Former Church of Scientology Worldwide government Mike Rinder, who left the faith and spoke out about it as co-host of A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, has died. He was 69.
His passing was introduced by his spouse, Christie King Collbran, who shared a message on Instagram, writing, “Relaxation in peace, my candy, lovely husband. I communicate for therefore many after I say the unhappiness and ache we really feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you.”
She continued, “Your braveness, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and can eternally encourage us. You’ve gotten been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days along with your energy, knowledge, love, laughter and devotion. The world will bear in mind you. My greatest pal, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
A explanation for dying was not offered.
Rinder was beforehand recognized with superior esophageal most cancers in June 2023, although he introduced he was cancer-free in October of that very same yr. Nonetheless, in a December 6 put up on Instagram, Rinder’s A&E co-host Remini shared an replace, the place she revealed, “As a lot of , Mike has been courageously battling most cancers.”
Remini — additionally a former member of the Church of Scientology — shared a gallery of pictures of herself and others visiting Rinder at this residence, the place he seemed to be bed-bound. “Spreading a bit vacation cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his lovely household,” the King of Queens alum wrote. “I’m so moved by the outpouring of affection and care proven to Mike and his household.”
Born on April 10, 1955, in Adelaide, Australia, Rinder joined the Sea Org, the senior-most standing of employees inside the Church of Scientology, at age 18 and quickly rose within the ranks of the group. He later served as government director of the Workplace of Particular Affairs, appearing as chief spokesperson and consultant of Scientology to the media for 25 years.
He left Scientology in 2007 and spoke out in opposition to the group in quite a few interviews and documentaries, together with CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° and HBO’s Going Clear: Scientology and the Jail of Perception. Most notably, he joined Remini to co-host the Emmy-winning docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. He additionally co-hosted the Scientology: Truthful Recreation podcast with Remini from 2020 to 2022.
In 2022, he revealed a memoir titled A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life within the Highest Ranks of Scientology.
Rinder’s spouse shared her husband’s parting phrases in her Instagram put up, which learn, “If you’re studying this, I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable legislation that there are solely two certainties in life: dying and taxes.”
“I’ve been fortunate — dwelling two lives in a single lifetime. The second probably the most great years anybody may want for with all of you and my new household!” the assertion continued. “My solely actual remorse isn’t having achieved what I mentioned I wished to — ending the abuses of Scientology.”
“If you’re in any approach preventing to finish these abuses please hold the flag flying — by no means quit,” he added. “And please, if you’re ready not directly, assist Christie and the boys to maneuver ahead into the following chapter of their lives.”