Russell Crowe Dabbled With Scientology  4/19/05

Movie star Russell Crowe almost became a Scientologist when he first arrived in Hollywood, reading books about the celebrity religion and watching videos.

The Oscar winner has always been interested in different faiths - even though he was never christened - and tells his Cinderella Man co-star Paul Guanatti in America's Interview magazine he dabbled with Tom Cruise's controversial religion.

He recalls, "I read Dianetics by L Ron Hubbard (Scientology founder), I got a couple of videos, and I took it all in.

"It just seems like a religion that is perfect for people who feel like they need a grounding, who feels that the world has run off on them. I've discussed this with Scientologists, and they don't disagree.

"With any of these religions, as long as the heart and soul is positive, then to me it's all good."

In the interview, Crowe also tells Giamatti that he once dabbled with the Baha'i faith when he was growing up.