Celebrities You Didn’t Know Grew Up in Notorious Cults

A number of well-known actors and actresses grew up in communities often considered cults, where life was unusual and heavily controlled. These experiences significantly influenced how they viewed the entertainment world and their own lives after becoming famous. Many have since discussed the emotional and psychological effects of being raised with strict rules and strong leaders. Knowing about their early lives helps us understand the strength it took to go from those environments to achieving international success.

Winona Ryder

When the actress was seven, her family joined the Rainbow commune in Northern California. They lived there for three years on a remote 300-acre property without electricity or TV. Her parents were close to people like Timothy Leary, who supported their choice to live communally. This experience fostered her creativity through reading and playing outside. Later, she left the commune and went on to become a successful film actress, known for roles in movies like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Heathers’.

Joaquin Phoenix

He grew up in the Children of God group, spending his childhood traveling through South America with his family. Initially, they worked as missionaries, but they later became disappointed with the group’s methods. They managed to leave by secretly boarding a cargo ship to the United States. His parents chose the surname Phoenix to represent a fresh start, and he often speaks about how this unusual background shaped his worldview.

Rose McGowan

The actress grew up in a European branch of the Children of God, moving between different group communities during her childhood. She’s spoken about a strict upbringing where children were frequently kept apart from their parents and shielded from the outside world. Her father eventually left the group, taking his children with him to protect them from escalating harmful practices. The family then moved to the United States, where she had to adjust to a very different way of life. Later, she became a well-known voice for people who have experienced abuse and wrongdoing.

Glenn Close

For fifteen years, she was part of a group called Moral Re-Armament, which her father joined when she was a child. The group controlled nearly every part of her life, restricting her contact with the outside world. She went to schools run by the organization and constantly felt pressured to follow their rigid rules. At twenty-two, she left to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She later described the experience as living in a stifling environment that suppressed her personality for more than a decade.

River Phoenix

Growing up as the oldest child in the Phoenix family, he was deeply immersed in the Children of God commune. He spent his childhood performing on the streets of Venezuela to support the group financially. When his parents recognized the potentially damaging effects of the commune, they moved the family to Florida. Adjusting to a normal life was difficult, especially as he began his acting career, notably in ‘Stand by Me’. He always maintained a strong bond with his siblings, all of whom shared this unique and sheltered upbringing.

Leah Remini

Growing up, she was deeply involved in Scientology, joining the organization at age nine when her mother became a member. Throughout her teenage years, she worked and trained with the group in Florida. After many years, she left Scientology and became a prominent critic, sharing her experiences and those of other former members in a documentary series. Her upbringing within the organization continues to shape her public persona and her work as an advocate.

David Arquette

Growing up was… different. My parents and a few other families started this community called Skymont, a kind of spiritual commune in Virginia, and that’s where I spent my early years. We really lived off the grid – no indoor plumbing or anything like that! It wasn’t typical, but looking back, I think it really helped me develop my imagination and I became super close with my brothers and sisters. Eventually, I headed to Los Angeles, hoping to follow in the family tradition and become an actor like my parents.

Patricia Arquette

The Academy Award-winning actress grew up on the Skymont Subud commune, sharing a similar childhood with her brothers. She’s often discussed the difficulties of being poor in a community focused more on spiritual development than money. When the commune started facing problems, her parents decided to move the family to a more conventional setting. The values of compassion and community she learned as a child have stayed with her, influencing her work in films like ‘Boyhood’ and informing her ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes.

Rosanna Arquette

As the oldest of the Arquette children, she grew up in a Virginia commune where her parents sought a more meaningful life through the Subud movement. Life in the isolated community was a blend of freedom and uncertainty. Later, like her siblings, she found success in film, appearing in popular movies such as ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’. She often looks back on her childhood as a time of significant growth, both creatively and as a person.

Giovanni Ribisi

Born into a Scientology family, he’s been connected to the organization his entire life. His upbringing included attending schools based on Scientology’s teachings, and his family was highly involved in the group. Throughout his successful film career, including movies like ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ he’s consistently supported Scientology. He’s continuing this tradition by raising his own children within the same beliefs, and remains dedicated to the practices he learned growing up.

Juliette Lewis

The actress was raised in a Scientology family and continues to practice the religion today. She believes Scientology helped her deal with difficulties when she first started her career in Hollywood. Her father, a dedicated member himself, introduced her to the organization as a child. She frequently talks about how Scientology gives her a sense of grounding in the often unpredictable world of acting. She’s known for her roles in films like ‘Cape Fear’ and ‘Natural Born Killers’.

