Leah Remini finds it 'unbearable' to move on after ex-Scientologist and friend Mike Rinder's sudden death

Leah Remini finds it 'unbearable' to move on after ex-Scientologist and friend Mike Rinder's sudden death
Mike Rinder and Leah Remini at the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 14, 2019, in Los Angeles, California (Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Television star Leah Remini opened up about the untimely death of her friend and co-star Mike Rinder in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, January 7.

According to OK! Magazine, former Scientologist-turned-whistleblower Rinder died on Sunday, January 5, at the age of 69. Remini, who had left Scientology herself, considered him to be one of her closest confidants and appears to be devastated by his demise.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 17: Mike Rinder (L) and Leah Remini attend 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath' FYC Screening at Linwood Dunn Theater at the Pickford Center for Motion Study on May 17, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for A&E Networks)
Mike Rinder and Leah Remini attend the 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath' screening at Linwood Dunn Theater at the Pickford Center for Motion Study on May 17, 2018, in Hollywood, California (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for A&E Networks)

Leah Remini's post on Mike Rinder's death

In a lengthy post on X, Leah Remini expressed her grief after losing her friend Mike Rinder, whom she considered to be part of her family.

"It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted partner, and my closest confidant. The thought of moving forward without him feels unbearable," she wrote.



 

After leaving Scientology, Rinder was "one of the first people I turned to," shared Remini.

"Mike saved my life and the life of my daughter. He stood by me through battles that felt insurmountable, giving me strength when I had none left. I owe him a debt I could never repay," she added.

The actress admitted having difficulty accepting the reality of Rinder's untimely death.

"I am shattered in ways I never thought possible, overwhelmed by the weight of this loss," she shared, later adding, "My Mikey, I will miss you every day, and I just don’t know how to do it without you."

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Leah Remini accepts the Impact Award with Mike Rinder onstage during the Critics' Choice Real TV Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 02, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Leah Remini accepts the Impact Award with Mike Rinder onstage during the Critics' Choice Real TV Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 2, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California (Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Remini also remembered Rinder's wife and children in her post and urged people to keep them in their prayers.

Internet 'saddened' after Leah Remini pays tribute to Mike Rinder

Netizens consoled Leah Remini over the loss of her dear friend and co-star Mike Rinder.

"Oh, I'm so saddened to read your post and send my sincere condolences to you, his wife and sons. I pray that all of you will find the strength you need to support each other and move forward at this difficult time," wrote one social media user on X.



 

"My heart breaks for you and all those who are suffering with the loss of such a great person," shared another.



 

"Omg I had no idea. Mike was an OG. This is heartbreaking," noted one individual.



 

"Special duo- I know he will be missed," expressed another.



 

"I'm sorry for your loss. You two have helped so many. Keep the good working going," stated one netizen.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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