Hollywood Women Who Are Vocal About Their Lack of Faith

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For many celebrities, religion has always been a part of their lives, but more and more well-known actresses, directors, and performers in Hollywood are openly choosing not to follow any religion. These women identify as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious, and often say they prefer to base their beliefs on reason and human values. Their experiences show the wide range of beliefs within the entertainment world. From established stars to today’s actors, these women are using their public voice to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own actions and following ethical principles that don’t rely on religion. This article focuses on those who have publicly shared their lack of religious belief.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore recently told The Hollywood Reporter that she doesn’t believe in God, explaining that her achievements and the order in her life are due to her own efforts and choices, not fate or divine help. She frequently emphasizes the value of human relationships and taking responsibility for one’s own life, especially since she found no comfort in religion after her mother passed away. Moore generally focuses on what’s real and present in the world around her.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson doesn’t believe in God and holds strong libertarian and anarchist views. In an interview with ‘The Australian’, she explained that she finds traditional religion upsetting and illogical. She champions secular humanism, meaning she bases her sense of right and wrong on compassion and fairness. Thompson has said the Bible doesn’t offer her solace, and she believes that literature and connections with others are more meaningful than religious beliefs.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster publicly shared her atheism in a 2007 interview with ‘Entertainment Weekly.’ Although she doesn’t personally believe in a god, she appreciates the traditions and cultural significance of religions around the world. She’s raised her children to understand different beliefs while staying true to her own non-religious perspective, emphasizing science and psychology to explain life and focusing on reason and evidence when making ethical decisions.

Helen Mirren

I’ve always admired Helen Mirren, and I find her honesty about her beliefs so compelling. She’s openly talked about being an atheist, explaining it stems from how she was raised and just seeing how complicated the world is. It’s not that she lacks appreciation for beauty, though – she’s often spoken about being in awe of nature and everything people can achieve. What really strikes me is that she lives by her own strong moral compass – kindness and doing her job well – instead of following religious rules. She’s a truly inspiring figure, especially as a successful and outspoken older actress who embraces a secular life.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley has playfully mentioned wishing she believed in religion, simply because it seems easier to ask for forgiveness. In an interview with ‘The Guardian,’ she explained that she doesn’t believe in God and instead believes in taking full responsibility for her own actions. She sees confessing as a way to avoid that responsibility. Knightley prefers to live by a personal code of ethics, focusing on how her actions affect the people around her, rather than relying on religious beliefs. Her approach to morality is grounded in real-world consequences and personal accountability.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman is a Jewish comedian who doesn’t believe in God. She often uses her comedy and TV appearances to question organized religion and its impact on government. Silverman believes people can be moral without religion and champions values focused on humanity. She often points out what she sees as inconsistencies in religious texts, and consistently emphasizes the importance of questioning things and thinking for yourself.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton doesn’t identify with any particular religion, and she’s openly said she’s unsure if there’s a God or higher power. In her writings and interviews, she’s talked about her complex feelings about what happens after death. She tends to find joy and meaning in the world around her, especially through art and beauty. While she appreciates the artistic side of religion, she doesn’t feel a personal connection to faith and is comfortable with not having all the answers.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn never believed in God and openly discussed her atheism throughout her successful acting career. In an interview with ‘Ladies’ Home Journal,’ she explained she didn’t believe in an afterlife and thought people should be good simply because it’s the right thing to do, not to earn a reward in heaven. Her strong independence and self-reliance reflected these beliefs. She’s remembered as a trailblazer for women who don’t practice religion, especially those in the public eye.

Thandiwe Newton

As someone who loves exploring different perspectives, I found Thandiwe Newton’s insights really compelling. She’s talked about how she moved away from a religious background and now sees the world through a scientific lens. For her, the idea of ‘self’ isn’t some fixed thing, but something built up over time, and she finds more answers in understanding biology and how we interact as a society than in traditional religion. She shared in a TED Talk that letting go of religious structures actually deepened her connection to other people. She identifies as an atheist and is fascinated by consciousness, believing science can unlock its secrets. What really resonates with me is how much she stresses the importance of empathy – recognizing that we’re all connected through our shared human experiences.

