You’ve probably seen the lists before. The ones that claim every blonde actor from the mid-2000s is somehow connected to Salt Lake City. But honestly, the reality of celebs who are Mormon is a lot more nuanced than just a list of names. It’s a mix of devout believers, people who "grew up in it" but left years ago, and stars who have a complicated, almost magnetic relationship with their religious roots.
Some are still in the pews every Sunday. Others haven't stepped foot in a ward house since they were ten.
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Whether it’s a rock star defending his faith on a talk show or a movie star crediting their strict upbringing for their work ethic, the influence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on Hollywood is surprisingly deep. Let's look at who's actually active, who walked away, and the "sorta-Mormons" in between.
The Famous Faces Still Representing the Faith
When we talk about active members, a few names usually jump to the top. These aren't just people who were baptized as kids; they are public about their current devotion.
Brandon Flowers, the frontman of The Killers, is perhaps the most vocal. It’s kinda wild to think about a rock star being a devout Mormon, but he’s leaned into it. He even appeared in the church's "I’m a Mormon" campaign. In 2025, he’s still speaking openly about how his faith isn't just a side project—it’s the lens through which he sees his music and family. He’s mentioned that his "bosom has burned" with spiritual conviction, and he’s even defended the church’s history against famous atheists on international TV.
Then there’s Lindsey Stirling. If you’ve seen her play the violin while basically doing gymnastics, you know she’s a powerhouse. She served a full-time mission in New York City and often talks about how her faith helped her navigate an eating disorder earlier in her life. Even with a massive global touring schedule, she’s known for keeping a scripture study routine with her crew. It’s part of her DNA.
Jon Heder—yes, Napoleon Dynamite himself—is another one. He didn't just play a quirky character from Idaho; he actually lives those values. He’s been very selective about his roles, famously turning down parts in raunchy R-rated comedies (like a role in The 40-Year-Old Virgin) because they didn’t align with his standards. He’s still active and uses what he calls his "coat of armor" to navigate the pitfalls of the industry.
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Other notable active members include:
- Donny and Marie Osmond: The literal blueprint for Mormon stardom.
- Lucky Blue Smith: The high-fashion model who’s been open about his beliefs and his role as a father.
- The Bucket List Family (Garrett and Jessica Gee): Travel influencers who met on a mission in Russia.
The "I Grew Up Mormon" Crowd
This is where things get a bit more complex. A huge chunk of the people you see on "celebs who are Mormon" lists actually haven't practiced the religion in decades.
Take Ryan Gosling. People love to claim him, but he’s been pretty clear that he’s not a practicing member. He was raised in a "very religious" household in Canada—his mom even called herself a "zealot" at the time—but Gosling has said he never really identified with it. He credits the church for "socializing" him early on, but today he identifies more as a non-denominational Christian.
Katherine Heigl has a similar story. Her family joined the church after her brother passed away when she was young. She’s spoken fondly of the "solid foundation" it gave her, particularly the way it emphasizes family and Mormonism’s "wholesome" values. However, she doesn't practice today. She lives in Utah, sure, but she’s more "culturally Mormon" than active in the pews.
Amy Adams was also raised LDS. Her parents were members until they divorced when she was seven. She’s noted that while she isn't part of the church anymore, the upbringing gave her a sense of "belonging" and a value system that she still appreciates.
The High-Profile Departures
In recent years, the conversation around celebs who are Mormon has shifted toward those who have publicly left the faith, often citing disagreements with church policy or personal identity.
David Archuleta is the most prominent example of this right now. For years, he was the "poster child" for the LDS church—he even took a two-year break from his massive pop career to serve a mission in Chile. But in 2021, he came out as queer, and by 2024, he had fully stepped away from the religion. He’s releasing a memoir in early 2026 called Devout that goes deep into the "unlearning" process he’s had to go through. It’s a raw look at the conflict between a high-demand religion and personal identity.
Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons has a similarly complicated relationship. He’s no longer a practicing member, and he’s been very vocal about his "LOVELOUD" foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ youth in faith communities. He still has family members who are very active, so he often speaks with a mix of frustration and affection for the culture he was raised in. He’s mentioned being "shamed" for his choices during his time at Brigham Young University, which was a major turning point for him.
Why Does It Matter?
People are fascinated by Mormon celebrities because the religion itself is often seen as a "bubble." When someone from that background makes it big, there’s a curiosity about how they handle the "temptations" of Hollywood.
For many of these stars, the upbringing leaves a mark whether they stay or go. You see it in their work ethic, their focus on family, and often, their choice to live away from the chaos of Los Angeles.
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Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you're following the journeys of these public figures, here's how to look at it through a more expert lens:
- Distinguish Between Culture and Faith: Someone living in Utah and drinking "dirty sodas" might be culturally Mormon without being a member of the church.
- Watch the "Coming Out" Narrative: The trend of "faith deconstruction" is huge right now, and celebrities like David Archuleta are leading that conversation. It’s a major shift from 20 years ago.
- Check the Sources: If a list says a celeb "is Mormon," check if they’ve mentioned it in the last five years. People change. Faith is fluid.
The reality is that celebs who are Mormon are just like anyone else—some find peace in their tradition, some find it restrictive, and most are just trying to figure it out as they go.
To stay updated on the specific journeys of these stars, following their direct social media or long-form interviews is usually better than relying on outdated "celebrity religion" databases. As David Archuleta’s 2026 memoir approaches, expect the conversation around faith and fame to get even more intense.