Hollywood Actors Who Have Spoken Publicly About Changing Religions
Belief can be deeply personal, yet Hollywood lives in public, which makes any spiritual shift feel especially visible.
Some actors have spoken openly about converting to a new religion. Others describe returning to a childhood faith after years away.
Plenty frame the change as gradual, shaped by relationships, life events, study, or a search for structure during stressful seasons.
Each name on the list has discussed the change publicly, offering a documented glimpse into how spirituality and celebrity can intersect in real life.
1. Shia LaBeouf’s Journey to Catholicism
Playing Padre Pio changed everything for this actor. Preparing for the role meant diving deep into Catholic traditions, prayers, and the life of an Italian priest who experienced mysterious wounds.
What started as research became a genuine spiritual awakening.
By January 2024, LaBeouf received confirmation at a New Year’s Eve Mass, officially joining the Catholic Church.
His public discussions about this transformation have inspired conversations about how art and faith sometimes collide in beautiful ways.
2. Rob Schneider Embraces Catholic Faith
Comedy and spirituality might seem like odd companions, but this funny guy found his way to Catholicism later in life. Social media became his platform for sharing the news first.
Interviews followed where Schneider opened up about what drew him toward Catholic teachings.
His decision surprised some fans who knew him mainly for laugh-out-loud movie roles.
Though he kept many details private, his willingness to discuss faith publicly showed a different side of his personality beyond punchlines.
3. Isla Fisher’s Conversion to Judaism
Love sometimes leads us down paths we never expected to walk.
Before marrying comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, Fisher made the meaningful decision to convert to Judaism.
Multiple interviews have touched on her conversion journey and how she embraced Jewish traditions. The process involved serious study and commitment, not just a casual switch.
Her openness about this choice has made her a recognizable example of interfaith relationships where one partner chooses to join the other’s religious community.
4. Marilyn Monroe’s Jewish Conversion
Hollywood’s most famous blonde made a surprising spiritual choice in 1956.
When Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller, she decided to convert to Judaism rather than ask him to change.
Museum exhibits and historical records document how she studied with a rabbi connected to Miller’s family.
This wasn’t just paperwork; she took the religious education seriously.
Though their marriage eventually ended, Monroe’s conversion represented a genuine effort to honor her husband’s heritage and beliefs during their time together.
5. Elizabeth Taylor’s Meaningful Jewish Journey
Those famous violet eyes saw beyond Hollywood glamour into deeper spiritual questions. Taylor’s conversion to Judaism became one of her most personally significant decisions.
The Jewish Museum has featured exhibitions discussing her religious transformation, treating it as far more than celebrity gossip.
Throughout her life, Taylor maintained strong connections to Jewish causes and communities, showcasing how her commitment extended well beyond the conversion ceremony itself.
6. Sammy Davis Jr. Chooses Judaism
This legendary entertainer made headlines when he converted to Judaism, creating conversations about identity that went beyond religion.
Davis saw powerful connections between Jewish and African American experiences of persecution.
Biographical sources reveal he spoke publicly about his decision, explaining the solidarity themes that drew him toward Judaism.
His conversion wasn’t about escaping his heritage but embracing another community’s struggles.
Throughout his career, Davis wore a Star of David necklace and discussed how Jewish faith shaped his worldview and artistic expression.
7. Dave Chappelle’s Islamic Faith
Around 1998, one of comedy’s sharpest voices found spiritual grounding in Islam.
Chappelle has addressed his Muslim faith at various points throughout his career, though he keeps religious practice mostly private.
Major news outlets have covered how Islam influences his perspective without dominating his comedy routines. He draws clear boundaries between his spiritual life and professional work.
8. Richard Gere’s Buddhist Practice
Few Hollywood stars have spoken as openly about Eastern spirituality as this leading man. Gere’s embrace of Buddhism has shaped decades of his personal and professional life.
Interviews reveal how Buddhist teachings changed his approach to acting, relationships, and activism.
His commitment goes way beyond trendy celebrity spirituality; he’s studied with respected teachers for years.
Gere’s willingness to discuss meditation and Buddhist philosophy publicly made him one of the most recognizable Western faces of Tibetan Buddhism worldwide.
9. Tom Cruise’s Scientology Commitment
Perhaps no celebrity is more publicly associated with their chosen religion than this action star.
Tom Cruise has discussed his long-term commitment to Scientology in numerous high-profile interviews.
He frames the organization as absolutely central to his existence, crediting it with personal and professional success. His enthusiastic advocacy has made him Scientology’s most famous face.
Whether appearing on talk shows or speaking at Scientology events, Cruise’s openness about his beliefs has generated both admiration and controversy throughout his career.
10. Julia Roberts Discovers Hinduism
After filming “Eat, Pray, Love” in 2010, this beloved actress found more than just a movie role. Julia Roberts converted to Hinduism, expressing deep respect for the religion’s ancient traditions.
She has spoken about making Hindu practices a core part of her daily routine.
Her journey shows how immersive film experiences can sometimes lead actors toward unexpected spiritual discoveries that last far beyond production schedules.
11. Orlando Bloom’s Teenage Buddhist Turn
Before becoming an elf in Middle-earth, this British actor found real-world spiritual grounding at just sixteen years old.
He describes Buddhism as both philosophy and practice that anchors his entire life.
Unlike some celebrity spiritual dabblers, Bloom has maintained consistent Buddhist practice throughout his career.
His early conversion means Buddhism shaped his approach to fame rather than fame leading him toward trendy spiritual exploration like some Hollywood peers.