Björk

Björk doesn’t believe in traditional gods, finding spirituality instead in nature and science. She’s described herself as an atheist when it comes to organized religion, believing the natural world and its processes are far more impressive than any religious story. This worldview often shows up in her music, where she explores themes of evolution and biology. She sees religion as something created by people that can actually hold humanity back.

Amber Heard

Since her teenage years, after the loss of a friend, Amber Heard has identified as an atheist. This experience led her to question the idea of a loving God and embrace a non-religious worldview. Heard is a strong supporter of human rights and often speaks out about the importance of keeping religion separate from government. She believes that because she doesn’t have religious faith, it’s even more important to work towards real, practical improvements in the world, focusing on reason and individual freedom.

Janeane Garofalo

Janeane Garofalo is a well-known atheist who often speaks at events for people who don’t believe in religion. She frequently points out what she sees as the negative influence of religion on American politics and individual freedoms. Garofalo believes you don’t need religion to be a good person and live a meaningful life. She uses humor to question traditional religious beliefs and encourage people to think for themselves. Her support for separating religion from government and public life is a common topic in her public talks.

Kathy Griffin

As a movie and comedy fan, I’ve always been aware of Kathy Griffin’s outspoken atheism. It’s pretty famous, actually – she even brought it up when accepting her Emmy! She often playfully calls out people who thank God when they win something, arguing that hard work is what really gets you places. A lot of her stand-up deals with her lack of faith and how she grew up, contrasting that with her current beliefs. She’s a big supporter of keeping religion and government separate and consistently champions secular organizations. Honestly, being openly non-religious is a huge part of who she is publicly.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall has openly shared that she doesn’t believe in a god and considers herself an atheist. While she’s intrigued by religion as a human creation, she doesn’t have any personal spiritual beliefs. Hall often explores the intricacies of the human mind in her films, such as ‘The Night House’. She finds peace in accepting the natural end of life and focusing on the present. Ultimately, her perspective is rooted in a realistic view of the world and a desire to understand things through reason.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent, the stage name of Annie Clark, has publicly stated she doesn’t believe in God. She often explains how her lack of religious belief influences her music, which focuses on the real, physical world. Clark finds inspiration and direction within herself and human experience, rather than through any higher power. She believes life can be understood without relying on supernatural explanations, and her art often examines topics like power, who we are, and the idea that there’s no divine force guiding us.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson doesn’t identify with any particular religion, describing herself as generally questioning about faith. While she’s looked into different spiritual ideas, she hasn’t committed to one. Instead, she dedicates herself to helping others and supporting important social issues. She often emphasizes the value of being present and recognizing our connection to each other, prioritizing personal development and compassion for the world over strict religious beliefs.

