Hollywood is often viewed as a fast-paced, secular world—but behind the red carpets and flashing cameras, many stars quietly hold onto strong spiritual roots. Surprisingly, quite a few A-list actors and actresses have deep ties to Catholicism, shaping not only their personal lives but also the choices they make in their careers.
These catholic actors and actresses demonstrate that faith can flourish. This blog will highlight 15 celebrities with Catholic backgrounds that may surprise you. It offers a glimpse of how faith, values, and spirituality are still thriving in Hollywood.
1. Mel Gibson
Known for Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson is among the famous Catholic celebrities in Hollywood. He is a Traditionalist Catholic and directed the Passion of the Christ to portray Jesus’ last hours with raw realism. Gibson is devoted to his religion, despite the controversy. He even funds a private church to practice it.
2. Martin Sheen
The star of Apocalypse Now and The West Wing, Sheen’s Catholic faith drives him to combine acting and activism. He was born Ramon Estevez and returned to his faith in 1981, after experiencing a spiritual awakening while in Paris. Sheen’s dedication inspires him to advocate for peace, justice and human rights. He shows how faith can guide both public and private life.
3. Mark Wahlberg
Among the most famous catholic actors and actresses of this era, Wahlberg went on to become a Hollywood star from his troubled youth fiascoes. Wahlberg listed credits for The Departed and Ted, and credits that Catholicism turned his life around. Wahlberg attends Mass regularly, believes in prayer, and is open about the way his faith helps keep him grounded while living in the spotlight.
4. Jim Caviezel
Known all over the world as Jesus from Passion of the Christ, Jim’ role was a true reflection of Caviezel’s significant Catholic foundation. He has talked openly about the challenges he faced in the film. Caviezel shares his faith at Catholic events and stands out as an advocate for faith-based storytelling in Hollywood.
5. Patricia Heaton
Best known for Everybody Loves Raymond, Heaton is a proud personality among Catholic actors and actresses in Hollywood. She embraced Catholicism after returning to her faith in the wake of an annulment. Heaton has been vocal about sobriety and pro-life issues, showing that faith can guide meaningful lives both on and off the screen.
6. Katie Holmes
Katie is an actress raised Catholic, who rose to fame with Dawson’s Creek. She converted to Scientology while married to Tom Cruise but quietly returned to Catholicism following their divorce. Holmes enrolled her daughter at a Catholic School, which shows how faith early in life can shape the biggest decisions of a person’s life.
7. Selena Gomez
The star of Wizards of Waverly Place and chart-topping singer, Gomez was raised Catholic. She still practices her religion today and has spoken of wearing a purification ring and regularly attending church. She is among the celebrities who are catholic who combines spirituality with mental health advocacy. She inspires millions of people with her honesty, resilience, and Catholic faith.
8. Nicole Kidman
An Oscar-winning actress known for Moulin Rouge! and The Hours, Kidman was raised in a devout Irish Catholic home. She returned to Catholicism after exploring Scientology while married to Tom Cruise in 2006. She attends Mass with her entire family and is among the catholic actors and actresses whose faith has influenced her professional and personal life.
9. Steve Carell
Best known for The Office and Despicable Me, Carell was raised in a strong Catholic household and quietly practiced his religion. Carell, who is private about his religion, credits his upbringing with helping him develop values such as kindness and humility. His faith is a testament to how Catholicism, even in comedy, can help shape a career that’s balanced and meaningful.
10. Stephen Colbert
The host of The Late Show, Colbert is among the celebrities that are roman catholic. He was raised in a Catholic Irish family and still practices his faith and even taught Sunday School. Colbert blends humor and theology often, praising his faith for helping to cope with his personal loss and guide his life with grace and resilience.
11. Vanessa Hudgens
Known for High School Musical and The Princess Switch, Hudgens was raised Roman Catholic and later adopted a more broad spiritual path. She honors her Catholic roots, while also exploring holistic practices and meditation. Her evolving beliefs show how catholic actors and actresses balance faith with personal growth in a modern society.
12. Mickey Rourke
The star of The Wrestler and Iron Man 2, Mickey was raised Catholic and returned to his faith after years of personal turmoil. A priest saved his life in his difficult time. Rourke’s story of brokenness, and then renewal, shows how faith is able to offer redemption – even in the most difficult corners of fame.
13. Sylvester Stallone
The action star of Rocky and Rambo, Stallone was raised Catholic and later rediscovered his faith after becoming a father. He even met Pope Francis because of his renewed spirituality. He is among the catholic actors and actresses who has a life that reflects his perseverance in films.
14. Robert De Niro
The star of roles in Taxi Driver and The Godfather Part II, Robert was secretly baptized Catholic by his grandparents, despite having been raised by artistic, non-practicing parents. Although he is not openly religious, his exposure to Catholicism as a child has influenced his portrayals of morality in his films.
15. Leonardo DiCaprio
Raised Catholic in Los Angeles, Leonardo is among the catholic actors and actresses known for his roles in Titanic and Inception. He is not religious, but he has spiritual values. He once met Pope Francis in order to discuss climate changes. His Catholic upbringing has influenced his worldview in a subtle way.
