Hollywood is traditionally associated with hedonism and vice. But some celebrities defy these stereotypes, choosing religion to anchor and guide their lives.
Many of these stars are candid about their religious beliefs, while others prefer to keep their faith private. Nevertheless, they have stayed true to their values and beliefs, even when receiving flak from fans or the industry. Here are 50 celebrities who continue to keep their faith.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez was raised Catholic by her parents. The star even wore a purity ring when she was 13 as a testament to her faith. In the past, Gomez and her ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber, have been spotted attending Hillsong services in Los Angeles and New York.
Gomez prefers not to talk about it too much since religion has gotten a bad rep, but she admits she is very spiritual. When asked about a moment she felt the most connected to God, Gomez shared it was when she was seriously ill.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus was baptized in a Southern Baptist church and continues to identify as a Christian. But, while faith is still important to her, she does not express it by going to church every Sunday. Instead, she's spiritual in her own way.
A defining shift in her relationship with the church was its discrimination against the queer community. She was coming into her own sexual identity then, only to discover the church had no space for people like her. But she came in like a wrecking ball - dismantling old notions and redefining her relationship with God as an adult.
Mayim Balik
The world knows and loves Mayim Balik as "Amy" – the hyper-rationalist neuroscientist on the "Big Bang Theory." She's also a neuroscientist in real life, and one of the reasons why many people find it surprising that Balik is devoted to her Jewish faith. A woman of science and religion? Now that makes for some interesting conversations.
She studies religious texts and scientific papers with equal passion. The actor is also known to disconnect from social media during Sabbath. Being religious may not be "trendy" in Hollywood circles. Balik is open and proud of her faith, regardless.
PRINCE
Prince's death in 2016 had people divided. The reason? The barrier-breaking, sometimes bawdy star was, in reality, a devoted Jehovah's Witness who reportedly opposed marriage equality for the LGBTQIA community. If you listen closely, his body of work contains strong spiritual and religious themes.
Prince was raised as a Seventh-Day Adventist but later became a Jehovah's Witness. His beliefs, however, were his own. The sexual overtones of his performances were an expression of spirituality, in his view. PRINCE was also obsessed with the afterlife and Judeo-Christian scripture.
Elisabeth Moss
Elisabeth Moss is one of the few celebrities that grew up in the Church of Scientology. Most stars join the church after gaining fame and recognition. Moss rarely speaks about her faith. Instead, she prefers audiences to focus on her craft and performances on-screen.
Fans have long struggled to reconcile her impeccable artistry in "The Handmaid's Tale" with her Scientology affiliation, especially since she plays a feminist warrior fighting back against an oppressive establishment.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was raised Buddhist by his Thai mother, actively pursuing the religion as a child. He went to the temple with his mother and even practiced meditation. However, woods left the religion, only to return to his faith during the darkest moments of his life.
When news about his numerous infidelities made headlines, Woods took refuge in Buddhism to turn his life around. The focus on inner growth through spirituality is an aspect of Buddhism that speaks to Woods the most.
Ja Rule
Rapper Ja Rule, best known as the cocky star of Murder Inc. Records, was raised by Jehovah's Witnesses. Born Jeffrey Atkins, he served a two-year prison sentence for tax evasion and attempted criminal possession of firearms. Ja Rule was released from jail in 2013 and eventually appeared in "I'm In Love with a Church Girl."
The movie compelled him to look closer at his life, and he found himself reconnecting with God. He and his wife found sanctuary at Hillsong Church, with the rapper nowadays balancing his faith while still being in the entertainment industry.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner grew up going to church every Sunday in Texas, but she stopped after moving to Los Angeles. Then, in 2016, the actor starred in "Miracles from Heaven," a film that inspired Garner to reconnect with her faith.
She and her children began attending regular services at their local Methodist Church, and they haven't looked back. Something about making the film made her realize that her children needed the benefits and structure of church every Sunday.
Mike Tyson
Still wondering what Mike Tyson's religious affiliations are? The former boxing heavyweight recently ended the long-standing debate by revealing his religious beliefs.
In a podcast hosted by the NELK boys, the boxer said he was born a Christian but converted to Islam - the same as his idol, Muhammad Ali. Tyson became a Muslim in the early '90s when he wasn't actively boxing. In an interview for Fox News, he shared how he is "very grateful to be a Muslim."
