Unearth The Voyage
Hollywood and faith don’t always seem like natural partners, but many famous faces practice their religion quietly behind the scenes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has millions of members worldwide, including some surprising celebrities you see on screen regularly.
These stars balance demanding careers with their commitment to Mormon values, often keeping their spiritual lives private while navigating the entertainment industry’s challenges.
1. Katherine Heigl
Known for her role on Grey’s Anatomy and romantic comedies, Katherine Heigl was raised in the LDS faith after her family converted when she was young. Her parents joined the church following the tragic death of her brother in a car accident.
The faith provided comfort during that difficult time.
Heigl has spoken openly about how her beliefs influenced her career choices. She turned down certain roles that conflicted with her values.
Though she’s described her relationship with the church as evolving over the years, the foundation of Mormon teachings shaped her early life significantly.
The actress married musician Josh Kelley in 2007. Together they’ve built a family that includes adopted children.
Her commitment to family reflects values instilled during her Mormon upbringing, even as her personal spiritual journey continues to develop in her own way.
2. Aaron Eckhart
This rugged leading man served a two-year mission in France and Switzerland for the LDS Church during his youth. Aaron Eckhart grew up in a devout Mormon family and took his faith seriously as a young adult.
The mission experience taught him French and gave him perspective on different cultures.
After returning, Eckhart attended Brigham Young University, a Mormon institution in Utah. He studied film there before launching his acting career.
His breakout role came in the dark comedy In the Company of Men, which showcased his dramatic range.
While Eckhart has played diverse characters including Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, he’s maintained privacy about his current religious practices. The discipline and work ethic from his mission years reportedly influenced his professional approach.
He’s built a respected career spanning decades in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
3. Gladys Knight
The Empress of Soul surprised many fans when she joined the LDS Church in 1997. Gladys Knight discovered the faith through her daughter and son-in-law, who were already members.
She found the church’s teachings resonated deeply with her spiritual seeking.
Knight has been vocal about how her conversion changed her life. She’s performed at church events and spoken about finding peace through Mormon beliefs.
Her testimony has inspired other African American members of the faith, which historically had limited Black membership.
Despite her legendary status in R&B and soul music, Knight balances her entertainment career with church involvement. She’s recorded gospel albums that reflect her spirituality.
The seven-time Grammy winner continues performing while maintaining her commitment to LDS values and community service through various church-related initiatives.
4. Ryan Gosling
Before becoming a Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Gosling grew up in a Mormon household in Canada. His family practiced the LDS faith throughout his childhood.
He’s mentioned attending church regularly and being influenced by the religion’s emphasis on family and community.
Gosling has stated he no longer practices Mormonism as an adult. However, the values from that upbringing shaped his formative years.
He’s described his childhood faith experience as positive overall, though he chose a different spiritual path later.
The actor’s career includes critically acclaimed performances in films like La La Land and Drive. His early discipline and work ethic may trace back to his Mormon roots.
While he doesn’t identify as LDS today, Gosling speaks respectfully about his religious background and acknowledges its role in shaping who he became.
5. Amy Adams
This five-time Academy Award nominee grew up in a large Mormon family in Colorado. Amy Adams was raised in the LDS Church and participated actively during her youth.
Her family’s faith was central to their household dynamics and daily life.
Adams left the church as a young adult when she decided to pursue acting. She’s explained that the entertainment industry and Mormon lifestyle didn’t align for her personally.
Despite leaving, she credits her upbringing with teaching her discipline and strong family values.
The actress has achieved remarkable success with roles in films like Arrival, Enchanted, and American Hustle. She rarely discusses religion publicly now, focusing instead on her craft.
However, the foundation from her Mormon childhood remains part of her story, influencing her grounded approach to fame and her commitment to family life.
6. Julianne Hough
Dancing with the Stars champion Julianne Hough comes from a prominent Mormon family in Utah. She grew up attending LDS services and participating in church activities.
Her parents raised her and her siblings with strong religious values that emphasized service and family.
Hough has been open about her evolving relationship with the church. She’s stated she no longer identifies as Mormon in the traditional sense.
The dancer-turned-actress has explored different spiritual paths while respecting her heritage and the positive aspects of her upbringing.
Her brother Derek Hough also grew up in the same faith. Both siblings have achieved entertainment success while maintaining close family ties.
Julianne’s career spans dancing, singing, and acting in films like Rock of Ages. She speaks thoughtfully about how her background shaped her but doesn’t define her current spiritual identity.
7. Eliza Dushku
Best known for playing Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Eliza Dushku was raised Mormon in Massachusetts. Her mother converted to the LDS faith, and the family practiced actively.
Dushku attended church services and participated in youth programs during her childhood years.
The actress has discussed how unusual it was being Mormon in the entertainment industry. She started acting young, which created tension between Hollywood’s demands and church expectations.
Eventually, she moved away from active participation in the faith as her career intensified.
Dushku’s roles often featured strong, complex female characters. She’s worked steadily in television and film for decades.
While she doesn’t currently practice Mormonism, she’s acknowledged the values instilled during those formative years. Her journey reflects the challenge many young Mormon actors face balancing faith with entertainment careers.
8. Brandon Flowers
The Killers frontman is one of rock music’s most outspoken Mormon celebrities. Brandon Flowers has remained active in the LDS Church throughout his successful music career.
He’s discussed how his faith influences his songwriting and personal life choices.
Flowers grew up in Las Vegas in a Mormon family. He served a mission, though he returned home early.
