Stars Who Found a Completely New Spiritual Path Later in Life

Many celebrities spend their early years chasing fame and fortune before realizing that material success does not guarantee inner peace. This realization often leads public figures to seek answers in theology, meditation, or organized religion during their adult years. Some stars convert to support a spouse while others experience profound personal epiphanies that alter their entire worldview. These spiritual shifts frequently result in lifestyle changes that play out publicly in the media. The following individuals discovered new faiths that reshaped their identities long after they established their careers.

George Harrison

While the Beatles were famous for their experimentation, this guitarist developed a deep and lifelong devotion to Hinduism that defined his post-band life. He embraced the Hare Krishna tradition and became a vegetarian while incorporating Indian instrumentation into his music. His spiritual path was heavily influenced by his friendship with Ravi Shankar and his visits to India. He eventually bought a manor that he donated to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Julia Roberts

Raised with a Catholic and Baptist background, this Academy Award winner found a connection to Hinduism while filming ‘Eat Pray Love’ in India. She revealed in interviews that she actively practices the faith and goes to the temple to chant, pray, and celebrate with her family. The actress noted that her interest in the religion came from a desire for spiritual grounding in a chaotic industry. Her conversion was a personal choice rather than one made for marriage or external pressure.

Richard Gere

This leading man was raised Methodist but began exploring Eastern philosophy in his twenties. He traveled to Nepal and India where he met the 14th Dalai Lama and became a devout practicing Buddhist. He has since become one of the most vocal advocates for Tibetan independence and human rights on the global stage. His faith is central to his daily life and he spends much of his time campaigning for humanitarian causes rooted in Buddhist principles.

Tina Turner

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll turned to Buddhism during the most difficult period of her abusive marriage to Ike Turner. She credited chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo with giving her the strength to leave the relationship and rebuild her life from scratch. She practiced Nichiren Buddhism for decades and stated that the discipline helped her find clarity and remove negativity. Her spiritual practice remained a cornerstone of her mental health until her passing.

Madonna

Although raised Roman Catholic, the Queen of Pop became the most famous face of the Kabbalah Centre in the late 1990s. She began studying Jewish mysticism and adopted the Hebrew name Esther as part of her spiritual journey. Her devotion to Kabbalah influenced her music, her children’s books, and her philanthropic efforts in Malawi. She faced criticism for her interpretation of the texts but remained steadfast in her dedication to the study.

Tom Cruise

The action star was introduced to the Church of Scientology by his first wife Mimi Rogers in the late 1980s. He claimed the religion helped him overcome his dyslexia and has since become its most high-profile advocate. He credits the church’s technology for his professional success and his ability to handle the pressures of fame. His involvement has sparked controversy, yet he maintains that the spiritual path saved his life.

Prince

The legendary musician was raised Baptist but converted to the Jehovah’s Witness faith in 2001. His conversion was influenced by fellow musician Larry Graham, and he became very serious about the religion’s requirements. He famously went door-to-door in Minneapolis to share scripture with unsuspecting neighbors. His faith also led him to alter his lyrics and stop performing his most sexually explicit songs during concerts.

Sinéad O’Connor

The Irish singer was known for her controversial relationship with the Catholic Church before exploring various theologies. She announced her conversion to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat. She described her conversion as the natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian’s journey. She wore a hijab and continued to perform and record music that reflected her spiritual evolution until her death.

Dave Chappelle

The celebrated comedian converted to Islam in 1991 during his teenage years but largely kept his faith private for decades. He has stated that the religion is a beautiful part of his life that he prefers not to discuss publicly to avoid scrutiny. He famously walked away from a massive television contract to visit South Africa and reconnect with his spiritual center. He credits his faith with helping him navigate the moral complexities of Hollywood.

Alice Cooper

Known for shock rock and dark theatricality, the musician found salvation in Christianity after a life-threatening battle with alcoholism. He grew up with a father who was a pastor but strayed far from the church during his rise to fame. He returned to the faith in the 1980s and now attends church regularly while helping others struggle with addiction. He separates his stage persona from his personal life and views his faith as the foundation of his sobriety.

