Shia Labeouf: Celebrities who found Catholicism

The choice of Robert F. Prevost (69) as the new Pope Leo XIV causes a stir worldwide – not only among Catholics. Catholicism is currently experiencing a remarkable public interest. Numerous celebrities openly confess to Catholic faith or even convert. Among them are also actors such as Shia Labouf (38) and Russell Brand (49), who have been confronted with serious allegations of abuse in the past – and now present themselves as loaned believers.

For years, actor Shia Labeouf made a name for himself with scandals – professionally through excessive role preparation and conspicuous behavior on the set, privately through serious accusations. In 2020, musician FKA Twigs (37) complained about physical and emotional abuse. Shortly afterwards, singer Sia (40), who was previously lined up with Labeouf, also made similar accusations. There were also publicly known alcohol problems.

In the meantime, the “Transformers” star wants to be purified. In a current, Labouf spoke of the fact that a lack of spirituality was responsible for his misconduct.

The turning point came in 2022: Shia Labouf prepared for the role of St. Father Pio (1887-1968) in the film “Padre Pio”. Inspired by his research, he announced in one known to have faced Catholicism. In January 2024 he officially entered the Catholic Church with the confirmation. The Catholic News Agency even reported that the actor wants to get involved as a deacon.

JD Vance (40) converted not only from the Trump critic to his vice president, but also from Protestantism to Catholicism. Vance grew up in a strictly conservative, evangelical environment, as he once said. Later he went through one

His interest in faith was rekindled when he came into contact with Catholic theology – in particular her intellectual claim impressed him. In 2019, Vance finally cheated and also received the sacrament of confirmation. By the way, after the later President Joe Biden (82), the politician is only the second Catholic Vice President in the history of the Protestant USA.

For a long time, Russell Brand was more identified with Buddhist teachings – but in April 2024 the actor and comedian was baptized in the Thames, and was publicly effective by adventurers and TV moderator Bear Grylls (49). It is still unclear whether fire feels belonging to Catholicism or Protestantism. However, his proximity to Catholic practice is striking: he already publicly prayed the rosary and financially supported a Catholic meditation app.

The time of Brand’s religious turn came into the phase in which several women accused the ex-husband of Katy Perry (40) sexual abuse. In interviews, Brand said that he had dealt intensively with Jesus during this time – someone who also suffered. He described his baptism as a symbolic act of cleaning: he wanted to get rid of his sins.

Another converted comedian: Rob Schneider (61) publicly announced on his 60th birthday on October 31 that he turned to Catholicism. The comedian known from “Saturday Night Live” is the son of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. Although he grew up religiously, he later lost a reference to faith, as he did in an interview.

Not only male stars have turned to the Catholic Church in recent years. “I’m Catholic now … let’s pray,” said Britney Spears (43) 2021 via Instagram. In the video, the baptist singer showed a dress that – as she emphasized – had just worn the fair.

But their religious change was short -lived. Already in 2022 Britney Spears said that she had lost her faith – and described herself as a “atheist”. In the middle of the public dispute with her ex-husband Kevin Federline (47) around her shared sons she said: “I no longer believe in God because my children and my family treated me that way.”