18 Celebrities Who Changed Their Religion

Tuesday, June 4, 2013, 17:42 [IST]

Celebrities change their religions and names all the time. Most celebrities do not use their real name and become famous by choosing a screen name. Some celebrities also change their religion after becoming famous. Several celebrities have converted to different religions in order to find peace and a spiritual awakening.

While most celebrities change their religion for spiritual peace, some celebrities have also converted for love. Many celebrities like Sharmila Tagore and Nargis Dutt have converted their religion of their spouse. Even Katie Holmes is a celebrity who converted to Scientology in order to marry Tom Cruise.

A large number of celebrities converted to Hinduism during the 70s Hare Krishna movement. George Harrison, who was the lead guitarist of Beatles converted to Hinduism after his trip to India. Julia Roberts is another celebrity who changed her religion to embrace Hinduism.

Here are some of the most famous celebrities who changed their religion after becoming famous.

Julia Roberts: Christianity To Hinduism

Julia Robert converted to Hinduism after acting in the movie 'Eat, Pray Love' in which she comes for a soul searching mission to India.

Richard Gere: Christianity To Buddhism

Richard Gere's conversion to Buddhism was much publicised. He is practising Buddhism and is a vegetarian now.

Sharmila Tagore: Hinduism To Islam

When Sharmila Tagore married Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Patuadi, she converted to Islam. She also took a new name as Begum Ayesha.

Tom Cruise: Christianity To Scientology

Tom Cruise was raised a Christian but he took to the Church of Scientology in early phase of his career. He is very vocal about his belief in this church that holds unorthodox dictum.

Orlando Bloom: Anglican Church To Buddhism

British actor Orlando Bloom was born into the Anglican Church of England. But in order to find peace, he sorted out Buddhism.

Madonna: Christianity To Judaism

Madonna was raised Christian but converted to a special Kabbalah cult a decade ago. Along with her conversion, she also took a Jewish name, Esther.

John Travolta: Christianity To Scientology

Another famous member of the Church of Scientology is John Travolta. She was born to a Catholic family but chose Scientology after becoming famous.

George Harrison: Christianity To Hinduism

One of the world's best guitarists George Harrison converted to Hinduism during his visit to India. He remained a vegetarian all his life.

Katie Holmes: Catholicism To Scientology

Katie Holmes converted to Scientology when she married Tom Cruise. Their daughter Suri was also baptized in the Church Scientology.

Micheal Jackson: Islam

Michael Jackson apparently embraced Islam inspired by his brother Jeremy a few years before his death. The news was never confirmed, but it was huge rage in the media.

Nargis Dutt: Islam To Hinduism

Although Nargis was continued to be called Nargis Dutt after her marriage to Sunil Dutt, she had actually changed her religion. Her Hindu name was Nirmala Dutt.

Isla Fisher: Christianity To Judaism

Australian actress, Isla Fisher was raised a conservative Methodist. But she recently converted to Judaism.

Snoop Dogg: Baptist To Islam

Snoop Dogg belonged to the Baptist Church until he joined a Black separatist group called 'Nation Of Islam'.

A R Rehman: Atheism To Islam

A R Rehman was born to a Muslim mother and Hindu father. He remained an atheist in his growing years. However, he embraced Islam after reaching adulthood.

Drew Barrymore: Christianity To Judaism

Drew Barrymore is planning to convert to Judaism before marrying her Jewish boyfriend.

Elizabeth Taylor: Christianity To Judaism

Elizabeth Taylor was famous for her repeated marriages. She changed her religion to Judaism for marrying one of her lovers.

Mike Tyson: Christianity To Islam

Mike Tyson served a prison sentence for rape and assault during which he converted to Islam. He even tweeted a picture of himself at the shrine of Mecca.