Bob Dylan

The folk icon surprised fans in the late 1970s when he converted to Evangelical Christianity. He released a trilogy of gospel albums starting with ‘Slow Train Coming’ which alienated some of his secular audience. He studied the Bible at the Vineyard School of Discipleship and preached from the stage during his tours. While he later moved away from overt proselytizing, the period marked a distinct theological shift in his songwriting.

Russell Brand

Once known for his hedonistic lifestyle, the British comedian and actor turned toward spirituality as part of his recovery from addiction. He explored transcendental meditation and Hinduism before eventually getting baptized as a Christian in the River Thames in 2024. He speaks frequently about the necessity of a higher power to overcome personal demons and materialism. His content now focuses heavily on spiritual awakening and questioning modern societal structures.

Shia LaBeouf

The former child star experienced a conversion to Catholicism while preparing for his role as Padre Pio in the 2022 biopic. He immersed himself in the Capuchin friar lifestyle and found that the traditional Latin Mass resonated with him deeply. He credits this spiritual discovery with saving him during a time of intense personal and legal turmoil. He was formally confirmed into the church and has expressed an intention to become a deacon.

Kat Von D

The tattoo artist and reality star was previously interested in the occult and macabre aesthetics before converting to Christianity. She publicly documented her baptism in 2023 and shared videos of herself discarding books on witchcraft and tarot. She faced backlash from her goth fanbase but maintained that she wanted to surround herself and her family with love and light. Her social media now frequently features gospel music and updates on her church attendance.

Orlando Bloom

The British actor formally committed to Buddhism in 2004 at the Soka Gakkai International center in London. He practices Nichiren Buddhism which emphasizes chanting to unlock personal potential and contribute to world peace. He has stated that the philosophy helps him stay grounded and avoid the destructive traps of celebrity culture. He maintains a daily practice and has been seen carrying prayer beads on movie sets.

Leonard Cohen

The celebrated poet and songwriter retreated from the music world in the 1990s to become a Zen Buddhist monk. He lived at the Mount Baldy Zen Center near Los Angeles for five years serving his teacher Roshi. He took the Dharma name Jikan which means silence and spent his days cooking and meditating. This period of seclusion revitalized his creative spirit and led to a successful return to touring in his seventies.

Elizabeth Taylor

The screen legend was raised in the Christian Science faith but converted to Judaism in 1959. Her conversion took place shortly before her marriage to Eddie Fisher, but she stated it was a personal decision she had considered for a long time. She took the Hebrew name Elisheba and remained a staunch supporter of Jewish causes and the state of Israel throughout her life. Her funeral service was conducted according to Jewish customs.

Marilyn Monroe

The Hollywood icon converted to Judaism in 1956 before marrying playwright Arthur Miller. She studied with a rabbi to learn the traditions and expressed a desire to raise her future children in the faith. Although her marriage to Miller eventually ended, she did not renounce the religion. Her prayer book was later auctioned for a significant sum, revealing her personal notes and dedication.

Sammy Davis Jr.

The legendary entertainer converted to Judaism several years after losing his left eye in a car accident. He found comfort in the history of the Jewish people and felt a kinship with their resilience against oppression. He studied extensively before formally converting and famously refused to work on Yom Kippur. He often joked about being a “one-eyed Jewish Negro” and used his platform to bridge cultural gaps.

Stephen Baldwin

The youngest Baldwin brother became a born-again Christian following the September 11 attacks. He credits his conversion to the influence of a Brazilian housekeeper who sang songs about Jesus in his home. He has since become a vocal evangelist and has directed films that focus on faith-based messages. His religious views have occasionally caused friction with his famous brothers and his daughter, Hailey Bieber.

Chris Tucker

After starring in the blockbuster ‘Rush Hour’ franchise, the comedian stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his Christian faith. He reportedly turned down millions of dollars for film roles that did not align with his new moral standards. He stopped using profanity in his stand-up routines and became more selective about the characters he portrayed. He views his career as secondary to his walk with God.

