The audacity…right in front of me! Thank you for 27 years of King of Queens! We are so grateful for all the love!
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. 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 included The Aftermath and 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. Mike saved my life and the life of my daughter and he stood by me through battles that felt insurmountable. I haven’t come to terms with the reality that I can’t call him and hear his voice anymore. I am shattered in ways I never thought possible. I have cried endlessly and can’t seem to move from my bed since coming home. I’ll have much more to say about Mike and the legacy he leaves behind—words that will attempt to honor his immeasurable contribution to this world. But for now, I want to honor his memory by fulfilling one of his last wishes: encouraging support for his son Jack’s college fund. In his post-Scientology life, Mike was a man transformed. 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. Mike also became an amazing husband and an attentive, loving dad to Jack and his stepson Shane. 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. Mike adored Jack, who is just 12. If you’re able, I hope you’ll join me in contributing to Jack’s college fund, ensuring Mike’s dreams for his son can still come true. Link to donate is in my bio. Please keep Mike’s wife, Christie, Jack, and Mike’s stepson Shane in your thoughts and prayers. They’ve lost a husband and dad whose love knew no bounds, and I’ve lost someone whose presence in my life was irreplaceable. Mikey, I will miss you every day, and I just don’t know how to do it without you.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family. I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family. @claireh101 came with her family to visit the Rinders for Thanksgiving and stayed to help. Claire is shopping, cooking soup for Mikey, cleaning, baking, and running to the store 23 times a day. Amy Scobee and Mat Pesch are blessings. Amy is doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and baking… and Mat is wrangling the kids, taking them to their sports events, and doing everything and anything. My friend Corina dropped everything, canceling the work she had in LA to travel with me—not even hesitating for a moment to get to Mike with me. Corina, there is just no one like you. To my friend @yasharali , thank you for getting me and Corina to Florida on such short notice. You pulled favors, took care of everything, got us here, got us to and from Mike’s to the hotel, and so much more. None of this could have happened without you. I can’t thank you enough, and Mike and Christie can’t thank you enough—you brought tears to their eyes! @juliechenmoonves, @kevinjamesofficial, @chelseahandler—your calls and prayers made Mike smile from ear to ear Thank you to the Aftermath crew for sending Mikey your funny messages. @devonpgraham, thank you for the food and care. Mom, Angelo, Sofia, Shannon, Nicole, Willy, Bri… thank you for loving on Mikey Thank you to @mrlitservices for taking on the task of putting up Christmas lights on the Rinder home with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your company was booked, you had customers on your schedule already, and you didn’t hesitate. @christie.june is an angel. While managing her household, two boys, and doting over her husband, she shows 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 As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.
It’s been 27 years since The King of Queens premiered, and I still get so many messages every single day from fans who tell me that our show is still a part of their daily lives. I am so grateful. Thank you for 27 years of amazing memories.
A bench has been dedicated in Mike Rinder’s honor—a place for families to connect, to reflect, and to remember those they love. Mike’s greatest wish was to end Scientology’s cruel disconnection policy, to help families find their way back to each other. This bench is meant to be a space where people can sit, think, and, hopefully, reconnect with loved ones. Whether you live in Clearwater or are just visiting, I hope this spot brings comfort and reflection. @christie.june (Mike’s wife), @claireh101, and I chose the perfect spot—a place where people can pause and honor the ones they’ve lost or those they still hope to reunite with. In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, and a friend to so many—my Mikey. A heartfelt thank-you to @myclearwater for helping make this possible.
A bench has been dedicated in Mike Rinder’s honor—a place for families to connect, to reflect, and to remember those they love. Mike’s greatest wish was to end Scientology’s cruel disconnection policy, to help families find their way back to each other. This bench is meant to be a space where people can sit, think, and, hopefully, reconnect with loved ones. Whether you live in Clearwater or are just visiting, I hope this spot brings comfort and reflection. @christie.june (Mike’s wife), @claireh101, and I chose the perfect spot—a place where people can pause and honor the ones they’ve lost or those they still hope to reunite with. In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, and a friend to so many—my Mikey. A heartfelt thank-you to @myclearwater for helping make this possible.