Sharon Stone

I’ve always been fascinated by Sharon Stone, and in recent interviews, she’s been very open about her spiritual beliefs – or lack thereof. She identifies as agnostic, meaning she doesn’t adhere to any particular religion. She’s explored Buddhism and other faiths, but ultimately, she’s a secular thinker. What really strikes me is her focus on human qualities – intelligence and kindness – as the guiding principles in life. She consistently champions causes like medical research and human rights, and it’s clear those are her real priorities. It’s a worldview rooted in questioning everything and thinking for herself, which I find incredibly admirable.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver has often said she isn’t religious, finding more inspiration in the beauty of nature and the intricacies of people than in traditional religion. Although she’s portrayed characters dealing with spiritual ideas, she personally lives a secular life. She’s fascinated by science and believes in the power of human potential, approaching life with a practical, curious outlook focused on the real world.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon considers herself a humanist and doesn’t follow traditional religion. She’s a strong advocate for social justice and protecting the environment, believing it’s our duty to work towards a better world. While she appreciates the traditions and ceremonies of different cultures, she doesn’t believe in supernatural explanations. Sarandon focuses on practical solutions and believes that by working together, we can make a real difference. Her beliefs are based on understanding others and taking action to create positive change.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart doesn’t consider herself religious and is generally skeptical of organized religion. She prioritizes her work, relationships, and genuine experiences over seeking spiritual direction. She values being true to herself and living authentically, and prefers to find her own path rather than following traditional beliefs or societal norms. She approaches life and her career in a practical, down-to-earth way.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton doesn’t follow any particular religion, leaning instead towards a secular or agnostic perspective. She approaches life through art and philosophy, without believing in a god. Swinton is fascinated by what it means to be human, but sees this as distinct from traditional religious beliefs. She prioritizes exploring who we are and pushing the limits of artistic expression. Throughout her life and work, she’s demonstrated a fiercely independent spirit, free from religious constraints.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett has shared that she isn’t religious, identifying more as someone who doesn’t claim to know if God exists. She’s interested in the history and beauty of religion, but doesn’t personally believe in a higher power. Instead, she’s passionate about protecting the environment and preserving culture, believing we have a responsibility to the planet and those who come after us. Her perspective is shaped by her love of both art and science.

Michelle Forbes

Michelle Forbes openly identifies as an atheist and has discussed her lack of religious belief in interviews. She believes ideas about heaven and hell are created by people as a way to influence how others act. Forbes prefers to concentrate on what’s happening now and how we affect each other. She feels living a non-religious life gives her more freedom to think for herself and make her own choices. This practical, evidence-based way of seeing the world shapes both her work and her personal life.

Linda Blair

Linda Blair, best known for her role in ‘The Exorcist’, has explained that she isn’t religious. For many years, she’s focused on helping animals and protecting the environment. Blair says she’s more concerned with the well-being of living things than with religion or spiritual matters. She sees her acting career as separate from any beliefs about God. Her dedication to these practical causes shows she wants to improve life in the real world.

Butterfly McQueen

Butterfly McQueen openly rejected religion, famously stating her belief in truth as a reason for not believing in a god. In her later life, she was involved with the Freedom From Religion Foundation. McQueen often discussed how religion seemed to create conflict instead of bringing people together. She lived a modest life dedicated to helping others, guided by her own personal ethics. She is remembered both for her acting and her strong secular beliefs.

Jennette McCurdy

In her memoir, ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died,’ Jennette McCurdy opened up about leaving the Mormon church. She explained how growing up in a religious family affected her personal life and career. Now identifying as non-religious, McCurdy has chosen a lifestyle that prioritizes her mental health and well-being. She feels a sense of freedom from the demands and expectations of organized religion, and her story highlights the importance of finding independence and healing outside of faith-based structures.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin doesn’t identify with any religion and often focuses on non-religious ideas in her work as a comedian and actress. She’s consistently supported social justice movements that aren’t connected to religious organizations. Tomlin approaches life with both humor and honesty, preferring to explain events through human experiences rather than spiritual beliefs. She emphasizes the importance of relationships and getting involved in your community, and her career demonstrates a dedication to values centered around human reason and ethics.

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson, the actress who starred in several popular films as a child, has publicly shared her journey to atheism. In her book, ‘Where Am I Now?’, she detailed her experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder and how being raised in a religious environment impacted her mental well-being. Now, Wilson finds peace and clarity through a non-religious outlook focused on science and understanding the mind. She’s also a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and other secular issues, and often speaks about the value of taking care of yourself and thinking critically.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan often speaks out against organized religion, especially due to her upbringing in the Children of God. She doesn’t consider herself religious and has been vocal about how faith can be used to control and harm people. McGowan champions open and honest communication and works to break down systems of power and control, including rigid religious beliefs. She’s dedicated to social activism and helping women find their strength. Ultimately, she values independence and rejects traditional religious structures.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand grew up in a religious family but now considers herself agnostic. While she appreciates the sense of community that faith can provide, she doesn’t personally believe in a religion. Instead, she finds purpose in her work and connections with others. This perspective often comes through in the complex characters she plays, who often grapple with difficult moral questions. McDormand prioritizes living an authentic life focused on real-world experiences.

