Catherine Bell believes the Church of Scientology gets a bad rap.
“People don’t really understand what Scientology is,” the “JAG” star told Pvnew exclusively at the New York premiere of the Hallmark Channel movie “Christmas on Cherry Lane” Thursday night.
“There is so much false information [out there],” she claimed before advising people to research the controversial organization themselves.
“I always say read something for yourself, pick up a book and read ‘Dianetics’ [by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard], direct from the source, and then make a decision.”
Bell, 55, is a longtime adherent of the church, even appearing in a 2006 promotional music video called “United” and performing in its Christmas shows.
Science fiction writer Hubbard, who died in 1986 at age 74, created Scientology in 1950. The movement’s supporters call it a religion, while detractors have described it as an all-consuming cult.
Celebrity Scientologists include Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Leah Remini famously quit in 2013 and has since spoken out extensively about her experience with the org.
Earlier this year, the “King of Queens” star, 53, filed a lawsuit against Scientology citing “harassment, intimidation, surveillance and defamation,” which the church called “ludicrous.”
Like Cruise and Travolta, Bell has had a long career in Hollywood, including an eight-year run on “JAG,” despite her association with Scientology.
In recent years, the actress has become a Hallmark regular, starring in more than 10 movies including the “Good Witch” franchise, in which she plays the character of Cassandra “Cassie” Nightingale. She also has a soft spot for the network’s beloved Noel-themed fare.
“I love doing Hallmark Christmas movies,” she gushed to us. “They’re so much fun. They’re so heartwarming and touching.
“There is a usually happy ending in these Christmas Hallmark movies, which is nice because we need that once in a while!”
“Christmas on Cherry Lane” airs Saturday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