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg was born, raised, and remains a devout Catholic. "Being a Catholic is a vital aspect of my life. The first thing I do when I start my day is getting down on my hands and knees and give thanks to God," the actor said.
He's proud of being a Catholic and shares it openly with his Hollywood circle. At the same time, Wahlberg does not believe in imposing religion, especially on his kids. Instead, he chooses to live the faith and set an example daily instead of mandating it.
Alice Cooper
Rock singer Alice Cooper always had church in his life, having been raised by a father who was a preacher. It wasn't until he stopped alcohol and drugs in the 1980s that he started taking religion seriously, prompted, in part, by his wife, Sheryl. The rock n' roll lifestyle had taken a toll on the musician, physically and mentally.
After re-discovering Christianity, Cooper even contemplated changing his name. His pastor advised him against it. A world where he could be the legendary Alice Cooper and a devout Christian signaled infinite possibility.
Chris Pratt
Christ Pratt has come under intense social media fire for his alleged associations with an anti-LGBTQ church. The Guardians of the Galaxy has given several interviews to clarify widespread misconceptions about his religious views.
He has never attended Hillsong or knows anyone from the church. Pratt calls himself more "spiritual" than religious, calling institutionalized religion "oppressive." The actor believes in "a very real God," separate from the artificial systems that seek to control people.
Madonna
Madonna was born and raised a Christian, attending Catholic school for most of her formative years. By the early 2000s, Madonna was one of the most successful recording artists in history. And yet, true fulfillment eluded her.
She was exhausted and needed an anchor when she discovered Kabbalah - a form of Jewish mysticism. Unlike other celebrities, she was a deeply-devoted student and even changed her name to Esther during that period. That said, she has always seen herself as more spiritual than religious.
Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker, best known for his role in "Rush Hour," revealed that he reconnected with Christianity after filming "Money Talks" in 1997. Although Tucker does not publicly endorse his faith on social media, he openly discussed his religious beliefs in a 2014 interview.
He admitted he has never been a raunchy comic due to his Christian faith. Being a Christian in comedy presents Tucker with unique challenges. He can't cuss or say something lewd, compelling him to dig deeper and find other material.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman was born in 1981 by the name Natalie Hershlag in Israel. The actor is a devout and practicing Jew who holds dual Israeli and American citizenship. Portman has shared how it can be dangerous to be Jewish in most places.
However, as she got older, she realized how important it was to cherish places where one could be themselves and freely celebrate their culture. In 2018, Portman received The Genesis Prize (or the equivalent of a "Jewish Nobel"), recognizing individuals who serve as extraordinary inspiration to the next generation of Jews.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is a Hollywood A-lister, the son of a preacher man, and a devout Pentecostal Christian. Washington reads the Bible and the Daily Word every day.
The actor believes life is worth living only when one can make a difference. Apart from his artistry, religion is one of the ways he hopes to leave an impact. Washington donated $2.5 million to the Pentecostal West Angeles Church of God in Christ in 1995.
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle's quest for a spiritual awakening began 30 years ago. He always felt life should mean something apart from what his hands could hold. Chapelle today is a practicing Muslim. He doesn't talk much about his faith due to the narrow public discourse about Islam.
Chappelle calls it "a beautiful religion" whose ideas reflect in all Abrahamic faiths. Inspired by Islam, Chapelle often uses his comedy to serve the greater good. He has organized several shows to benefit communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ginnifer Goodwin
Ginnifer Goodwin grew up in a Christian-Jewish household. Her mother took her to synagogue on Saturdays, and Sundays meant church with her father. In keeping with the spirit of the family, Goodwin was baptized and had a bat mitzvah!
However, things changed when she grew older and disillusioned with Judaism. The actor upped and left the community with no ceremony. Goodwin has now reaffirmed her identity as Jewish by choice, not just Jewish by birth.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts grew up in a Christian family but chose to follow Hinduism. Roberts, her husband, Danny Moder, and their three children regularly visit temples together to pray, celebrate, and chant. Roberts is a practicing Hindu who prefers not to discuss her faith since it is personal to her.
Even though people care about celebrities and their lives, Roberts believes people don't want to know every little thing. Politics and religion are right up there.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was raised an evangelical Christian. She converted to Judaism after marrying playwright Arthur Miller. The actor decided to convert partly out of love for her husband and his family. But more for the appeal of Judaism.
