Tom Cruise praises Scientology as a 'beautiful' religion
Actor says Scientology his helped him 'incredibly' throughout his life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Whereas once Tom Cruise was known for his sofa-jumping exuberance and unmatched intensity - his heated conversation with Matt Laur circa 2008 being perhaps the indelible example - the actor takes a much more restrained approach in interviews now.
While arguably Scientology’s most famous follower, he rarely speaks about his beliefs. Once the man who described why he believes it is capable of “changing people’s lives” in a superlative-laden leaked interview, the subject now tends to be off the table.
But while speaking with ITV News at the premiere of Jack Reacher, Cruise gave a ringing endorsement of Scientology, praising it as a “beautiful” religion.
He was ambushed with a question about Louis Theroux’s much-hyped first feature length documentary: My Scientology Movie.
“It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life. I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years," he said.
"Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”
The 54-year-old has followed Scientology since being introduced to the organisation by his first wife Mimi Rogers in 1986.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments