Chris Rock is not a Scientologist, and although rumors claim he is, there is no confirmation or proof to back this.
The rumors about the comedian being a Scientologist sparked up after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. And the reactions in the aftermath of the shocking incident got fans wondering if Rock is a Scientologist.
What Religion Does Chris Rock Practice?
Chris Rock hails from a Christian background but seems altogether non-religious. He was born in a Christian family in Andrews, South Carolina, and grew up attending a cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. Although Chris’s family are devoted Christians, their particular denomination isn’t explicitly known.
His grandfather, who Chris names as one of his primary comedic influences, served as a preacher in South Carolina, so it’s reasonable to assume he’s Baptist. However, through his stand-up comedy show “The Chris Rock Show,” Rock has attacked the beliefs of skeptics, making him look like an atheist.
More so, some of his comments make him seem anti-religious. For instance, he once compared religion to slavery, saying, ” A black Christian is like a black person with no memory.” However, Chris hasn’t come out straight on his religious affiliation.
Why Is Chris Rock Rumored To Be A Scientologist?
The rumors suggesting Rock’s affiliation with Scientologist all started following the famous Oscars incident where Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett’s appearance while entertaining the crowd on stage. While Smith was giggling from the beginning, he suddenly approached the stage and slapped Rock.
After this shocking incident, web netizens, who were aware of the notorious Will Smith Scientology image and his famous association with the Scientology bunch started questioning Rock’s religious affiliation.
Chris Hasn’t Publicly Identified With Any Religion
Although his family religion and ethnicity reveal Chris Rock comes from a family of Christians, he hasn’t identified with the religion. His granddad was a gospel minister in South Carolina, and the rest of his family is additionally Christian.
However, Chris doesn’t appear to be Christian. In his satire episodes, he makes sure to turn religion, and utilizes each as an open door to slight them. His body language and words have made many speculate that Chris Rock is an agnostic.
While Rock has not reacted to these speculations, he discusses religion in a derisive tone in most of his satirical dramas. He has once explained that American religion “is money,” and he carries god in his pockets.
What Religion is Scientology?
Scientology is one of the most controversial religions in the world. Moreover, it’s intensely secretive and mostly practiced by people of the ‘high class.’ American author, L. Ron Hubbard, founded the Church of Scientology in 1953.
Since then, numerous celebrities have joined the Church of Scientology. Additionally, this controversial religion operates Celebrity Centres, or special churches open to the public but mostly attended by “artists, leaders of the industry, politicians, sports figures, and anyone with great potential to affect change in the world,” according to the church’s website.
Although the religion tends to be secretive, there are outspoken celebrity Scientologists and advocates of the faith, like American actor Tom Cruise. Many other famous celebrities practice the religion, with some crediting their achievement directly to it.
Popular Celebs Who Are Involved With Scientology or Once Practiced It
Having stated that Chris Rock is not a Scientologist, you might be wondering who else really follows the religion. One popular celebrity Scientologist is Tom Cruise, but apart from him, there are still other celebrities who also practice the religion.
Jenna Elfman
Fear the Walking Dead star, Jenna Elfman, has been a Scientologist for more than three decades now. She is known for her role as Dharma in Dharma and Greg. Jenna shared her relationship with the religion in an interview with People published in August 2018. According to the actress, it has helped her balance her Hollywood career and family life and positively affected her marriage.
John Travolta
John Travolta does not hide his involvement with Scientology from the public. He even produced and acted in a sci-fi film, “Battlefield Earth,” which adopts the novel of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. In an interview with ABC News’ Amy Robach in 2015, he credited the religion with saving his life and giving him the mandate to save the lives of others.
Laura Prepon
Laura Prepon made this list as a former Scientologist though she no longer practices the religion as per a CNN report. Laura who was raised in the Catholic and Jewish religious faiths recollects praying in churches, and temples and later becoming a Scientologist. At another time, she also began practicing Chinese meridian theory.
The Orange Is the New Black and That ’70s Show star actress left the religion after she became a mother. She noted that motherhood made her know that something (referring to the Scientology religion) can work for a period of time then you leave it and move on.
Kelly Preston
With John Travolta already mentioned here, it is not out of place to see his then-wife (late) Kelly Preston being mentioned as a fellow Scientologist. Kelly got introduced to the religion in the year 1985 by acting coach Milton Katselas before she met John in 1987 while shooting The Experts, a comedy film in Canada.
However, in the year 2020, at the age of 57, Kelly Preston breathed her last as she succumbed to death as a result of health complications arising from the treatment of breast cancer.
Nancy Cartwright
Known for her voice role as Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright is a major Scientology supporter. Not only is she an ardent believer but a huge donor as well. Scientology even acknowledged Nancy as a Patron Laureate in 2007 after her free will donation of $10 million to the International Association of Scientologists.
Anne Archer
Anne Archer is an American actress who has been active in the industry since 1970. She is also one of the most popular celebrity scientologists in the American entertainment circle. Anne was first a Christian Scientist devotee before she and her husband, Terry Jastrow, joined the Scientology church in 1975 and have been members since then.
FAQs
Is Chris Rock a Scientologist?
Chris Rock is not a Scientologist, and although rumors claim he is, there is no confirmation or proof to back this.
What Chris Rock’s Religion?
Chris Rock was born into a Christian family and grew up attending a cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, but seems altogether non-religious.
Is Chris Rock a Christian?
Chris Rock hails from a Christian background but seems not to follow any religion.