Elisabeth Moss, the actress who rose to fame following her appearances in Mad Men and as the lead in The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu, is now defending her choice to practice Scientology as her religion of choice. Not only does Moss swear by her religion, but she also says it has aided her in becoming a “skilled communicator” during the last several years.
During an interview for The New Yorker, Moss defended her religion. Her brother David is also a Scientologist, as was their mother. Moss feels that her Scientology faith has helped her a great deal throughout her career and may have been one of the reasons for her recent success in the last few years.
“It’s not really a closed-off religion. It’s a place that is very open to, like, welcoming in somebody who wants to learn more about it,” she said. “I think that’s the thing that is probably the most misunderstood.”
Scientology has been a significant part of Moss’s life for some time. Her godfather, Chick Corea, was an active Scientologist for many years. She also mentioned that her father, Ron, performed jazz in a band with Scientology leader David Miscavige.
Moss thanks her time as a Scientologist for teaching her how to speak and express herself effectively. She told The New Yorker that communication was “probably one of the No. 1 basic things that I grew up learning and grew up using and use every day.”
Ron Moss’ father, Ron, was born in England but obtained his Green Card in the United States as a Scientology minister.
“I found L Ron Hubbard’s writings extraordinary and became a Scientologist at twenty-one,” Ron said. “It just makes sense to me, and it’s a great way to live without having a traditional religion and dogma.”
In 1954, L. Ron Hubbard was the science fiction writer who created Scientology. Since its foundation, the religion has been dogged by scandal, with many prominent individuals deserting it over time.
Moss is one of Scientology’s most well-known actors working in Hollywood today. She’s appeared in some of the past decade’s biggest TV shows and movies, including Mad Men, The West Wing, Top of the Lake, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Elisabeth Moss’ Mad Men co-star Aaron Staton, and Danny Masterson are all Scientologists in Hollywood. Scientology has long been labeled a cult due to its controversial practices. Many former members have spoken out against the organization’s perceived authoritarianism and brainwashing tactics.
Despite her unusual lifestyle, Moss is still one of the most popular female celebrities on television.
Is Scientology a cult or a legitimate religion for people to follow?