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Actress Leah Remini, whose very public split from the Church of Scientology produced a negative round of publicity for the religion, is now planning on writing a tell-all book about her life.
PHOTOS: Katie, Nicole and Now Leah: 7 Stars Who Quit Scientology
Details about how much Remini will spill about Scientology are scarce.
Her public comments to date about why she left the church have been circumscribed, but her discussion about a possible memoir hints at a willingness to open up about Scientology.
The King of Queens actress, who is a second-generation Scientologist, told US Weekly at the annual DesignCare event in Malibu on July 27 that a memoir would include “my experiences, everything that’s taboo to talk about.”
BOOK EXCERPT: Scientology’s Seduction of Tom Cruise, Role in Nicole Kidman Split Detailed
At the same event, she told People, “I believe that people should be able to question things. I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct. That, for me, that’s what I’m about. It wouldn’t matter what it was, simply because no one is going to tell me how I need to think; no one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to.”
A Remini memoir could be a blockbuster. She was friendly with many of the most famous Scientologists, including Tom Cruise and the religion’s controversial leader, David Miscavige.
Indeed, a comment Remini supposedly made about the absence of Miscavige’s wife, Shelly, from Cruise’s wedding to Katie Holmes in 2006 is reported to have gotten her in trouble with church leaders.
A memoir from Remini that talks not only about her own experiences but also about her relationships with Miscavige and other celebrity Scientologists could attract a multimillion-dollar advance, especially with multiple publishers bidding.
Going Clear, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright‘s history of Scientology, was an instant best-seller when it was published in January. Add in Remini’s celebrity, and publishers have a recipe for a huge hit.
Multiple publishers have already approached the actress with interest in the project. Reuters reported she had received “a number of offers” for the as-yet-unwritten book.
Remini is probably the most famous long-standing celebrity adherent to break from the church. Screenwriter Paul Haggis left Scientology in 2009. His exit drew widespread attention after it was the subject of a New Yorker story by Wright and was prominently featured in Going Clear.
STORY: Paul Haggis Pens Open Letter Praising Leah Remini’s ‘Brave’ Break With Scientology
Even though Haggis won a 2006 Oscar for writing Crash, his public profile pales in comparison to Remini, who has been a well-known actress since a guest stint on Saved by the Bell in 1991.
Her longest-running role was as Kevin James‘ wife on CBS’ King of Queens, which aired from 1998-2007.
In 2010-11, she was one of the hosts of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk.
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