Celebs you didn’t know were religious | CNN

CNN values your feedback

1. How relevant is this ad to you?
2. Did you encounter any technical issues?
Thank You!
Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.
Close
Ad Feedback
US
World
Politics
Business
Health
Entertainment
Style
Travel
Sports
Science
Climate
Weather
World Cup 2026
Ukraine-Russia War
Israel-Hamas War
Games
More
US World Politics Business Health Entertainment Style Travel Sports Science Climate Weather World Cup 2026 Ukraine-Russia War Israel-Hamas War Games
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
Edition
US
International
Arabic
Español
Edition
  • US
  • International
  • Arabic
  • Español

  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Elections 2026
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Fast
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Follow CNN
Download the CNN App
Download the CNN App

Celebs you didn’t know were religious

Updated 7:08 AM EDT, Tue August 25, 2015
Link Copied!
"Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik studies Jewish texts, shuts down her social media during the Sabbath and believes in practicing modesty. She writes about her beliefs at <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgroknation.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">her site GrokNation. </a>
"Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik studies Jewish texts, shuts down her social media during the Sabbath and believes in practicing modesty. She writes about her beliefs at her site GrokNation.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Michael Douglas didn't identify as Jewish growing up but has taken a renewed interest in the religion as an adult. After his son faced some anti-Semitic insults, the actor called for people to confront anti-Semitism and <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fop-ed%2Fla-oe-0315-douglas-anti-semitism-20150315-story.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">wrote about the incident in a column</a>.
Michael Douglas didn't identify as Jewish growing up but has taken a renewed interest in the religion as an adult. After his son faced some anti-Semitic insults, the actor called for people to confront anti-Semitism and wrote about the incident in a column.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company/File
Andrew Keegan, who came to fame in the 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You," founded Full Circle, a new age temple and spiritual movement<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vice.com%2Fread%2Fandrew-keegan-started-a-new-religion-814" target="_blank" target="_blank"> described to Vice </a>as "advanced spiritualism."
Andrew Keegan, who came to fame in the 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You," founded Full Circle, a new age temple and spiritual movement described to Vice as "advanced spiritualism."
VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images
Chris Pratt, star of the summer blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy," <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcelebritybabies.people.com%2F2014%2F07%2F30%2Fchris-pratt-premature-son-restored-faith-guardians-of-the-galaxy%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">told People</a> that the birth of his premature son in 2012 had caused him and his wife, actress Anna Faris, to pray a great deal. "It restored my faith in God, not that it needed to be restored, but it really redefined it."
Chris Pratt, star of the summer blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy," told People that the birth of his premature son in 2012 had caused him and his wife, actress Anna Faris, to pray a great deal. "It restored my faith in God, not that it needed to be restored, but it really redefined it."
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for FIJI Water
Some were surprised to learn that rapper Ja Rule, once best known for being the brash star of Murder Inc. Records, was raised by Jehovah's Witnesses, as he revealed in his memoir "Unruly: The Highs and Lows of Becoming a Man." He was baptized as a Christian after "reconnecting with God" while working on the 2013 movie "I'm In Love With a Church Girl."
Some were surprised to learn that rapper Ja Rule, once best known for being the brash star of Murder Inc. Records, was raised by Jehovah's Witnesses, as he revealed in his memoir "Unruly: The Highs and Lows of Becoming a Man." He was baptized as a Christian after "reconnecting with God" while working on the 2013 movie "I'm In Love With a Church Girl."
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Overture Films/File
Justin Bieber was raised in a Christian household by his evangelical mother. In a 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, Bieber said, "I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I'm not going to tell them, 'You need Jesus,' but I will say at the end of my show, 'God loves you.' "
Justin Bieber was raised in a Christian household by his evangelical mother. In a 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, Bieber said, "I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I'm not going to tell them, 'You need Jesus,' but I will say at the end of my show, 'God loves you.' "
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Julia Roberts, the star of "Eat Pray Love" and countless other movies, says she and her family chant and pray at a Hindu temple. "I'm definitely a practicing Hindu," she told People in 2011.
Julia Roberts, the star of "Eat Pray Love" and countless other movies, says she and her family chant and pray at a Hindu temple. "I'm definitely a practicing Hindu," she told People in 2011.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Actress Natalie Portman, who was born Neta-Lee Hershlag in Jerusalem, was raised in a Jewish household in Long Island, New York. Now she jokes that "like, every Jewish role comes to me."
Actress Natalie Portman, who was born Neta-Lee Hershlag in Jerusalem, was raised in a Jewish household in Long Island, New York. Now she jokes that "like, every Jewish role comes to me."
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Pop star Prince became a Jehovah's Witness in 2001 and has even gone door-to-door to share his faith with others. "Sometimes people act surprised," he told The New Yorker in 2008. "But mostly they're really cool about it."
Pop star Prince became a Jehovah's Witness in 2001 and has even gone door-to-door to share his faith with others. "Sometimes people act surprised," he told The New Yorker in 2008. "But mostly they're really cool about it."
Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Lotusflow3r.com
Tiger Woods repeatedly invoked his Buddhist faith during his public apology for marital infidelity in 2010. "People probably don't realize it," he said, "but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years."
Tiger Woods repeatedly invoked his Buddhist faith during his public apology for marital infidelity in 2010. "People probably don't realize it," he said, "but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years."
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Former boxer Mike Tyson told Fox News in December that he's "very grateful to be a Muslim." "Allah doesn't need me; I need Allah," said the onetime heavyweight champion.
