“Dancing with the Stars” alum Leah Remini took to social media to pay tribute to a friend and colleague who recently died.
Remini, who competed on season 17 of DWTS, worked with Mike Rinder on her television series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.” People shared that Rinder died on January 6. The media outlet noted he was diagnosed in 2023 with esophageal cancer.
Leah Remini Considered Mike Rinder Family
On January 7, Remini posted a lengthy tribute to Rinder on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. She included a photo of the two where Remini wrapped her arms around one of his and leaned in close to him as they both smiled.
Remini’s note began, “On Sunday, we lost a giant, and I lost a man who was more than a friend–he was family.” The two had been a big part of one another’s lives for the past 13 years, she shared.
“He was my anchor, my trusted partner, and my closest confidant. The thought of moving forward without him feels unbearable,” she admitted.
As People noted, Rinder was a former Scientologist, as was Remini. The two became quite outspoken about the organization after leaving it and they also created the podcast “Scientology: Fair Game” together.
The DWTS Alum Is ‘Shattered’
Remini shared, “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 also admitted she wasn’t at terms yet with the fact she could not talk to him any longer. “I am shattered in ways I never thought possible, overwhelmed by the weight of this loss. I have cried endlessly and can’t seem to move from my bed since coming home from being with him and his grieving family.”
“My Mikey, I will miss you every day, and I just don’t know how to do it without you,” Remini wrote in closing.
The tweet immediately prompted an outpouring of love from supporters.
“Honor his legacy by doing exactly what you have been doing. Spread the word, and help people,” one supporter tweeted.
“First thing I thought of when hearing the news was you. What an amazing friend he had. He will be with you and his family forever. May he RIP and you stay strong through this grief. You were BFF’s,” wrote another supporter.
“My heart is so sad for you and Mike’s family. I have followed you and Mike through your journey to stop Scientology and watched you both just pour your love into the people you are trying to help. Leah keep loving, keep fighting!! I am praying for all y’all,” someone else shared.
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