Leah Remini is no stranger to the spotlight, but her journey over the past decade has been marked by profound personal challenges and triumphs. As she approaches her 55th birthday on June 15, Remini reflects on life after leaving the Church of Scientology, her recent divorce, and the ongoing struggle against the organization that has pursued her relentlessly since her departure.
In July, it will be 12 years since Remini made the brave decision to leave Scientology, a choice that has defined her life in many ways. The actress, known for her role in “The King of Queens,” has dedicated herself to exposing the controversial practices of the Church, sharing her experiences in her 2015 memoir, *Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology*, and through her Emmy-winning A&E docuseries, *Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath*.
Remini’s commitment to shedding light on the Church’s alleged abuses has come at a cost. She claims that the Church has retaliated against her, subjecting her and her loved ones to harassment and surveillance. “It’s difficult to say it’s gotten easier when I have a multimillion-dollar organization terrorizing me and my family,” she admits. In August 2023, she filed a lawsuit against the Church, alleging ongoing harassment and surveillance of her and her 20-year-old daughter, Sofia. A trial is scheduled for October.
In response to Remini’s claims, a representative for the Church of Scientology dismissed her allegations as “unsupported and untrue,” stating that there has never been evidence to support her claims of harassment.
Despite the challenges, Remini expresses no regrets about her decision to leave Scientology. She credits therapy with helping her heal from the emotional and psychological damage inflicted during her more than 30 years as a member. “There are good days and bad days, but in general, it’s been worth it,” she reflects. “My heart has opened up so much.”
As she navigates significant life changes, including her recent divorce from Angelo Pagan after 28 years of marriage, Remini is finding new strength and purpose. The loss of her close friend and *Aftermath* cohost, Mike Rinder, to cancer in January has also been a heavy blow. However, she remains hopeful about her future. “I feel like I’m just starting to live,” she says, adding that she is finally emerging from the fog of her past.
Remini’s journey has not only involved personal healing but also academic growth. This fall, she is set to graduate from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, a testament to her belief in the importance of education and self-discovery. “I think education is important. It’s about pushing past what you think you can do,” she explains.
The transition to being an empty nester has also posed challenges for Remini. With Sofia now in college, she grapples with the emotional weight of this new chapter. “Some people celebrate this part of their lives, but I don’t. It’s the job I love the most,” she admits. Yet, she finds solace in the close bond they share, as Sofia continues to reach out for advice and support.
Reflecting on her marriage, Remini acknowledges that both she and Pagan have changed over the years. “When you’re giving what you give in a relationship, but it’s not what the person wants, it’s like, ‘So you don’t appreciate what I’m doing?'” she notes. Their decision to divorce was ultimately about recognizing their individual needs and moving forward with clarity.
As for her future in Hollywood, Remini is eager to produce and direct projects that resonate with her values. “I want to be on sets that are joyful, where you can make jokes and not have to talk to HR,” she shares. While she remains open to the idea of a *King of Queens* reboot, she acknowledges the difficulty of proceeding without the late Jerry Stiller, who played her character’s father.
In her ongoing fight against Scientology, Remini remains undeterred. She acknowledges the risks involved but feels a sense of obligation to continue advocating for those who have suffered similar experiences. “If it was affecting Sofia in a way that was debilitating to her, I would pass the torch to somebody,” she states. “But she doesn’t want me to give up, and Mike wouldn’t want me to give up. In his honor, I feel an obligation to continue.”
As Remini prepares to celebrate her birthday, she embraces the changes in her life with optimism. “I’m starting to find my own power,” she says. “It’s an awakening. It’s scary and exciting.” With her unwavering spirit and commitment to truth, Leah Remini continues to inspire others as she carves out a new path for herself beyond the shadows of her past.