role in the series ‘Station 19’ and has participated in various church activities throughout her life. She has credited her upbringing with providing her with a strong sense of community and the tools to succeed in a competitive industry. Her involvement remains a significant part of her personal life and her identity outside of her acting career.

Ethan Suplee

Ethan Suplee was raised by parents who were active members of Scientology and he spent much of his childhood and young adulthood in the group. The actor has discussed how the principles of the organization were a constant presence in his life as he established himself in Hollywood. He eventually decided to distance himself from the group and has focused on his personal health and career in the years since. His experience reflects the challenges of transitioning from a specific religious environment to a more mainstream lifestyle.

Jason Dohring

Jason Dohring was raised in a family that was deeply committed to Scientology and he has maintained his membership throughout his adult life. The actor is well known for his role in the television series ‘Veronica Mars’ and often attends official church functions. He has stated that the organization’s teachings have helped him stay grounded and focused during the ups and downs of his career. His children are also being raised within the same religious tradition that he experienced as a youth.

Please share your thoughts on these celebrity upbringings in the comments.