A bench has been dedicated in Mike Rinder’s honor—a place for families to connect, to reflect, and to remember those they love. Mike’s greatest wish was to end Scientology’s cruel disconnection policy, to help families find their way back to each other. This bench is meant to be a space where people can sit, think, and, hopefully, reconnect with loved ones. Whether you live in Clearwater or are just visiting, I hope this spot brings comfort and reflection. @christie.june (Mike’s wife), @claireh101, and I chose the perfect spot—a place where people can pause and honor the ones they’ve lost or those they still hope to reunite with. In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, and a friend to so many—my Mikey. A heartfelt thank-you to @myclearwater for helping make this possible.
A bench has been dedicated in Mike Rinder’s honor—a place for families to connect, to reflect, and to remember those they love. Mike’s greatest wish was to end Scientology’s cruel disconnection policy, to help families find their way back to each other. This bench is meant to be a space where people can sit, think, and, hopefully, reconnect with loved ones. Whether you live in Clearwater or are just visiting, I hope this spot brings comfort and reflection. @christie.june (Mike’s wife), @claireh101, and I chose the perfect spot—a place where people can pause and honor the ones they’ve lost or those they still hope to reunite with. In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, and a friend to so many—my Mikey. A heartfelt thank-you to @myclearwater for helping make this possible.
This is why I just shave my head.
This is what Scientology truly is: a fascist state and a cult of personality. To call Scientology a cult diminishes how horrific an organization it is. I hope you’ll watch and learn that Scientology isn’t just some weird Hollywood organization but one of the most dangerous criminal entities on earth. This is a clip from my keynote speech about human rights in Saudi Arabia that I gave at the Quest for Democracy in Saudi Arabia Summit last year. If you want to watch my full speech, I’ve linked to it in my bio.
In early January, I was on a plane to Florida with Claire Headley to see our friend Mike Rinder in what ended up being his final days. I brought up an idea: Would the board of the Aftermath Foundation consider renaming the organization in Mike’s honor? @aftermathfdn is a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping those who want to leave Scientology and the Sea Org but lack a system of support they can rely on while getting on their feet in the outside world. The Aftermath Foundation was inspired by our A&E series and those who were brave enough to tell us their stories, but the truth is, without Mike’s position in Scientology and his fearless fight to expose them after he escaped, there would have been no Aftermath series—no movement like this at all. Before I could even finish my thought, Claire said tearfully, “Yes, let me take it to the board.” Within 24 hours, the board unanimously agreed. The Aftermath Foundation is now named the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation. I had hoped Claire and I would be able to tell Mike about this together—I had naively and wholeheartedly believed he was going to pull through. It’s been nearly two months since Mike’s passing, and if I am being completely honest and vulnerable, I haven’t been able to get over this loss. I’ve only left the house four times in a month, and I still can’t find peace with my reality without him. I hope you had a chance to read Mike’s final post on his blog (linked in my bio) and honor him by continuing to do the work he dedicated his life to, in whatever way you can. We all miss Mike very much, but we will keep working to expose Scientology and David Miscavige for what they are, and we will do it in Mike’s name. Thank you to the board for bringing Mike’s name into your important legacy, and thank you, in particular, to all those who help grant recipients get back on their feet. I also want to personally thank all of you who made a contribution to the college fund of Mike and Christie’s son Jack. Finally, please click the link in my bio to learn more about the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation.
I didn’t think The King of Queens was going to be a big hit! Not because I didn’t love Kevin James or think he was great — we had instant chemistry. And not because I didn’t think the writers were great; they were amazing. But by the time I got cast in The King of Queens, I had filmed a ton of pilots and been cast in a bunch of TV shows that ultimately got canceled. So I had become cynical and just assumed it wouldn’t work out. It’s been 27 years since The King of Queens premiered, and it’s still one of the top-rated shows in syndication. We are so grateful for all of you.
She’s lying through her teeth! LOL @chelseahandler
Doug Heffernan is always running scared from Carrie! LOL. 27 years of the King of Queens! We love our fans!
Hey you guys!!!
Ayatollah Rodriguez lol @kevinjamesofficial
You will always be our precious little angel, Sofia. Thank you for being our constant joy. Happy National Daughters day!
