Tom Cruise praises Scientology as a 'beautiful' religion

Actor says Scientology his helped him 'incredibly' throughout his life

Tom Cruise (Getty)

Whereas once Tom Cruise was known for his sofa-jumping exuberance and unmatched intensity - his heated conversation with Matt Laur circa 2008 being perhaps the indelible example - the actor takes a much more restrained approach in interviews now.

While arguably Scientology’s most famous follower, he rarely speaks about his beliefs. Once the man who described why he believes it is capable of “changing people’s lives” in a superlative-laden leaked interview, the subject now tends to be off the table.

But while speaking with ITV News at the premiere of Jack Reacher, Cruise gave a ringing endorsement of Scientology, praising it as a “beautiful” religion.

He was ambushed with a question about Louis Theroux’s much-hyped first feature length documentary: My Scientology Movie.

“It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life. I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years," he said.

"Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”

The 54-year-old has followed Scientology since being introduced to the organisation by his first wife Mimi Rogers in 1986.