Pentecostalism is a relatively young branch of the Christian church; it didn't crop up until the early 20th century. But still, a number of notable people have been raised as members of the Pentecostal church. Some famous Pentecostals are actors, while other Pentecostal celebrities are singers. Many famous Pentecostal celebs have dedicated their lives to politics.
Who will you find on this list of famous people you didn't know were Pentecostals? Megan Fox attended a Pentecostal church growing up, and even spoke in tongues during services. "The energy is so intense in the room that you feel like anything can happen. They’re going to hate that I compare it to this, but have you ever watched footage of a Santeria gathering or someone doing voodoo? You know how palpable the energy is? Whatever’s going on there, it’s for real," she said in an interview.
Denzel Washington's father was a Pentecostal preacher. "There's never been a time where God didn't direct, protect, and correct me. There may have been times where I was less than faithful to him, but he had faith in me," he said. Other famous Pentecostal celebrities include Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Michelle Williams.
Do you think that practicing the Pentecostal faith keeps these celebs centered? Take a look at this list and get in on the conversation in the comments section.
Megan Fox attended a Pentecostal church growing up, and even spoke in tongues during services. "The energy is so intense in the room that you feel like anything can happen. They’re going to hate that I compare it to this, but have you ever watched footage of a Santeria gathering or someone doing voodoo? You know how palpable the energy is? Whatever’s going on there, it’s for real," she said in a 2013 interview.
Age: 37
Birthplace: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
Denzel Washington's father was a Pentecostal preacher. "There's never been a time where God didn't direct, protect, and correct me. There may have been times where I was less than faithful to him, but he had faith in me," he said.
Vera Farmiga's parents introduced her to Pentecostal Christianity at a young age. "I was raised in many different kinds of [churches]. I've sat in hundreds and hundreds of denominations. We traipsed around everywhere, we moved several times. But we went back and forth between holy days in the Ukrainian Catholic church, and Sundays at the local evangelical house of worship," she said.
Growing up, Marvin Gaye was a member of the Black-Hebrew Pentecostal church the House of God. He often returned to the faith throughout his adult life.
Age: Dec. at 44 (1939-1984)
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Michelle Williams was raised in the Pentecostal church and she still practices the faith today. "I know for me, my calling is to inspire through my music. I know what my message content is supposed to be. Nobody wants to see me twirling from a pole. Nobody wants me to do the booty dance. I’m supposed to inspire and encourage and have fun while I do it," she said.
Jerry Lee Lewis attended the Pentecostal Assemblies of God church growing up. "I was raised a good Christian, but I couldn't make it. Too weak I guess," he said.
Age: Dec. at 87 (1935-2022)
Birthplace: Ferriday, Louisiana, United States of America
