Leah Remini, the former actor of “King of Queens,” wants to encourage people who are interested in pursuing a college degree later in life by sharing a powerful message: “You can always continue your education, no matter how old you are.”
On Thursday, Remini, 53, took to social media to share her accomplishment of receiving an associate’s degree from New York University. This was a significant milestone for Remini, considering her educational journey began with only an eighth-grade education. After spending 35 years in what she referred to as a “totalitarian cult,” specifically the Church of Scientology, she decided to embark on this challenging and somewhat terrifying endeavor. Over the past three years, Remini dedicated herself to earning her degree, proving that it’s never too late to pursue education and personal growth.
“I had a strong desire for a higher education for a long time, but I didn’t pursue it because I had this constant fear that I wasn’t intelligent enough,” she shared. “Even though I had successfully left Scientology, the influence of being indoctrinated for thirty years still had a hold on my thoughts.”
With the unwavering support of her loved ones, she embarked on her chosen path. In an inspiring message to her dedicated fans, the judge of “So You Think You Can Dance?” expressed her determination to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
“It doesn’t matter if a cult used to control your life or if you have a full-time job as a stay-at-home parent or working outside of the home; it is never too late to further your education and pursue your dreams!” she emphasized.
Actress Leah Remini has been a vocal opponent of the Church of Scientology for quite some time now. After being a member of the church since childhood, she officially left in 2013. Last year, Remini took legal action against the organization and its leader, David Miscavige. Her lawsuit accuses them of subjecting her to harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and defamation.
Earlier this month, a judge dismissed certain aspects of the lawsuit, as reported by Variety, stating that some of the church’s accusations against her are protected by the First Amendment. Nevertheless, the judge also ruled that the church cannot argue freedom of speech as a defense for purportedly harassing and monitoring Remini or individuals connected to her anti-Scientology podcast.
