Mormon and famous aren’t two words you usually associate together. The Mormon religion is quite conservative and the exact opposite of the Hollywood lifestyle. Despite the strict rules and innocent nature of the religion, there are many famous Mormons in the entertainment and sports world who worshiped at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While many were brought up in the church and no longer follow the teachings, there are some who still believe and follow the faith.

The organization was formed on April 30, 1830, by one Joesph Smith. Based on the teachings of the Bible, there are also other texts created to outline the way to live as a Mormon. The religion went to the next level when Brigham Young took over as leader in 1847. He moved the church west from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake Valley, Utah. Here the Mormon religion flourished and its headquarters still remain today. He also built the Brigham Young University where attending students must follow the teachings of Mormonism. 

To help you discover more about those who grew up in the LDS church, here is a list of the 12 most famous Mormons who have made it big.

1. Aaron Eckhart 

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Not only was Aaron Eckhart raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but he also undertook mission work for the church. While there aren’t many details about what he did, it is believed that Eckhart served a two-year mission in France and Switzerland helping spread the word of the Mormon faith. While he no longer follows the religion, he explained in an interview with Men’s Health how his time in the church shaped his life. 

“Any religion or philosophy–whatever your core values are when you’re growing up, it’s impossible to divorce yourself from them,” he said. “I have good tools, a good foundation. I’m not so good about going to church every week. Plus, I’m probably not the poster child for Mormonism. But it’s still in me, definitely. What I’m talking about is being a good person, living by a certain code.”