Russell Crowe Reveals He Looked Into Scientology When He Became Pals With Tom Cruise

Actor tells People magazine that he looked into the controversial religion back when he became acquainted with Cruise

Russell Crowe never ended up joining the Church of Scientology, but he reveals there was a time when it was a possibility.

The actor explains that during a time when he was hanging out with Tom Cruise and then-wife Nicole Kidman, Crowe became intrigued with the religion and started looking into it.

"From a young kid, I was quite interested in religion," the Oscar-winning actor, whose parents chose not to baptize him so that he could explore his own beliefs, tells People magazine.

"When I met Tom Cruise when he was married to [fellow Aussie] Nicole [Kidman], we were spending a bit of time together so I thought I'd find out a little bit about what he was into."

So the actor began his research.

"I found a video in the video store about Scientology and I watched it," the 51-year-old said. "It wasn't that informative. But I brought it up with Tom and I thought he was really cool. He didn't try to sell me a pair of shoes. He just said, 'If it's something that interests you, you'll pursue it.' And I think that happens with any kind of religion if you come to it by your own discovery."

Crowe never ended up joining the Church of Scientology, telling the mag, "I never ended up putting my two cents down on anybody's table. I've never graced [Scientology's] doorway."

Other celeb Scientologists include John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Danny Masterson and Laura Prepon.