Leah Remini, renowned for her roles in “King of Queens” and as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance?”, has recently made headlines not just for her acting prowess but also for her educational achievements.
At the age of 53, Remini proudly announced on social media that she has earned an associate’s degree from New York University, marking a significant milestone in her journey of self-improvement.
In a heartfelt post shared on Thursday, Remini revealed that she had been diligently working towards this goal for the past three years. Her decision to pursue higher education came after a lifetime of challenges, including leaving the Church of Scientology, which she described as a “totalitarian cult.” Despite facing doubts about her intelligence and the lingering effects of decades of indoctrination, Remini was determined to defy the odds and pursue her dreams.
“I desperately wanted a higher education for many years but didn’t move forward because I feared I was not smart enough,” she confessed. “Even though I had managed to leave Scientology, three decades of brainwashing still gripped my mind.”
Three years ago, I embarked on a terrifying journey: becoming a college student at the age of 50 after only having an 8th-grade education and spending 35 years in a totalitarian cult.
After three years of hard work, long nights, tears, and wanting to give up so many times, I… pic.twitter.com/rsf79StnkP
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) March 28, 2024
With the unwavering support of her loved ones, Remini pushed forward, emphasizing the message that it’s never too late to pursue education and personal growth. Encouraging others facing similar obstacles, she wrote, “Whether a cult used to control your life, you have a full-time job as a stay-at-home parent, or full-time job(s) outside of the home, it’s never too late to continue your education and pursue what you have always wanted to achieve for yourself!”
Remini’s educational achievement comes amidst her ongoing legal battle with the Church of Scientology. Having left the organization in 2013 after a lifelong affiliation, she has been vocal about her experiences and has even filed a lawsuit against the church and its leader, David Miscavige, alleging harassment, surveillance, and defamation.
While a recent ruling saw parts of Remini’s lawsuit dismissed, citing protections under the First Amendment, it also acknowledged the validity of her claims regarding harassment and surveillance. Despite the legal challenges, Remini remains undeterred in her pursuit of justice and continues to inspire others through her resilience and determination to overcome obstacles both on and off-screen.