The inherent rationalism of Judaism impressed Monroe. She was attracted to its ethics, ideals, and the value it placed on close family life. The actor reportedly told a friend that she could identify with the Jewish community since people were always out to get them without cause.
Selena Quintanilla
Selena was raised as a Jehovah's witness by her parents, Marcella and Abraham. Despite her tragic death in 1995, her father stated that his family does not participate in memorial services for his daughter.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate deaths or birthdays. Selena lost a lot of blood after being shot by Yolanda Saldivar, a staff member accused of embezzling money from her. The doctors gave Selena transfusions to try and save her life - something her father was not happy about since it went against the family's religious beliefs.
Mos Def
Mos Def ruled the '90s underground rap scene and is widely regarded as one of the most influential anchors of the last two decades. He is also a Sunni Muslim. Every track the artist writes is a reflection of his creed. His father introduced his son and future recording artist to Islam when he was 13.
When he turned 19, Mos made his "shahada," or Muslim declaration of faith. He joins the rank of several artists who use hip-hop to articulate faith – whether Islam or otherwise.
Hailey Baldwin
Hailey Baldwin, like Selena Gomez, is a member of Hillsong Church's extensive celebrity roster. The model is open about her faith and has stated that she prefers to be around people who share her Christian values, including her husband, Justin Bieber.
Hailey credits the couple's shared faith as the sole reason they are so good together. She's opened up about how challenging it is to navigate working in the entertainment industry while holding onto her religious beliefs. Even people who share her beliefs have been judgmental, calling her lifestyle un-Christian.
Russell Brand
Russell Brand is hardly the name you would expect on a list of people who have found Jesus. The brand is best known for bawdy humor, an indulgent lifestyle, and being Katy Perry's controversial ex-husband. The British comedian and actor are almost unrecognizable today.
The man got sober and is still uproariously funny. The brand has always been spiritual despite its seemingly agnostic ways. He previously associated himself with Hinduism, Buddhism, and mysticism. He hasn't gone far enough to call himself a Christian but has shared he would like to "know more."
Pink
Pink was raised in Pennsylvania by a Catholic father and a Jewish mother. Although she has gone on record to say she is Jewish, the Grammy-winning star does not speak publicly about God or religion. One of the rare occasions she mentioned her Jewish heritage was while defending Mel Gibson against accusations of anti-Semitism.
She said she was Jewish and the world should give a man of Gibson's talents more credit. Alcohol makes people do crazy things, she said. Understandably, the Jewish community was not happy.
Kris Jenner
Kim Kardashian wasn't exaggerating when she once mentioned how important religion is in her family's lives. Her mother, Kris Jenner, attends church religiously. That's not all. She also co-founded a church! Jenner and pastor Brad Johnson founded the California Community Church in 2009.
The parish motto? Everyone deserves love. Kris made it a point to raise her children as devout Christians. The family reportedly begins the day with a group chat, where Kris shares a Bible verse and gets everyone to discuss it.
Andrew Keegan
The 10 Things I Hate About You star established a new-age spiritual group in 2014 called Full Circle. While intended to be a "new religion," Keegan described the group as "non-denominational."
Full Circle is a community center where people from all faiths and backgrounds realize their higher spiritual selves through the power of community and events. What kind of events? Meditation, art, yoga, and other activities with a "high spiritual vibe."
Laura Prepon
When you think of Scientology, celebrities like Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta come to mind. There is also Laura Prepon, best known as Alex Vause in "Orange Is The New Black" and Donna in "That 70's Show." Not anymore, however.
She has replaced Scientology with the art of meditation. Vause considers herself a spiritual person, except the Church of Scientology is no longer a part of her journey. Instead, she calls Scientology one of the many religions that intrigues her. Although she was raised Jewish and Catholic, Prepon does not allow one faith to define her.
Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom was raised in the Church of England but converted to Buddhism in 2004. An eye-opening trip to South Africa in the early 2000s revealed to Bloom how much stardom had wrecked his peace of mind.
He was tired of feeling anxious and fearful because of his fast-paced life. So Bloom turned to Buddhism to find more meaning and peace. He is now a full member of SGI-UK, the UK branch of Soka Gakkai International. SGI is a Buddhist organization based on the teachings of a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest.
Ice Cube
Actor and rapper Ice Cube converted to Islam in the '90s. Ice Cube, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is a self-described natural, mellow, and easy-going Muslim. He's not big on rituals and traditions.