Despite this, he maintained his commitment to the faith. He’s spoken about the challenges of being a practicing Mormon in the rock and roll lifestyle.
His band has achieved massive success with hits like Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me. Flowers doesn’t drink alcohol or use drugs, adhering to Mormon health guidelines.
He’s defended his religion in interviews and even made a documentary exploring his faith. His openness has made him a notable representative of modern Mormons in entertainment.
9. Chelsea Handler
Surprisingly, outspoken comedian Chelsea Handler has Mormon heritage, though her connection is quite different from others on this list. Her father was raised in the LDS Church before leaving the faith.
Handler herself wasn’t raised Mormon but has mentioned this family background in her comedy.
Handler’s comedy style is known for being bold and irreverent. She’s built a career on saying exactly what she thinks.
The contrast between her public persona and Mormon values makes this connection particularly unexpected for fans who know her work.
While she doesn’t practice the religion and often jokes about various topics including faith, her family history includes this Mormon chapter. Handler has hosted talk shows and written bestselling books.
Her father’s background represents the many people who grew up Mormon but chose different paths, creating diverse family stories within the LDS community.
10. Christina Aguilera
Pop superstar Christina Aguilera spent part of her childhood attending LDS services. Her family had connections to the Mormon community during her youth.
However, her relationship with the church was limited and didn’t last into her adult life.
Aguilera’s career took off when she was a teenager with hits like Genie in a Bottle. Her image and music evolved dramatically over the years.
The brief Mormon connection in her past surprises fans familiar with her bold artistic choices and provocative performances.
She’s rarely discussed this aspect of her background publicly. Her focus has remained on music and advocacy work.
The Grammy-winning artist has sold millions of records worldwide. While Mormonism didn’t become a lasting part of her identity, it represents a small chapter in her complex personal history before fame transformed her life completely.
11. Paul Walker
The late Fast and Furious star had Mormon roots that many fans never knew about. Paul Walker’s grandfather was a member of the LDS Church.
While Walker himself wasn’t a practicing Mormon, this family connection existed in his background.
Walker grew up in California and pursued acting from a young age. He became a household name through the Fast franchise.
His off-screen personality was described as humble and kind, traits often associated with Mormon upbringing values, though he followed a different spiritual path.
Tragically, Walker died in a car accident in 2013 at age 40. His legacy includes not just his films but also his humanitarian work.
The Mormon connection through his grandfather represents the diverse ways religious heritage appears in families. Many celebrities have similar distant connections to various faiths through their family trees.
12. Roseanne Barr
Controversial comedian Roseanne Barr briefly explored Mormonism during one period of her life. She investigated the LDS faith and attended services for a time.
However, this exploration was short-lived and didn’t result in lasting membership or commitment.
Barr’s spiritual journey has included many different paths over the decades. She’s discussed various religious and philosophical interests throughout her career.
The Mormon chapter was just one of several belief systems she examined while searching for meaning.
Her groundbreaking sitcom Roseanne portrayed working-class American life with unprecedented honesty. She’s remained a polarizing public figure for decades.
While her connection to Mormonism was minimal, it demonstrates how some celebrities explore different faiths without fully committing. Her story differs from those raised in the religion or who converted with deep conviction.
13. Donny and Marie Osmond
Perhaps the most famous Mormon celebrities, Donny and Marie Osmond have never hidden their faith. The entire Osmond family has been prominently LDS for generations.
They’ve performed at church events and spoken openly about how their beliefs guide their lives and careers.
The siblings grew up performing together and separately. Their variety show in the 1970s made them household names.
Unlike some celebrities who distance themselves from religion, the Osmonds have consistently represented Mormon values throughout their decades in entertainment.
Both have raised large families according to LDS teachings. They don’t drink alcohol or coffee, following church health guidelines.
Their wholesome image aligns perfectly with Mormon ideals. While they’re obvious choices for this list, their unwavering commitment over many decades makes them important representatives of faithful Mormon celebrities in entertainment.
14. Jewel
Grammy-nominated singer Jewel Kilcher was raised in the Mormon faith in Alaska. Her childhood included attending LDS services with her family.
The remote Alaskan setting made church community particularly important for social connection and spiritual guidance.
Jewel’s breakthrough hit Who Will Save Your Soul launched her career in the 1990s. She’s released numerous albums showcasing her distinctive voice and thoughtful lyrics.
Her relationship with organized religion, including Mormonism, has evolved over time as she developed her own spiritual perspective.
The singer has discussed her unconventional upbringing in interviews. She’s explored various philosophical and spiritual ideas throughout her adult life.
While she doesn’t actively practice Mormonism today, those early experiences contributed to her worldview. Her journey represents another example of celebrities whose Mormon roots remain part of their story even when their current beliefs differ significantly.
15. Brenda Song
Disney Channel star Brenda Song grew up in a Mormon household. Her family practiced the LDS faith during her childhood years.
Song attended church and participated in youth activities while building her early acting career on shows like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
Song started acting at a very young age. She balanced her entertainment work with her family’s religious commitments.
As she transitioned into adult roles, she became more private about her personal beliefs and religious practices.
The actress has continued working steadily in film and television. She’s now engaged to Macaulay Culkin and they have children together.
While Song doesn’t publicly discuss her current religious affiliation, her Mormon upbringing was a significant part of her childhood. Her experience reflects how many young actors navigate faith while pursuing demanding careers in entertainment.
