Why Leah Remini's Acceptance Into NYU Left Her "In Tears"

Kevin Can Wait actress Leah Remini announced she is heading to college at NYU after "desperately" wanting a higher education. Scroll to read her message.

By Kaitlin Reilly May 20, 2021 11:26 PMTags
Watch: Jennifer Lopez & Leah Remini Talk "Second Act" Friendship

Leah Remini is about to be a college freshman. 

The King of Queens star took to Instagram on May 20 to share a pic of her acceptance letter to New York University. The actress, who has been embroiled in a fight against Scientology after leaving the controversial organization in 2013, wrote a lengthy caption about her decision to attend school. 

"I am so excited, in tears and wanted to share this with you guys," she began. "For someone like me, a person who desperately wanted a higher education and options in my life, coming from a cult and a family who didn't value an education, this is a very big day for me. This didn't come easy. This is one of the last chunks of my life that I am taking back for myself from Scientology."

Leah, 50, added that it "took a lot" for her to take this step, because she initially didn't feel smart or worthy enough to pursue a college degree. 

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"I did it anyway with a lot of encouragement from a very special person in my life," she continued. "I am ready to do the work and honestly, I'm scared s--tless." 

Leah went on to thank NYU for believing in her abilities, as well as John from Innovative Education Solutions for the support along the way.  

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The actress, who starred in and produced the documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which ran from 2016 to 2019 on A&E, got much love from friends in the comment section. Jennifer Lopez, Leah's longtime friend and her co-star in the film Second Act, gushed, "So proud of you baby! So happy for you #noitsnevertoolate."

Leah may have hinted at her college plans on Instagram earlier this month. On May 17, she shared the quote, "Prove yourself to yourself, not others," along with the caption "#mondaymotivation."