Russell Crowe seriously considered becoming a Scientologist in the past.
The 'Water Diviner' director and star admits he researched the controversial church and spoke to high profile member Tom Cruise about joining after meeting him through his ex-wife Nicole Kidman.
The 51-year-old star said: "From a young kid, I was quite interested in religion. When I met Tom Cruise when he was married to [fellow Australian star] Nicole [Kidman], we were spending a bit of time together so I thought I'd find out a little bit about what he was into."
The Oscar winner reached out to Tom after struggling to find much information about the religion.
He told PEOPLE magazine: "I found a video in the video store about Scientology and I watched it. It wasn't that informative. But I brought it up with Tom and I thought he was really cool. He didn't try to sell me a pair of shoes. He just said, 'If it's something that interests you, you'll pursue it.' And I think that happens with any kind of religion if you come to it by your own discovery."
But Russell insists he never joined the church despite recently being named as a member in a report.
He said: "I never ended up putting my two cents down on anybody's table. I've never graced [Scientology's] doorway."