Brian ‘Head’ Welch

The guitarist for the nu-metal band Korn left the group in 2005 to dedicate his life to Christianity. He struggled with severe drug addiction and depression before finding hope in the teachings of Jesus. He released solo Christian music and wrote books detailing his journey from rock star excess to spiritual sobriety. He eventually rejoined Korn but maintained his faith and continues to minister to fans.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Born Lew Alcindor, the basketball superstar converted to Islam in his early twenties and changed his name. He was influenced by the autobiography of Malcolm X and sought a spiritual identity that reconnected him with his African heritage. His conversion was a major news story at the time and he faced criticism from some sports fans. He has since become a prolific author and cultural commentator who explains the peaceful tenets of his faith.

Muhammad Ali

The heavyweight champion shocked the world when he announced he had joined the Nation of Islam and dropped his “slave name” Cassius Clay. He later transitioned to mainstream Sunni Islam and eventually embraced Sufism. His faith was the driving force behind his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. He became a global ambassador for peace and used his fame to promote religious tolerance.

Mike Tyson

The boxing champion converted to Islam while serving time in prison in the 1990s. He adopted the Muslim name Malik Abdul Aziz, though he continued to use his professional name in the ring. He has traveled to Mecca to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and has spoken about how the religion gave him discipline. He credits his faith with helping him find stability after years of chaotic behavior.

Jermaine Jackson

The member of the Jackson 5 converted to Islam in 1989 after a trip to Bahrain. He felt that Christianity had failed to provide him with the answers he sought regarding his life and purpose. He has spoken about how the religion gave him inner peace and a sense of protection. He remains a practicing Muslim and has defended the faith against misconceptions in the media.

Janet Jackson

The youngest member of the Jackson dynasty reportedly converted to Islam after marrying Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. She began dressing more modestly during concerts and stepped back from the overly sexualized image of her past eras. She ended her tours with “Inshallah” and spoke about finding a deep sense of contentment. Even after separating from Al Mana, she has maintained a more private and grounded lifestyle.

Steven Seagal

The action movie star was recognized as a tulku, or a reincarnated lama, by a high-ranking Buddhist teacher in the late 1990s. This recognition meant he was believed to be the rebirth of a 17th-century treasure revealer. He has spent time teaching Aikido and meditation while supporting various Buddhist causes. His status as a lama caused some controversy within the religious community but he remains committed to the practice.

Herbie Hancock

The jazz legend has been a practicing Nichiren Buddhist since 1972. He credits the chanting practice with opening his mind to new musical possibilities and helping him overcome creative blocks. He serves as a member of the International Committee of Artists for Peace. He often speaks about the relationship between jazz improvisation and the Buddhist concept of living in the moment.

Patrick Duffy

The ‘Dallas’ star converted to Nichiren Buddhism in the early 1970s after meeting his wife who introduced him to the practice. He has credited chanting with helping him cope with the tragic murder of his parents in 1986. He remains an active member of Soka Gakkai International and hosts meetings to encourage others. He believes that the practice allows him to maintain a youthful spirit and positive outlook.

Adam Yauch

A founding member of the Beastie Boys, the musician known as MCA became a practicing Buddhist in the 1990s. His faith led him to organize the Tibetan Freedom Concerts which raised massive awareness for the cause of Tibetan independence. He integrated Buddhist samples and chants into the band’s music, most notably on the album ‘Ill Communication’. He remained dedicated to the path until his death from cancer in 2012.

Ashton Kutcher

Raised in a Roman Catholic family, the actor found a new spiritual home at the Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles. He began studying the Jewish mystical tradition in the early 2000s and was often seen wearing the signature red string bracelet. He introduced his then-wife Demi Moore to the practice and they traveled to Israel for spiritual study. He continues to apply the principles of the teachings to his life and business ventures.

Demi Moore

The actress began studying Kabbalah alongside her partner at the time and found that it offered practical tools for navigating life. She credited the spiritual technology with helping her understand her patterns and relationships. She became a devout student and attended services regularly with her family. The teachings played a significant role in her life during her marriage to Ashton Kutcher and her subsequent personal growth.

Snoop Dogg

The rap icon has explored several spiritual paths publicly including the Nation of Islam and the Rastafari movement. In 2012 he visited Jamaica and claimed to be the reincarnation of Bob Marley, temporarily changing his name to Snoop Lion. Later he released a gospel album titled ‘Bible of Love’ and spoke about his connection to Christianity. His spiritual journey appears to be fluid and constantly evolving as he seeks new forms of expression.

