Leah Remini 'Shattered' Over Death ofScientology and the AftermathCo-Host Mike Rinder: Read Her Tribute

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Rinder and Leah Remini on September 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:WireImage

WireImage

Leah Reminiis paying tribute toMike Rinder, her former co-host ofLeah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,two days after his death was announced.

Rinder’s wife,Christie Collbran,announced his death on Sunday, Jan. 5, viaInstagram. Rinder was 69. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Remini penned a touchingInstagramtribute to her late friend.

“On Sunday, we lost a giant, and I lost a man who was more than a friend—he was family. It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my trusted partner and my closest confidant,” theKing of Queensalum began.

“When I left Scientology, Mike was one of the first people I turned to. From that moment, he became my lifeline. Together, we embarked on an incredible journey that includedThe Aftermathand our podcast,Fair Game.But Mike was so much more than my partner in this fight—he was my brother, my father, and my best friend.”

Leah Remini/Instagram

“In his post-Scientology life, Mike was a man transformed,” Remini of the former Scientologist. He was raised a Scientologist from age 5 but exited the church in 2007 at age 52.

“He worked tirelessly to right the wrongs of his past. There was not one call Mike didn’t take; there was not one person Mike didn’t try to help, despite the many heartbreaks he endured from those who needed him.”

Remini wrote that he was “an amazing husband and an attentive, loving dad to Jack and his stepson Shane.” The actress noted that “one of the many heartbreaks Mike suffered was the absence of his older kids who disconnected from him due to Scientology’s cruel policies after he courageously escaped its abuse.”

In her tribute, she noted that one of his wishes was to encourage support for his 12-year-old son Jack’s college fund and thoughts and prayers for his family. “They’ve lost a husband and dad whose love knew no bounds, and I’ve lost someone whose presence in my life was irreplaceable.” She concluded, “Mikey, I will miss you every day, and I just don’t know how to do it without you.”

Before Rinder’s death, Remini visited him at his Florida home for the holiday season. At the time, she posted aseries of photosalongside her friend and his family. She credited Rinder’s wife for showing a “strength and grace that is a wonder to behold.”

“Shane and Jack, you have been so wonderful and strong for your dad/stepdad. I know this hasn’t been easy, and we are all so proud of you,” Remini added.

Mike Rinder on September 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Rinder previously shared in aJune 2023 blog postthat he’d been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer, but no cause of death has been given.

source: people.com