Who knew that behind the glitz, glam, and Twitter feuds, some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are actually deeply religious? Let’s take a backstage tour and discover 15 celebrities who, behind their glamorous façades, are deeply devout.
Steven Seagal
His commitment to Buddhism is so profound that he was recognized as the reincarnation of a 17th-century Tibetan lama, Chungdrag Dorje, by Penor Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Apart from his spiritual practices, this devout Buddhist is also an active philanthropist and a vocal advocate for animal rights.
Denzel Washington
Raised in a Christian household with a Pentecostal minister for a father, his spiritual roots run deep. In fact, he even considered becoming a preacher before Hollywood called. Today, he’s an active member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.
But he doesn’t just talk the talk; he puts his money where his faith is, giving millions to the church to support its building fund. And guess what? He still hints at a future in ministry!
Dave Chappelle
He converted to Islam in 1998, a decision that he describes as personal. “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 once said in an interview with Time magazine.
Natalie Portman
Born in Jerusalem, Portman holds dual American and Israeli citizenship and is well-known for her Jewish heritage. She even took it a notch further by directing and starring in a Hebrew language film, “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” based on an Israeli novel. This Harvard alumna has often spoken about the importance of the Jewish faith and tradition in her life.
Kristin Chenoweth
As a proud Christian, Chenoweth makes no effort to hide her profound religious beliefs, often sharing inspirational biblical quotes with her 1.2 million followers on Twitter. Raised in the Bible Belt of Oklahoma, Chenoweth was brought up in the Southern Baptist tradition. She grew up singing gospel music in church, a practice she often credits for her impressive vocal range.
Ice Cube
Cube converted to Islam in the 1990s, and while he doesn’t regularly attend mosque, he’s stated in interviews that he adheres to the religion’s principles, which has helped shape his worldview. His faith is often intricately interwoven in his lyrics, adding a dimension of depth to his music.
Snoop Dogg
Despite his often hedonistic public image, Snoop surprised many when he converted to Rastafarianism in 2012 after a trip to Jamaica. He even released a reggae album under the “Snoop Lion” moniker to reflect his new faith. However, by 2018, he was exploring the Christian faith, releasing a gospel album titled “Bible of Love.”
Mark Wahlberg
Wahlberg is a devout Catholic, and his faith is integral to his daily routine. He attends mass regularly and makes time for personal prayer, even on the busiest days. In an interview with the Catholic Herald, he revealed that his faith helps him stay grounded and focused despite the whirlwind of celebrity life.
Tiger Woods
Raised as a practicing Buddhist by his Thai-born mother, Kultida Woods, Tiger’s spiritual grounding has played a significant role throughout his life and career. He publicly proclaimed his Buddhist faith during a 2010 press conference, stating how it helped him navigate personal challenges.
Chris Tucker
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tucker is deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He was raised in a Pentecostal Christian household and attributes his success to his strong religious grounding. In fact, he took a break from his acting career in early 2000 to pursue a spiritual journey, which led him to visit countries like Israel and Jordan.
Julia Roberts
The Oscar-winning actress is a devoted practitioner of Hinduism. Originally from a Catholic background, Roberts was drawn to Hinduism while filming the 2010 movie Eat Pray Love in India. Since then, she’s openly embraced the religion, even naming her children after Hindu gods.
Orlando Bloom
His religious journey took an interesting turn when, in 2004, he became a member of the Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organization. With a philosophy resting on peace, culture, and education, this form of Buddhism is a significant part of Bloom’s life. He said, “The philosophy that I’ve kind of grabbed onto is Buddhism, which is a very practical philosophy.”
David Oyelowo
A man of conviction, Oyelowo has often quoted his faith as being integral to his career and life choices. In an interview with “The Guardian,” he once revealed that he seeks divine guidance for his roles, praying over the scripts that come his way.
Carrie Underwood
From her chart-topping hits like ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ to ‘Something in the Water,’ Underwood has never shied away from sharing her deep-rooted spirituality through her music. She even co-wrote a faith-based children’s book, ‘My Savior: Live From The Ryman,’ with her husband, former NHL player Mike Fisher.
Hugh Jackman
This charismatic Australian actor has been open about his commitment to Christian spirituality. As a regular attendee of the Mediation Group in Sydney, Jackman integrates spiritual practices into his daily routine to stay grounded. Not only does he credit his faith for guiding his Hollywood career, but it also plays a crucial role in his personal life.
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