Some Of Hollywood’s Biggest Names Are Turning Away From Depravity, Towards Jesus

Hollywood stars often find themselves on the wrong path in life, but some of them have stepped out of the darkness by dedicating their lives to religion.

Entertainment headlines are quick to cover the downfalls and bad habits of the rich and famous. With so much scrutiny and the flash of paparazzi cameras at every turn, it’s hard for stars to keep their bad habits and undesirable moments in the personal realm. Very few of them have managed to turn their lives around by putting their focus on a higher power, and turning to religion to cleanse their sins and set them forth on a positive track.

One of the many big names that comes to mind is Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg had a short stint alongside his brother Donnie Wahlberg in the hit pop boy band, New Kids on the Block. He then skyrocketed to fame with his independent movie career as part of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Wahlberg’s star continued to rise, but he had dropped out of school at the age of 13 and faced attempted murder and assault charges by the time he was just 16 years old. Wahlberg’s wrong turns led him straight to jail, where he served time and reflected on the errors of his ways. The youngest of nine, Wahlberg soon rediscovered his faith and immersed himself in his Catholic roots. He has since gone on to pursue a successful career as an actor and entrepreneur. Wahlberg has fully committed his life to God and starts each day with prayer. He spreads the word about the power of Christianity in interviews and on social media.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 18: Comedian and actor Russell Brand attends the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party’s presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Russel Brand’s scandals and controversies include allegations of sexual assault by four women, complaints about his provocative, sexually-charged humor and his politically charged statements that were offensive to many. He was open about his numerous attempts at seeking professional help for his drug and sex addiction issues. His vocal, head-on approach to discussing the numerous allegations against him rubbed many the wrong way. Brand made a sudden, unexpected move in 2024 when he was baptized as a Christian in the River Thames. He turned his focus to God and threw himself into the Christian faith. Some of his podcasts and appearances are now centered around spiritual healing and the importance of faith.

MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 23: In this handout photo provided by Miami-Dade Police Department, pop star Justin Bieber poses for a booking photo at the Miami-Dade Police Department on January 23, 2014 in Miami, Florida. Justin Bieber was charged with drunken driving, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license after Miami Beach Police found the pop star street racing on Thursday morning. (Photo by Miami-Dade Police Department via Getty Images)

Justin Bieber’s meteoric rise to fame proved to also be the source of his demise. Scooter Braun managed the 12-year-old talent, whose signature locks and catchy tunes had girls flocking to his concerts and buying his music and merchandise. It quickly became evident that the fame and media attention was far too much for Bieber to handle. He was involved in an accident involving a pedestrian in 2013, and people began to complain about his out-of-control parties. Videos of him saying racial slurs began making their rounds, and by 2015 he was found guilty of assault and careless driving, after being charged with driving under the influence in Miami the year before. The singer was reportedly involved in a Los Angeles accident involving a pedestrian, and struck a paparazzo with his truck in Beverly Hills in 2017 in an apparent accident. His antics soon led to people petitioning for his deportation from the country. Bieber publicly broke down and after a tumultuous struggle with depression and anxiety, he turned to God for help. Bieber has since embraced Christianity and dedicated his life to serving Jesus. Religion remains an important part of his daily life and is a common bond he shares with his wife, Hailey Bieber. He publicly credits his faith for helping him overcome his problems.

AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 9: In this handout provided by the Austin Police Department, Shia Saide LaBeouf poses for a mugshot photo after he was was arrested for Public Intoxication at the intersection of 6th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard on October 9, 2015 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Austin Police Department via Getty Images)

Shia LaBeouf rose to fame as an actor but became just as famous for his off-stage antics and arrests. He frequented the headlines with odd, often explosive behavior and was often video taped acting erratically in public. He was arrested in 2014 and charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. Disturbing accusations of sexual battery and physical and verbal abuse were brought against him by FKA Twigs in a 2020 lawsuit. Misdemeanor public intoxication, petty theft and battery were among the numerous allegations made against him over the years. His name became synonymous with trouble, and he opened up about experiencing suicidal ideation as a result of his troubles with the law and issues with addiction and alcoholism. LaBeouf landed a role in “Padre Pio” that altered the course of his life. Playing a Catholic saint opened his eyes to religion, and he began following the path to God. LaBeouf was confirmed on New Year’s Eve at a mass conducted by Capuchin Franciscan friars. (RELATED: Denzel Washington Officially Becomes A Minister)

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Denzel Washington attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount Pictures “Gladiator II” at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Getty Images

Denzel Washington is the most recent celebrity to leave his bad habits behind in favor of a life dedicated to God. He shocked fans by getting baptized in December 2024 at the age of 69. Washington previously admitted to being addicted to drugs and alcohol during his rise to fame in Hollywood. The star has openly discussed his addiction issues and his pursuit of a more balanced lifestyle after acknowledging that he has damaged his body with substance abuse. The legendary actor got sober in 2014.  At the same time as he was baptized in 2024, he became officially ordained as a minister and posed proudly with his license as he addressed the parish. Washington put his life’s ups and downs in perspective and thanked God for providing him with a clear path to follow. The actor previously shunned Hollywood for not embracing his faith.