He doesn't go to the mosque, either. Islam is personal for the rapper - a departure from his early days and his controversial endorsement of the Nation of Islam – widely considered a fundamentalist organization.
Richard Gere
The Hollywood A-lister was raised in a Methodist home and majored in Philosophy. However, religion appears to have always piqued his interest, and a trip to Nepal in the late 1970s changed his life.
Gere became enamored with Buddhis. He studied Zen Buddhism for six years and then switched to Tibetan Buddhism, where he met His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The actor has since become a practicing Buddhist and a passionate advocate for the Tibetan people.
Erika Christensen
Christensen was raised as a Scientologist, and she isn't afraid to own it. The star came out to defend Scientology after the release of the documentary "Going Clear" (2015), which, she says, has no basis in real life. For Christensen, Scientology isn't something one believes. It's something one does.
She explained that the church's method involves a great deal of self-illumination. It is a process of "giving a person back to themselves" through hard work, clarity, and freedom of personality.
Katy Perry
The pop star who brought us "I Kissed A Girl And I Liked It" grew up in a deeply conservative family. Katy Perry told an interviewer that her parents, evangelical Christian pastors, frequently spoke in tongues.
Not many people know she sang for Christian record labels under Katy Hudson - her real name. Perry nowadays has abandoned traditional Christian beliefs for spirituality. She believes in a higher power to stay accountable, not an "old man sitting on a throne."
Stephen Colbert
Popular talk show host Stephen Colbert was raised a Catholic and virtually grew up in a church community.
While he learned to respect the Catholic church, Colbert never hesitated in challenging and questioning religious doctrine - hardly surprising for someone who makes a living out of questioning things that don't make sense. Colbert remains a devout Catholic. He believes faith shaped his life and outlook, especially when he experienced personal tragedies.
Donny and Marie Osmond
The popular sibling pop duo are devout Mormons. Donny and Marie Osmond have always been open about their faith. Donny attributed being Mormon to helping him stay grounded despite his celebrity status. Unlike most Mormons, however, Donny did not serve a two-year mission.
Regardless, his connection with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been an anchor throughout his life. Likewise, Marie says she owes the Mormon faith everything. The church helped her cope with enormous personal loss and challenges.
Pierce Brosnan
Unlike his devil-may-care 007 personas, Pierce Brosnan off-screen is a devout Catholic. The actor revealed that his Catholic faith helped him cope with the deaths of his first wife and adopted daughter, both tragically passed away after battling ovarian cancer.
Being Irish and Catholic is a part of his DNA, Brosnan says. The former 007-star credits prayer and his Catholic faith for making him a better husband, father, and actor.
Sean Astin
He doesn't wear his faith on his sleeve, but Sean Astin has had a remarkable spiritual journey. Astin grew up with the influences of Judaism and Buddhism in his life. He studied Buddhism, Judaism, and even agnosticism before discovering Christianity.
The "Lord Of The Rings" star now belongs to the Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and his wife. He has recently appeared in several faith-based films. Regardless of what religion his fans identify with, Astin hopes his films will allow them to breathe and reflect for a moment.
MC Hammer
MC Hammer was a musical icon during the 1990s. His hit hip-hop track "Can't Touch This" defined the MTV generation and got everyone moving. So, it may come as a surprise to learn that the 50-something rapper prefers making Gospel music nowadays.
Hammer grew up in a Pentecostal church, and Christianity has always played a leading role in his life. Today, he's also a preacher for the Church of God in Christ and volunteers at a prison, where he counsels troubled young people. Fun fact - the artist claims that MC now stands for "Man of Christ."
Kevin Sorbo
Kevin Sorbo is a conservative Christian who isn't afraid to be himself in Hollywood. The actor best known for playing Hercules believes many of the world's problems stem from a lack of religion. Religion, for Sorbo, isn't just a source of comfort.
It is the only way of life. Sorbo thinks America is too secular. He believes biblical principles offer clarity and hope. It's one of the reasons why he's not afraid to take on faith-based roles and bring hope to the big screen.
Kevin James
The "King of Queens" actor is well-known for his ability to make people laugh. But many people are unaware that James is a Christian with deep roots in the church.