Beck

The musician grew up in a Scientology household, as his father has been a long-time member. He was immersed in the organization’s teachings and community during his childhood in Los Angeles. Though he’s been more reserved about his connection to Scientology recently, it deeply shaped his early life. He’s noted that his childhood environment fostered his creativity, and his distinctive music blends the diverse cultural and spiritual influences he experienced growing up.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough, Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, was raised in the Church of Scientology because her mother was deeply involved. Growing up, she participated in Scientology’s activities and followed its teachings with her family, all while dealing with the pressures of being a celebrity’s grandchild. Despite this unique upbringing, she’s become a successful actress, known for her roles in shows like ‘The Girlfriend Experience’ and the film ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. Her family’s connection to Scientology remains a notable part of their story.

Lisa Marie Presley

After her father passed away, her mother introduced her to Scientology, and she became heavily involved for much of her adult life, including while raising her children. The organization offered her support and structure as she dealt with the challenges of fame and a public life. Later in life, she moved away from Scientology, but her children were raised with its beliefs for many years.

Toni Braxton

The R&B singer was raised in a deeply religious Apostolic family that became increasingly controlling. She faced strict rules, like being forbidden to wear pants or makeup, and had limited freedom in choosing her music. Her family attended church almost daily and closely followed their pastor’s guidance. She’s spoken about this upbringing as a lonely and emotionally exhausting experience for her and her siblings. Ultimately, she left home to achieve great success as a musician.

Bethany Joy Lenz

The actress best known for her role on ‘One Tree Hill’ was involved with a manipulative group for a decade, which she now recognizes as a cult. While starring in the popular TV show, the group exerted control over her money and personal life. After leaving, she dedicated herself to helping others who have experienced similar situations and is now writing a memoir about her experiences and journey to recovery.

Jason Lee

The actor, who used to be a professional skateboarder, grew up in a Scientology household and was a well-known member of the organization during his time on ‘My Name Is Earl’. After many years, he chose to leave Scientology and relocated his family to Texas, seeking a more peaceful lifestyle. Since then, he’s been dedicated to pursuing his passions for photography and other artistic projects.

Danny Masterson

He was raised in a family devoted to Scientology and continued to be involved with the organization throughout his life. Like him, his siblings were brought up within the group and also went on to work in entertainment. For many years, he was a well-known face at Scientology’s celebrity center. Recent legal issues have highlighted his long-standing connection to the organization, and he frequently used his public profile to share the beliefs he was taught as a child.

Alanna Masterson

As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by the backgrounds of actors, and it’s interesting to learn about Emily Kinney’s upbringing. She grew up deeply involved in Scientology, with her whole family having been part of it for generations, right here in Los Angeles. She’s still a practicing member and isn’t afraid to speak up for her beliefs, even when the organization faces criticism. Honestly, it seems like Scientology really defined her world growing up – her friends, and even the people she’s connected with in Hollywood. She manages to navigate her acting career while staying committed to her faith, which I respect.

Christopher Masterson

Frankie Muniz, famous for playing Malcolm in ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ grew up in a family deeply involved with Scientology. He and his siblings were taught the beliefs of the organization from a very young age and participated in many of its programs for young performers. Although he doesn’t discuss his involvement as openly as his siblings, he still maintains ties to the Scientology community. His upbringing was heavily shaped by the organization’s distinct culture and standards.

Erika Christensen

Growing up, she was raised in a Scientologist family – her parents were members and made sure she received a Scientologist education. She often speaks positively about how her upbringing helped her cope with becoming famous after the movie ‘Traffic,’ and she still actively participates in the organization’s events. She considers her childhood within the group to have been a stable and beneficial experience.

Michael Peña

The actor grew up in a situation that later led him to become involved with Scientology as a young man. He’s often discussed how the organization positively impacted both his career and personal well-being. He continues to be a committed member, regularly participating in events at the celebrity center in Hollywood. His connection to Scientology is a well-known aspect of who he is in the film world. He’s appeared in popular movies like ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘End of Watch’.

Paz de la Huerta

I’ve always been fascinated by this actress’s story. She had such an unusual upbringing, born into the Children of God and raised in their communes. Her parents were involved during a really turbulent time for the group, which must have been incredibly challenging. It’s amazing how she transitioned from that world into mainstream life, finding success as a model and then an actress – I especially loved her work on ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and in a lot of independent films. She’s spoken so openly about how intense and bizarre her childhood was, and I find her honesty really compelling.

