6 Survival Stories From Celebrities Who Escaped The Shackles Of Cults

The untold stories of some of Hollywood’s bravest.

Jesse

• Published in Film & TV
• October 20, 2024

When we think of celebrities, we often imagine the glitz, glamor, and red carpets that define their lives. But behind the flashing cameras and magazine covers, some stars have a darker, lesser-known chapter—one filled with control, manipulation, and fear. 

These celebrities didn’t just play roles in dramatic TV shows or blockbuster movies; they lived through real-life horrors, trapped in cults that promised salvation but delivered nightmares.

Imagine being a child, separated from the outside world, cut off from family, and groomed into obedience by a group of strangers. Or, picture yourself as an adult, slowly realizing that the people you trusted are draining your bank account, controlling your every move, and dictating your relationships. 

For these six celebrities, this wasn’t a scene from a psychological thriller—it was their reality.

Bethany Joy Lenz, Glenn Close, and others have now bravely stepped forward, pulling back the curtain on their time in these oppressive groups. For some, it took years to break free, and for others, it was a dramatic escape to safety. 

Each of them has shared their story in their own unique way, offering a glimpse into the terrifying control cults can wield—and the strength it takes to escape.

Let’s delve into the harrowing journeys of these stars who survived the unimaginable.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan also spent her childhood in the Children of God cult. The isolation from the outside world and the group’s emphasis on male dominance deeply affected her. When McGowan’s father learned the cult was advocating for child-adult relationships, he fled with Rose, saving her from further trauma.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Before her rise to fame, Michelle Pfeiffer found herself entangled with a controlling couple who practiced breatharianism—a dangerous belief that people can live without food or water. She escaped when she realized the manipulation while researching another cult with her then-husband, Peter Horton.

India Oxenberg

India Oxenberg was ensnared in the notorious NXIVM cult for seven years, enduring horrific abuse, including starvation and branding. She was eventually rescued with the help of her mother, actress Catherine Oxenberg. India has since spoken out about the horrors of NXIVM and the manipulation that kept her trapped.

Joaquin Phoenix

Before Joaquin Phoenix became a household name, his family was deeply involved in the Children of God cult. His parents, once high-ranking members, left the group when Joaquin was just three years old after learning about its sinister practices. Phoenix has spoken openly about his parents’ decision to escape, crediting them for getting out before the situation worsened.

Bethany Joy Lenz

While starring in One Tree Hill, Bethany Joy Lenz was simultaneously part of a small, ultra-Christian group in Idaho. The group was controlled by a pastor and dominated much of her life—her career, her finances, and even her relationships. She opened up about these experiences in her book Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!).

Though her castmates grew concerned, Lenz recalls denying any involvement, even joking, “Cults are people in robes chanting crazy things and drinking Kool-Aid. That’s not what we do!” Eventually, she realized the group’s manipulation and left, losing millions in income but gaining her freedom.

Glenn Close

At just seven years old, Glenn Close’s life was upended when her father joined the religious cult Moral Re-Armament. Close has described the experience as traumatizing, explaining how the group’s rigid control affected her ability to form healthy relationships later in life.

These celebrities are living proof that no matter how bright their star may shine, life can still take unexpected, difficult turns that lead them into dark and challenging places. Despite the fame, fortune, and public adoration, they have faced personal struggles that tested their strength and resilience.

However, it’s through these difficult moments that they’ve shown their true character. With determination, courage, and perseverance, they’ve managed to overcome adversity, reclaim their sense of purpose, and rise above their challenges to shine even brighter.

Their stories remind us all that it's never too late to turn things around and find the light again, no matter how dark things may seem.

Jesse