5 Shocking Truths About Leah Remini's Early Years And The 'Billion-Year' Contract She Signed At 13

Few celebrities have a backstory as complex and challenging as Leah Remini. As of late 2025, the Emmy-winning actress and activist continues to speak out about the profound impact her childhood—spent almost entirely within the confines of the Church of Scientology—had on her life and career. Her earliest years were a tumultuous mix of working-class Brooklyn grit, a broken home, and an abrupt, life-altering immersion into a controversial organization that would define her existence for over three decades.

This deep dive explores Leah Remini's formative years, revealing the little-known details about her family, her move across the country, and the shocking commitment she made as a young teenager that she would spend the next 34 years fighting to escape. The story of her life before *The King of Queens* is essential to understanding the fierce advocate she is today.

Leah Remini: Complete Early Biography and Profile

Leah Marie Remini’s early life was marked by a series of dramatic shifts, from her New York roots to the strict environment of the Church of Scientology's inner workings. Her profile is defined by her resilience and her eventual transformation from a dedicated member to one of the organization's most vocal critics.

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• Full Name: Leah Marie Remini
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1970
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Ethnicity: Half Austrian Jewish (Mother's side), Half Italian (Father's side)
• Parents: Vicki Marshall (Mother) and George Remini (Father)
• Siblings: Nicole Remini (Younger Sister), and four half-sisters (Shannon, Stephanie, Christina, Elizabeth)
• Childhood Home: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
• Religious Affiliation (Early Life): Baptized Catholic, but entered Scientology at a young age
• Key Early Affiliation: Joined the Church of Scientology with her mother and sister around age nine (1979)
• Education: Dropped out of school at age 14 to pursue acting in Los Angeles.
• First Major TV Role: Stacey Carosi on *Saved by the Bell* (1991)
• Breakout Role: Carrie Heffernan on *The King of Queens* (1998–2007)

The Abrupt Shift from Brooklyn Catholic to Scientology Sea Org

Leah Remini’s childhood began in the working-class neighborhood of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, where she was initially baptized into the Catholic Church. Her parents, George Remini and Vicki Marshall, separated when Leah was young. This divorce became the catalyst for the family's dramatic religious and geographical change.

The Introduction to Scientology

Following the separation, her mother, Vicki Marshall, began dating a man involved in Scientology and subsequently became a devoted member. Vicki brought both Leah and her younger sister, Nicole Remini, into the Church. Sources differ slightly on the exact age, but Leah was reportedly introduced to Scientology around age five or nine (1979). The Church became the central, defining structure of her early life.

The family’s commitment deepened significantly, leading to a major relocation. In the early 1980s, Vicki moved her daughters to Clearwater, Florida, which is the spiritual headquarters of Scientology, and later to Los Angeles. This move was not for a better life or career opportunity, but to be closer to the Church’s core activities.

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Signing the 'Billion-Year' Contract at 13

One of the most shocking revelations about Remini's early years is her involvement in the Sea Organization, or Sea Org. The Sea Org is a religious order within Scientology, described as a dedicated, full-time workforce for the organization. At only 13 years old, Leah Remini signed a contract committing her to the group for a "billion years".

This commitment is meant to span multiple lifetimes, reflecting a deep, permanent devotion. Remini has since described this period as a challenging and intense experience, where she was expected to work long hours and adhere to the rigorous lifestyle of a committed Scientologist, effectively sacrificing a normal adolescence and formal education.

The Teenage Hustle: From Sea Org to Hollywood Auditions

By the time she was a young teenager, Remini had made a pivotal decision that would forever change her trajectory: she left the Sea Org and, soon after, her formal education. At 14, with her mother's support, she dropped out of school and moved to Los Angeles with her family to pursue an acting career.

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The Start of a Gritty Acting Career

The move to Los Angeles was a struggle. Remini began her acting career in the mid-1980s, taking on background roles and small television parts to make ends meet. Her early work was a testament to her Brooklyn hustle and determination, a stark contrast to the structured life she had just left. She had to learn the industry while simultaneously grappling with a lack of formal education.

Her first credited television appearances came in the late 1980s. She appeared in shows like *Head of the Class* and two episodes of the popular sitcom *Who's the Boss?*. These small roles were crucial stepping stones, allowing her to gain experience and visibility in the competitive Hollywood landscape.

The Path to *The King of Queens*

Remini continued to land supporting roles throughout the early 1990s, including a memorable arc as Stacey Carosi on *Saved by the Bell* in 1991. She also had a starring role in the short-lived sitcom *Living Dolls*. However, her career truly took off in 1998 when she was cast as the sharp-tongued, lovable Carrie Heffernan on *The King of Queens*. This role not only made her a household name but also provided the financial and professional stability that allowed her to later challenge the organization that dominated her early years.

The Long-Term Impact: A Decade of Activism and 'Constant Struggle'

While her early years were defined by her commitment to Scientology, the decade following her departure in 2013 has been marked by her fierce activism and advocacy against the organization. Her history is not just a personal story; it’s a public crusade to expose the inner workings of the Church, particularly concerning the experiences of children and families.

In recent years, Remini has consistently spoken about the ongoing consequences of her childhood within the Church. In a social media post marking a decade since her departure, she described her life as a "constant struggle" to push back against the organization's influence and alleged harassment. She has stated that Scientology is "terrorizing" her and her family, a direct result of her decision to leave and speak out about her early life experiences.

Her Emmy-winning docu-series, *Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath*, became a powerful platform for sharing her story and the stories of other former members. This work is a direct reflection of her early years—a determination to shed light on the practices she witnessed and experienced as a child and teenager who signed a "billion-year" contract. Her current work is a testament to the fact that for Leah Remini, her early years are not just history, but an ongoing battle for truth and justice.