He is not known for his fervent religious beliefs but Russell Crowe reveals he once seriously considered becoming a Scientologist.

The 51-year-old Gladiator star says he sought advice from Top Gun star Tom Cruise, known for his deep devotion to the controversial religion, when he contemplated signing up.

Crowe said it was at a time when Cruise, 52, was married to Nicole Kidman and told People: 'From a young kid, I was quite interested in religion'.

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Looking for direction: Gladiator star Russell Crow says he sought advice from Top Gun actor Tom Cruise, known for his deep devotion to the controversial religion Scientology, when he contemplated signing up

'When I met Tom, when he was married to Nicole [Kidman], we were spending a bit of time together so I thought I'd find out a little bit about what he was into.'

However, he says the actor did not try to peddle his beliefs and told him simply if he was interested in The Church of Scientology he would join of his own volition.

The Oscar-winner told Interview magazine in 2005 that not being christened was 'a pretty big deal in New Zealand in 1964.'

In an interview with actor Paul Giamatti he said: 'Growing up, we always had this odd relationship with the church..we didn't really go as a family, my mother was totally fine with the idea of me going to church on my own.

It's your choice: Tom, known for his obsession with the Church, told Crowe if he was interested in it he would join of his own volition

'So I'd go and have a look at a Catholic service or a Presbyerian service or an Anglican service.

'I went to a temple. The Baha'i faith is something I looked at as well. Although I wasn't brought up in a religious household, I'm a very inquisitive person about it'

The Scientology Church has come under the spotlight on numerous occasions due to its extreme beliefs.

Firm believer: Hollywood star John Travolta attends the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre 44th Anniversary Gala in August 2013 in Los Angeles, and says his experiences have been positive

More recently a hard-hitting Scientology documentary by HBO entitled Going Clear alleged abusive practices went on at the religion's US headquarters, claims which have been strenuously denied by the Church.

Crowe, who is currently starring in The Water Diviner, and who once revealed he was never baptised, says he never became a member, contrary to previous reports.

'I never ended up putting my two cents down on anybody's table,' he told People, adding: 'I've never graced [Scientology's] doorway.'

Where it all happens: An HBO documentary claims to have revealed secrets about the church of Scientology, pictured is headquarters

Hollywood star John Travolta is also a dedicated Scientologist, and slammed the new documentary, saying his decades of personal experience at the church have been positive.

Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times he said: 'I've been so happy with my experience in the last 40 years...that I really don't have anything to say that would shed light on (a documentary) so decidedly negative.'