Michelle Forbes

The actress, known for her roles in ‘The Killing’ and ‘True Blood,’ grew up in a controversial religious group called the Children of God. Her family’s involvement meant she moved around the world a lot as a child. This upbringing in a very strict environment deeply affected her. Later, she moved to New York City to pursue acting and create a different life for herself. She’s since built a thriving career in both television and film.

Jeremy Spencer

The former drummer of Five Finger Death Punch grew up in a family connected to the Children of God religious group. His childhood was marked by constant moving and living communally with others across the United States. The strict rules of the group motivated him to express himself through music and performing. He later left that life and achieved great success as a heavy metal musician. He detailed his experiences and journey to recovery in his autobiography.

Ethan Suplee

Jason Lee grew up in the Church of Scientology and was a member for a long time, following its principles as he became a successful actor in movies and TV. For many years, his personal and professional life revolved around the organization. Eventually, he left Scientology and has experienced significant personal growth since then. He continues to act regularly while keeping his private life more secluded.

Marisol Nichols

The actress from ‘Riverdale’ grew up in a family deeply involved with Scientology, and she’s been a member for many years. She often uses her public voice to promote the group’s charitable work, and believes it has helped her stay successful and focused throughout her acting career. Her connection to Scientology is widely known within the Hollywood community, and she continues to practice its teachings and speak positively about her experiences with it.

Jordan Masterson

Growing up as part of the well-known Masterson acting family, he was raised within the Scientology community. Like his siblings, he began a career in entertainment at a young age and has since appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. His upbringing gave him unique advantages and a strong network of support. He remains involved with the organization and its activities today.

Jason Dohring

The actor known for ‘Veronica Mars’ grew up in a Scientology family. His father, a successful businessman, was a long-time and significant supporter of the organization. The actor himself has continued to be a devoted member as an adult, often discussing how Scientology’s teachings have helped him grow personally. He spent his childhood immersed in the distinctive environment and community of the Scientology celebrity center.

Bodhi Elfman

He grew up in a family heavily involved in Scientology and continues to be a dedicated member. He’s married to an actress who shares his beliefs, and together they are well-known within the organization. His childhood in Los Angeles revolved around Scientology’s principles and community. Despite a successful career in film and television, he remains actively involved with the group, and his life is closely connected to the faith he was raised in.

Sarah Goldberg

The actress grew up in the Children of God, a group that meant her family moved around frequently and lived in communal settings. She remembers a childhood marked by strict rules and feeling isolated. After her family left the group, she focused on getting an education and becoming an actress. She’s now famous for her role in the TV series ‘Barry,’ and critics have praised her performances. She has sometimes spoken about her unusual upbringing in the commune as part of her personal story.

Ruthie Henshall

The successful West End performer grew up in the Children of God, living in several of their communities and traveling with the group to perform. Later, her family left the organization, which allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musical theater actress. Now a leading performer in London’s theater world, she openly shares her experiences to help others understand what it’s like to grow up in groups that demand a lot from their members.

Bijou Phillips

The actress and model grew up in the Church of Scientology and has been involved with it for most of her life. While her father was a well-known musician, she first became connected to the organization through other relatives. She’s consistently participated in Scientology events and publicly supported its principles. Throughout her decades-long career in music, film, and modeling, she has remained actively involved in the Hollywood Scientology community.

Alexis Arquette

Growing up on the Skymont Subud commune in Virginia with her well-known siblings, she was immersed in art and spirituality from a young age. While her childhood home was often financially insecure, it fostered a vibrant creative atmosphere. After leaving the commune, she broke ground as a transgender actress in Hollywood, appearing in films like ‘The Wedding Singer’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. Her unconventional upbringing instilled in her a fearless and genuine perspective, which she brought to both her life and her work.

Rain Phoenix

Growing up, she traveled throughout Latin America with her family as part of the Children of God organization. Like her brothers, she busked on the streets to help support the group’s communal way of life. Eventually, her parents became worried about the organization and brought the family back to the United States for a fresh start. She’s continued to pursue acting and music, as seen in her work in ‘Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,’ and the close connection she shares with her siblings from that time remains important to her.

Please share your thoughts on these unique celebrity upbringings in the comments.

2026-03-14 00:20