Jane Fonda

The actress and activist announced her conversion to Christianity in the early 2000s after decades of secularism. She described feeling a presence that led her to study the Bible and eventually join a church. Her conversion caused tension with her then-husband Ted Turner who was critical of religion. She now views her faith as a feminist act and integrates it with her political activism.

Isla Fisher

The Australian actress converted to Judaism prior to her marriage to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. She studied for three years to complete the conversion process and accepted the Hebrew name Ayala. She has described the religion as beautiful and enjoys the emphasis on family and tradition. She keeps a kosher home and celebrates the Sabbath with her husband and children.

Zooey Deschanel

The actress was raised by a Quaker mother and a Catholic father but had no strict religious upbringing. She converted to Judaism in 2015 shortly before marrying producer Jacob Pechenik. She stated that she loved the culture and wanted to share the faith with her partner. Although the marriage ended, the conversion marked a deliberate choice to adopt a specific spiritual identity as an adult.

Ivanka Trump

The daughter of the former president was raised Presbyterian but converted to Orthodox Judaism in 2009. She underwent a rigorous study process to marry Jared Kushner and adopted the Hebrew name Yael. She observes the Sabbath strictly by turning off phones and refraining from work from Friday sundown to Saturday night. She has described the observance as a way to disconnect from the chaos of the world and connect with family.

Ye

The rapper has always included religious themes in his music but underwent a radical born-again transformation in 2019. He started holding weekly Sunday Service events that featured a gospel choir and sermons. He announced that he would no longer make secular music and released the album ‘Jesus Is King’. He speaks openly about his belief that he is working directly for God.

Daddy Yankee

The Reggaeton superstar shocked fans in 2023 by announcing his retirement from music to dedicate his life to Jesus. During his final concert in Puerto Rico, he told the crowd that a successful life is not the same as a purposeful life. He quoted scripture and declared that he would use his resources to evangelize. He has since removed secular content from his social media channels to focus on his new path.

M.I.A.

The British rapper known for her provocative political stances revealed in 2022 that she had become a born-again Christian. She claimed to have had a vision of Jesus Christ that turned her world upside down. She acknowledged that the conversion might alienate her progressive fanbase but insisted she had to speak her truth. She now incorporates Christian imagery and themes into her artistic output.

Goldie Hawn

While she was raised in the Jewish faith, the actress has been a devoted practitioner of Buddhism and mindfulness since the 1970s. She founded the Hawn Foundation to bring mindfulness training into schools to help children manage stress. She does not reject her Jewish heritage but identifies primarily with Buddhist philosophy. She credits meditation with preserving her joy and mental clarity throughout her career.

Ellen Burstyn

The Academy Award winner was raised Catholic but began exploring Sufi Islam in her thirties. She was initiated by a teacher named Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and adopted the spiritual name Hadiya. She describes herself as a spirit in an opening and practices a combination of Sufism and other mystical traditions. She often discusses how this spiritual breadth helps her empathize with the diverse characters she plays.

Sharon Stone

The actress experienced a major health crisis in 2001 which led her to deepen her spiritual practice. While she was briefly associated with the Church of Scientology early in her career, she later found a home in Tibetan Buddhism. She says that the philosophy helped her recover from her stroke and find forgiveness. She lives with a focus on compassion and karma as guiding principles.

Courtney Love

The grunge icon has practiced Nichiren Buddhism since 1989 after being introduced to it during a difficult time in her life. She chants Nam Myoho Renge Kyo daily and credits the practice with helping her survive the death of Kurt Cobain and her own addiction struggles. She has stated that without the chanting she would not be alive today. It remains the one constant discipline in her otherwise chaotic life.

Kate Bosworth

The actress began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in her early twenties after a former boyfriend introduced her to the philosophy. She found that the chanting gave her a sense of quiet in her mind that she had never experienced before. She uses the practice to visualize her goals and manage the anxiety of auditioning. She has spoken about the importance of having a spiritual anchor in the film industry.

What do you think about these transformations? Share your thoughts in the comments.