He was raised in the Catholic Church, with the family attending service every Sunday without fail. James shared that he's been guilty of not living his faith daily and praying only when he needed something. The actor hopes to show more gratitude for the blessings in his life.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry took Hollywood by storm in 2005 with "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." He has been a practicing Christian for most of his life, and his faith has always informed his work. Perry is not one to keep religion "in the closet." Sure, he may often dress in drag for movies, but don't let that fool you.
Tyler Perry is a devout Christian, with his faith spilling over into some of his artistic choices. Many of the characters in his films have no qualms about unabashedly expressing their faith in God.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher was born into a Roman Catholic family, but he now considers himself spiritual and studies Kabbalah. Kutcher appears to be disinterested in organized religion, however.
The "Two And A Half Men" discovered and endorsed Kabbalah during divorce rumors with then-wife Demi Moore. The media speculated that it was a ploy to divert attention away from his shaky marriage. Still, Kutcher went on a pilgrimage to Israel and believes Kabbalah has set him on a positive path.
John Travolta
When John Travolta was 21, he bade goodbye to Catholicism and embraced Scientology. He practiced in the church long before landing his iconic roles in "Grease" or "Saturday Night Fever." Travolta also brought his wife, Kelly Preston, along.
When their son died tragically from a seizure, Travolta credited the church for helping him through it. Today he's one of the most well-known faces of the Church of Scientology. Travolta believes Scientology gave him stability and the tools he needed to deal with personal and professional stressors.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner was born and raised a Baptist; however, she became one of the world's most famous Buddhists. In an interview, she spoke about her past struggles with depression and a "litany" of other problems. Turner lost hope and attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills.
Fortunately, she was rushed to the hospital on time and recovered. Soon after, several people advised her to try Buddhist chanting and study Buddhist principles. The more she learned, the more she appreciated the philosophy. It made perfect sense to her. She credited Buddhism with literally saving her life until her very last days. She sadly passed away in May 2023, leaving behind her a legacy.
Patricia Heaton
You may recognize her as the frazzled wife, mother, and Ray Romano's wife on "Everybody Loves Raymond." The Emmy-award-winning actor was raised Catholic and even attended Catholic school. She now attends a Presbyterian church. Heaton claims being a Christian and a vocal Republican has made her a pariah in Hollywood.
But that doesn't stop her from professing her faith. She took part in a Christian comedy tour that you can see on DVD called "Thou Shalt Laugh." On and off tour, she advocates on behalf of an anti-abortion group called Feminists for Life.
Stephen Baldwin
Stephen Baldwin is the youngest member of the famous Baldwin acting family. He's always been a firebrand professionally.
However, the actor today has also found an equal passion for Christianity. Baldwin was raised in a Roman Catholic family but abandoned his faith to pursue his dream of becoming a movie star. After the 9/11 attacks, Baldwin reconnected with his faith and has since adhered zealously to evangelical Christianity.
Debby Ryan
Debby Ryan grew up in a Christian family and attended church every Sunday. So when she landed a dream role as Bailey on "The Sweet Life on Deck," it catapulted her to new Disney Princess status. However there is a lot more than meets the eye with Ryan.
Ryan is among the few Christians in Hollywood who dare go against the grain. She refused to drink at parties or date until she turned 18. The star also started a Bible study group with peers who share her beliefs.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul can seemingly do it all - dance, choreograph, act, and judge national-level competitions. However, Abdul was raised Jewish and remains devoted to her faith. Her rabbi, Chaim Mentz, describes her as "a good Jewish girl."
The former Laker Girl attends service regularly and takes Sabbath seriously. She has even visited Israel at the invitation of the Tourist Minister. Besides being Jewish, Abdul says she has always been in tune with spirituality.
Mario Lopez
Mario Lopez, best known for his role as A.C. Slater on "Saved by the Bell," has always been candid about his personal life away from the cameras.
It's clear he's a family man and a devoted Catholic through and through. Religion and faith have always played an integral role in his life. Lopez attends church every Sunday. If he can't attend, Lopez ensures he lights a candle in any church later that day or during the week.
Martin Sheen
The West Wing actor is a practicing Catholic. In an interview, he shared that he is "not nuts about the institution" but loves the faith. Sheen says true believers understand that God resides within us and our humanity, irrespective of religious affiliations.
Sheen wasn't always an ardent Catholic, however. He revealed that he left his faith midway owing to the sheer negligence of his spiritual life. However, director Terrence Malik inspired him to reconnect with his faith again.