Famous Celebrities Who Converted to Another Religion
Religious beliefs can change over time, especially under the spotlight. For some celebrities, those shifts have led to full-on conversions—sometimes for love, personal growth, or out of deep spiritual searching. Here’s a look at some well-known faces who embraced new faiths for very real reasons.
Shia LaBeouf Found Catholicism Through A Role
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While filming Padre Pio in 2022, LaBeouf played the titular saint and wound up connecting more deeply with the religion than he expected. By January 2024, he had officially converted to Catholicism. He said the experience felt like letting go of ego and finding a different lens through which to see pain.
Sofia Richie Converted Ahead Of Her Wedding
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Raised a Christian, Richie converted to Judaism in 2023. The decision came as she prepared to marry Elliot Grainge, and she worked closely with Cantor Nathan Lam throughout the process. After finishing her conversion, she called it “one of the greatest experiences” of her life.
Karlie Kloss Took Her Time With It
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Before marrying Joshua Kushner in 2018, Kloss spent years studying Judaism. The supermodel didn’t rush it, explaining to British Vogue that she only made the decision after careful thought, long conversations, and real inner work. She called the process challenging but empowering.
Dave Chappelle Had A Pizza Shop Conversation That Changed Everything
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At 17, Chappelle started asking questions about Islam while talking to a Muslim employee at a pizza place near his home. That conversation stuck with him. Eventually, he converted. Though he rarely speaks publicly about his religion, he’s called Islam a “beautiful” faith and credits it with helping guide his life choices.
Elizabeth Banks Didn’t Finish Converting—But Fully Lives It
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Banks didn’t complete her mikveh ceremony, but after marrying Max Handelman in 2003, she began fully living a Jewish life. She told Marc Maron in 2013 that her home only celebrates Jewish holidays, her children attend Jewish schools, and she’s been “essentially a Jew” for over a decade.
Richard Gere Was Pulled Toward Buddhism Through Books
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Back in the late ’70s, Gere wasn’t searching for a new religion—he was just trying to get through a tough stretch. Reading Walter Evans-Wentz’s work on Tibetan Buddhism changed that. The actor said the books hit so deeply that he couldn’t stop reading. He often travels to India and Nepal to continue learning.
Leah Remini Switched After Leaving Scientology
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After decades inside the Church of Scientology, Remini left in 2013 and returned to the Catholicism of her childhood. The switch brought relief. She told People she appreciates the simplicity of being able to light a candle, sit quietly, and not be pressured. Since then, she’s become one of the most outspoken critics of her former religion.
Zooey Deschanel Converted For Her Marriage
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Deschanel didn’t grow up particularly religious, although she was raised in a Christian home. But in 2015, shortly after marrying film producer Jacob Pechenik, she converted to Judaism. The change wasn’t heavily publicized, but it was confirmed by sources at the time. After her split from Pechenik in 2019, she hasn’t publicly discussed her current faith.
Ice Cube Took A Personal Approach To Islam
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After converting in the 1990s, the rapper says he practices Islam on his own terms. In an interview with The Guardian, he described himself as a “natural Muslim”—not someone who follows rituals strictly, but someone with a direct connection to God.
Julia Roberts Practices Hinduism With Her Family
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Roberts first spoke publicly about her interest in Hinduism in 2010. Her curiosity started after seeing a photo of Neem Karoli Baba and grew from there. She now considers herself a practicing Hindu. In interviews, she’s mentioned that her family attends temple with her and that the religion has brought her a sense of peace and purpose.