Former boxer Mike Tyson told Fox News in December that he's "very grateful to be a Muslim." "Allah doesn't need me; I need Allah," said the onetime heavyweight champion.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Singer Alice Cooper, the son of a lay preacher, always believed in Christ but wouldn't have considered himself a Christian before giving up his rock-star lifestyle, he told the Huffington Post.
Singer Alice Cooper, the son of a lay preacher, always believed in Christ but wouldn't have considered himself a Christian before giving up his rock-star lifestyle, he told the Huffington Post.
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Actor Mark Wahlberg is serious about his Catholic faith. Even so, he joked about his risque roles with CNN's Jake Tapper. "I hope God's a movie fan. I want to explain 'Boogie Nights' at the right time."
Actor Mark Wahlberg is serious about his Catholic faith. Even so, he joked about his risque roles with CNN's Jake Tapper. "I hope God's a movie fan. I want to explain 'Boogie Nights' at the right time."
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Orlando Bloom joined the Soka Gakkai school of Buddhism at age 19. "It's about studying what is going on in my daily life and using that as fuel to go and live a bigger life," he told Details in 2007.
Orlando Bloom joined the Soka Gakkai school of Buddhism at age 19. "It's about studying what is going on in my daily life and using that as fuel to go and live a bigger life," he told Details in 2007.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Recognized for his role in "Rush Hour," Chris Tucker said he became a born-again Christian after filming "Money Talks" in 1997. Eight years later, Tucker was arrested for speeding on a Sunday in Georgia, allegedly approaching 120 mph. He was soon released and apologized, saying he was running late to church.
Recognized for his role in "Rush Hour," Chris Tucker said he became a born-again Christian after filming "Money Talks" in 1997. Eight years later, Tucker was arrested for speeding on a Sunday in Georgia, allegedly approaching 120 mph. He was soon released and apologized, saying he was running late to church.
Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Comedian Dave Chappelle, a practicing Muslim, left his highly successful show in 2005 and went on a spiritual retreat in Africa. "I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing," he told Time in 2005.  "And I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way."
Comedian Dave Chappelle, a practicing Muslim, left his highly successful show in 2005 and went on a spiritual retreat in Africa. "I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing," he told Time in 2005. "And I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way."
Joshua Roberts/Getty Images
Paula Abdul, the singer and former "American Idol" judge, told The Associated Press that "beyond being Jewish, I've always found myself to be very much in tune with spirituality."
Paula Abdul, the singer and former "American Idol" judge, told The Associated Press that "beyond being Jewish, I've always found myself to be very much in tune with spirituality."
Tiffany Rose/WireImage/Getty Images
Miley Cyrus was baptized in a Southern Baptist church and still calls herself a Christian though she doesn't attend church every Sunday. "People are always looking for you to do something that is non-Christian," she told Parade magazine in 2010. "But it's like, 'Dude, Christians don't live in the dark.' ... If I wear something revealing, they go, 'Well, that's not Christian.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I'm going to go to hell because I'm wearing a pair of really short white shorts.' "
Miley Cyrus was baptized in a Southern Baptist church and still calls herself a Christian though she doesn't attend church every Sunday. "People are always looking for you to do something that is non-Christian," she told Parade magazine in 2010. "But it's like, 'Dude, Christians don't live in the dark.' ... If I wear something revealing, they go, 'Well, that's not Christian.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I'm going to go to hell because I'm wearing a pair of really short white shorts.' "
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Clear Channel
Actress Erika Christensen defended Scientology last year after the release of "Going Clear," a book that offered a probing look at the controversial church. "(People assume) we're some kind of closed group and we're just the Hollywood religion ... and we worship rabbits. I don't actually know how many people think that," she<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded%26v%3DSXNeSuUMdhc" target="_blank" target="_blank"> joked in an online video</a>.
Actress Erika Christensen defended Scientology last year after the release of "Going Clear," a book that offered a probing look at the controversial church. "(People assume) we're some kind of closed group and we're just the Hollywood religion ... and we worship rabbits. I don't actually know how many people think that," she joked in an online video.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for COS
Actor Denzel Washington may be more known for his starring role in films like "American Gangster," but he's also a devout Christian. He told GQ magazine in 2012 that he "reads the Bible every day."
Actor Denzel Washington may be more known for his starring role in films like "American Gangster," but he's also a devout Christian. He told GQ magazine in 2012 that he "reads the Bible every day."
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Pop star Katy Perry was raised Pentecostal and once recorded on a Christian label. "I lay on my back one night and looked down at my feet, and I prayed to God. I said, 'God, will you please let me have boobs so big that I can't see my feet when I'm lying down?' God answered my prayers," she told GQ magazine.
Pop star Katy Perry was raised Pentecostal and once recorded on a Christian label. "I lay on my back one night and looked down at my feet, and I prayed to God. I said, 'God, will you please let me have boobs so big that I can't see my feet when I'm lying down?' God answered my prayers," she told GQ magazine.
Aijaz Rahi/AP
Malcolm Gladwell, the bestselling journalist, was raised among Mennonites. After writing "David and Goliath," he told Religion News Service that "I am in the process of rediscovering my own faith again."
Malcolm Gladwell, the bestselling journalist, was raised among Mennonites. After writing "David and Goliath," he told Religion News Service that "I am in the process of rediscovering my own faith again."
Peter Foley/Bloomberg/Getty Images
After Pope Francis was elected, television personality Mario Lopez tweeted, "Big moment for the church & for those of us who call ourselves Catholics. I hope Pope Francis comes with an open heart & open mind... #Faith."
After Pope Francis was elected, television personality Mario Lopez tweeted, "Big moment for the church & for those of us who call ourselves Catholics. I hope Pope Francis comes with an open heart & open mind... #Faith."
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Elections 2026
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Headlines
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

US
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account
Follow CNN

Download the CNN app
Download the CNN app

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Ad Choices Accessibility & CC About Newsletters Transcripts

© 2026 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.
CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.