Famous celebrities who changed their religion
These 8 celebrities publicly acknowledged the change in their religious beliefs
It's not uncommon for individuals, including celebrities, to shift away from the religions they practiced in childhood and explore new belief systems later in life. From Snoop Dogg to Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, and more, their religious transitions are often triggered (like most conversions) due to personal reflection, life experiences, and a search for meaning and connection.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg's spiritual journey has indeed been multi-faceted and ever-evolving. In 2009, he shared that he joined the Nation of Islam during an event in Chicago. Subsequently, in 2012, he announced his conversion to Rastafarianism, a religion with roots in Jamaica. His approach to spirituality changed again when Snoop Dogg released a Gospel-inspired album titled 'Bible of Love' in 2018 and declared himself a Born Again Christian.
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes, the actress, was initially raised in the Catholic faith. However, her spiritual journey took a turn when she began studying Scientology after starting to date Tom Cruise in 2005. At the time, she expressed, "I'm really excited about it," to the Associated Press. Nevertheless, following her separation from Tom Cruise in 2012, Holmes returned to Catholicism, marking a shift in her affiliation back to her birth religion.
Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom shared insights into his spiritual journey in an interview with Sokka Gakkai International (SGI), a global Buddhist network. The actor revealed that his path to practicing Buddhism began when his best friend, David, introduced him to the faith during their student years while studying for exams. Bloom expressed gratitude for his Buddhist practice, especially as his acting career propelled him into the public eye at a young age, calling Buddhism and its practices as the "anchor" in his life.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf, who was brought up in a household with both Jewish and Christian influences, underwent a significant spiritual transformation. After filming the 2014 movie 'Fury', the actor shared that he had fully embraced Christianity, attributing this change to his co-star Brad Pitt who played a supportive role in helping him navigate this journey. LaBeouf emphasized, "I found God doing 'Fury'. I became a Christian man, and not in a f---ing bulls--- way — in a very real way," to Interview Magazine.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts, known for her role in 'Eat, Pray, Love', identified herself as a "practicing Hindu" in a 2010 interview with Elle. Her connection to Hinduism was evident when she said she visits temples to "chant, pray and celebrate." Her impetus to explore the Eastern religion came "from seeing a picture of a guru called Neem Karoli Baba. I was so drawn to this picture of this person..."
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks, who was raised by Catholic parents, experienced a shift in her religious identity through her relationship with her now-husband Max Handelman, who practices Judaism. On Marc Maron's podcast, she revealed although she did not fully complete the conversion process, Banks considers herself Jewish. "I've been essentially a Jew for like 15 years. I haven't had a Christmas tree in 15 years," she said.
Richard Gere
Richard Gere, raised by Methodist parents, embarked on a spiritual journey that led him to Buddhism in his 20s. For over four decades, Gere has been dedicated to practicing Buddhism, immersing himself in the teachings and rituals. According to a Lion's Roar interview, his commitment to Buddhism is evident in his extensive travels to India and Nepal, where he has sought to deepen his understanding and practice of the faith.
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson, the rapper known by his stage name Ice Cube, underwent a religious transformation in the 1990s when he converted to Islam. "What I call myself is a natural Muslim, because it's just me and God", he told The Guardian.