Mike Rinder, the co-host of the A&E show, 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,' passed away at the age of 69. His wife, Christie Collbran, announced his death on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow and love for her late husband. Rinder, known for his courage and integrity, was remembered by Collbran as a pillar of stability in their lives.
In his final blog post titled 'Farewell,' Rinder shared his gratitude for the support he received and expressed his regret for not achieving his goal of ending Scientology abuses. He reflected on his battle with advanced esophageal cancer, which he had announced in June 2023. Despite the diagnosis, Rinder had shared positive news in October about his treatment progress.
Rinder, a former member of the Church of Scientology, left the organization in 2007 and later co-hosted a show and podcast with Leah Remini. Remini, in a heartfelt Instagram post, praised Collbran's strength and commended Rinder's sons for their support during his illness.
'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,' the show where Rinder and Remini worked together, debuted in 2016 and received critical acclaim, winning a Creative Arts Emmy award in 2020.
Mike Rinder's legacy as a vocal critic of Scientology and his dedication to exposing its practices will be remembered by many. His impact on the fight against abuses within the organization and his courage in the face of illness have left a lasting impression on those who knew him.