Margot Robbie

I’ve noticed in interviews that Margot Robbie doesn’t really talk about religion – she seems to live a pretty secular life. It’s clear she’s really dedicated to her career and especially loves producing, wanting to bring important stories to life. She’s said she finds enough wonder in the world and in people themselves, without needing spiritual answers. She really values hard work and the way everyone in the film industry comes together to create something amazing. Her outlook seems very grounded and focused on what she can actually achieve and see happening around her.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy considers herself a spiritual person, but not in a traditional religious way. She doesn’t follow any organized religion and instead finds meaning through her work – the stories she tells and the characters she plays. She approaches life with curiosity and a sense of wonder, without needing to believe in a specific god. Taylor-Joy is more focused on understanding human emotions and the inner workings of the mind, seeing life as a journey of self-discovery and a deep connection to her art.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has often talked about growing up in Kentucky without a strong religious background. She doesn’t identify as religious and frequently thinks about the place of faith in the world. Instead, she relies on her own judgment and personal values to guide her life. Lawrence uses her public voice to discuss politics and social issues from a non-religious perspective, and she’s known for being straightforward and genuine in her views.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron doesn’t identify with any particular religion and instead dedicates herself to helping others and her work as an actress. She finds strength within herself and from the people around her, rather than seeking guidance from a higher power. Through her foundation, she’s a passionate advocate for preventing HIV/AIDS and promoting women’s rights. She believes that real progress comes from practical action and changes in policy, not just prayer, and this belief shapes her commitment to solving important global problems.

Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn has investigated various religions over the years, but now leans away from strict religious beliefs. She currently feels open to life’s big questions without following any particular doctrine. Burstyn explores the human spirit through her work as an actress and through personal contemplation, believing that lived experience is more insightful than religious texts. Her perspective combines a degree of skepticism with a profound respect for the intricacies of life.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal doesn’t identify with any religion and lives a non-religious life. In her work as an actress, she often examines questions of right and wrong and the challenges people face, but not from a religious point of view. She believes strongly in understanding others and feels we all have a duty to care for one another. Gyllenhaal finds happiness in her family and through her creative work, and she believes that human connection is what truly matters in life.

Rachel Bloom

Rachel Bloom, who created the show ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’, openly identifies as an atheist and someone with Jewish cultural background who doesn’t believe in God. She often uses her comedy and music to playfully examine life’s difficulties and the lack of a guiding force. Bloom has explained that she doesn’t believe in a god because she sees it as incompatible with the suffering people experience. Instead, she champions a perspective rooted in science, psychology, and accepting that life is naturally unpredictable. Through her work, she encourages people to find purpose within themselves, rather than relying on a higher power.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen has been an atheist since she was a teenager, choosing reason and logic over religious belief. She’s said that she questioned religion as she grew up and realized it didn’t align with her own understanding of the world. Olsen appreciates the personal freedom that comes with not being religious and being able to create her own values. She approaches both her work and her life with a rational and curious mind, valuing independent thought.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde grew up without religion and remains non-religious as an adult. She’s a strong supporter of secular humanism and a woman’s right to choose. Wilde believes decisions should be based on what’s best for people and society, and she uses her work as a director and actress to draw attention to important real-world issues. Her views are based on a dedication to fairness and equality, and she doesn’t rely on religious beliefs to guide her.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has shared that she isn’t religious, finding the realities of everyday life and human connection more meaningful than faith or what happens after death. She dedicates herself to her work and the relationships she forms with colleagues, and she’s fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind and the uncertainties of life. Paulson prioritizes finding her own personal truths and understanding what it means to be human.

Share your thoughts on these perspectives in the comments.

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2026-01-28 00:20