Mike Rinder, co-host of A&E’s Emmy-winning series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” died Jan. 5. He was 69.
Rinder’s death was shared by his wife, Christie King Collbran, on Instagram, with no cause of death listed. However, Rinder was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer back in June 2023.
Collbran wrote: “Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband. I speak for so many when I say the sadness and pain we feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your courage, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us. You have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and devotion. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
Rinder was raised as a Scientologist and served executive roles as the international spokesperson, head of the Office of Special Affairs and a member of the Board of Directors of the Church of Scientology International. In 2007, he left the church and became a well-known whistleblower.
He went on to be featured in the HBO documentary “Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief” in 2015 before co-hosting “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” for three seasons. The show dived into the abuse and harassment within the Church of Scientology.
In Collbran’s Instagram post, she also shared Rinder’s last words per his wishes: “My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection and seeing Jack into adulthood. If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up. And please, if you are able in some way, help Christie and the boys to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”