Mike Rinder, one of the hosts of the show ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’, died at 69.
Mike Rinderco-host of the A&E show, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” died Sunday. He was 69 years old.
Mike’s wife, Christie Collbran, shared a post on Instagram over the weekend to share the news. In the family photo were their son Jack and Collbran’s son Shane.
“Rest in peace my sweet, beautiful husband,” Collbran wrote. “I speak for many when I say that the grief and pain we feel reflects the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your bravery, courage and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us.”
Mike Rinder, co-host of “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” has died at 69. (Getty Images)
She continued: “You were a pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and loyalty. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
Collbran shared “these last words according to Mike’s wishes,” which were also published in final blog post called “Goodbye”. The announcement was made on his website on Sunday.
“You were a pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and loyalty.”
Rinder said his website “has been a labor of love,” before adding: “I’ve been lucky — I’ve lived two lives in one. The second is the most wonderful years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family! “
Mike Rinder has been a member of Scientology since he was 5 years old. He left the church in 2007 at the age of 52. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for A&E Networks)
He continued: “My only real regret is that I didn’t achieve what I said I wanted – ending the abuses of Scientology, especially the disconnection, and seeing Jack into adulthood. If you’re fighting in any way to end those abuses, keep the flag flying — never give up.”
At the end of the post, Rinder wrote: “Let the flowers grow and look to the future … With that, I rest in peace.” His last words were a quote from Cicero: “The life of the dead is laid in the memory of the living.”
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No cause of death was given for Rinder, but he announced in a blog post published in June 2023 that he had been diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer. In October, Rinder announced that his “last scan showed no cancer” and that “the treatment is working.”
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Rinder was a member Church of Scientology from the age of five, but left the church in 2007, per his website bio.
He wrote the memoir “A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology,” and co-hosts his show and podcast with “The Kings of Queens” actress Leah Remini.
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Remini shared a post on Instagram over the holidays, visiting the Rinder family. She shared a photo of herself hugging Mike as he lay in bed and wrote: “I am so touched by the outpouring of love and care for Mike and his family.”
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“Christie Collbran is an angel. As she manages her household, two boys, and adores her husband, she displays a strength and grace that is a wonder to behold,” she wrote in the description.
Mike Rinder and Leah Remini co-hosted “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” which aired in 2016. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for A&E Networks)
Remini mentioned Rinder’s sons: “Shane and Jack, you have been so wonderful and strong for your dad/stepdad. I know this has not been easy and we are all so proud of you.”
“As many of you know, Mike bravely battled cancer and your messages of love really lift his spirits. Please pray for Mike, Christie and their two sons. Surround them with all the love and strength they deserve,” her post concluded .
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“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” debuted in 2016 and won the 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Series or Special.
