The "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath" costar died soon after the new year.
Mike Rinder, a former member of Scientology and an outspoken critic of the organization, died on Sunday.
His wife, Christie Collbran, shared the news on Instagram alongside a family photo with their sons, Shane and Jack. The cause of death remains unclear as Collbran’s post didn’t mention it. Rinder was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in June 2023 and later noted that his treatments were working in an October 2023 post.
“Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband. I speak for so many when I say the sadness and pain we feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you,” Collbran’s post read. “Your courage, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us.”
Colbran also shared Rinder’s last words per his request, which were included in a blog post titled, “Farewell.”
“I have been lucky — living two lives in one lifetime. The second one the most wonderful years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family,” Rinder’s post read. “My only regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection, and seeing Jack into adulthood.”
Rinder would end his farewell message by saying:
“Let the flowers grow and look to the future … With that said, I rest in peace … The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”
The Australian-born author was raised in Scientology and grew up to serve in various executive roles, namely as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors. He left the Church of Scientology in 2007 and became a well-known whistleblower.
He was featured in HBO’s “Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief” and co-hosted “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” for three seasons. The A&E documentary series followed Rinder and Leah Remini, who also left the organization, as they dissected the abuse and harassment within the Church of Scientology.
The duo later launched their podcast, Scientology: Fair Game, which ran until 2022 and Rinder released a memoir the next year, titled A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology.
Remini would release an emotional tribute to Rinder following the news of his death.
“On Sunday, we lost a giant, and I lost a man who was more than a friend — he was a family," Lemini's post read. "It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted partner, and my closest confidant. The thought of moving forward without him feels unbearable.”
Rinder was 69-years-old.
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