L. Ron Hubbard was born March 13, 1911 in Nebraska. His first book, Under the Black Ensign, was published in 1935, shortly after dropping out of George Washington University. He pursued no further education, but continued publishing books and short stories throughout his life. His writing inspired more than religious enlightenment; Battlefield Earth, written late in Hubbard's life, was adapted into a widely criticized film in 2000. (More on this film here.)
Hubbard lived a full life before Scientology, traveling through Asia and serving in the U.S. Navy as Commander during World War II. As he's said himself, he has "seen life from the top down and the bottom up" and "know[s] how it looks both ways."(1) In 1980, facing a number of lawsuits, Hubbard disappeared from the public eye. He spent the early 1980's in an RV, and died in 1986 in a luxury motorhome(2). His website provides a detailed chronology of his life here.
L. Ron Hubbard, Captain in the U.S. Navy, 1940.
Hubbard's presence in popular culture was what gave Dianetics, and eventually Scientology, the exposure it needed to become a functioning religion. Without the success of his science fiction novels, it is unlikely that his Dianetics theory would have gained any traction at all. The implications of a religion based on its creator's fame are perhaps troubling; if an idea is worthy of its own religion, shouldn't it be capable of standing on its merits alone? Much research has been conducted as to the effect Hubbard's persona had on Scientology. In particular, the journalist Janet Reitman in her 2011 book Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion, explores the effect that Hubbard's spotlight had on the subsequent exposure of his religion, and argues that it has contributed negatively to the church's public image. The Church of Scientology has adamantly dismissed many of the books claims, citing poor research methods leading to many inaccuracies. Reitman maintains that her research was thorough and well grounded.
Hubbard fathered 7 children by 3 different women throughout his life: L. Ron Jr. and Katherine May (with Margaret Grubb), Alexis (with Sarah Hollister), and Quentin, Diana, Suzette, and Arthur (with Mary Sue Whipp.) Ron Jr., Katherine, Alexis, and Arthur are all estranged from the Hubbard family due to conflict between them and their father regarding estate and Scientology(3). Some of these conflicts have made their way into popular culture after being picked up by the media.
L. Ron Jr.
As his eldest son, Ron Jr. was chosen to be Hubbard's successor and to lead the Scientology organization in the event of his death. However, Ron Jr. rejected Scientology and his father, removing himself from the family and legally changing his surname to DeWolf. In 1982, he sued for control of his father's estate, claiming Hubbard was either deceased or incompetent. He was later counter-sued by Hubbard's wife at the time, Mary Sue, for fraud(2).
L. Ron Jr., 1983
Quentin
After Ron Jr. abandoned the church, Quentin was chosen as heir to Hubbard's organization. Though Hubbard expected him to become a sea captain, Quentin had dreams of becoming a pilot or a dancer. Many Scientologists have speculated that Quentin was gay, which is described as "sexually pervert[ed]" by the church. He eventually made at least one suicide attempt, and was perhaps successful in a second. He died aged 22. L. Ron Hubbard was quoted as saying "That stupid fucking kid! Look what he's done to me!" in response to Quentin's death. There is speculation as to the cause of death, ranging from suicide to encephalitis.
Many of Hubbard's children now have children and grandchildren of their own, who are equally critical of their (great) grandfather. Ron Jr's grandson, Jamie DeWolf, has spoken out about the questionable ethics of the church, and his awkward family history. Here is a performance of his poem on the subject, "The God or the Man."(4)
Quentin Hubbard
Many of Hubbard's children now have children and grandchildren of their own, who are equally critical of their (great) grandfather. Ron Jr's grandson, Jamie DeWolf, has spoken out about the questionable ethics of the church, and his awkward family history. Here is a performance of his poem on the subject, "The God or the Man."(4)
References:
1. Chronology:
Significant events in the life of L. Ron Hubbard. (2015). L. Ron Hubbard: Founder of Dianetics and Scientology. Retrieved
from http://www.lronhubbard.org/ron-series/profile/chronology.html#part1
2. Miller, R. (1987). Bare-faced messiah: The true story of L. Ron Hubbard. New York City, NY: Henry Holt & Co.
Reitman, J. (2011). Inside Scientology: The story of America's most secretive religion. United States: Mariner Books
3. Von Dehsen, C. D. (1990). "L. Ron Hubbard." Philosophers and religious leaders. p. 90. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Publishing Group
Reitman, J. (2011). Inside Scientology: The story of America's most secretive religion. United States: Mariner Books
3. Von Dehsen, C. D. (1990). "L. Ron Hubbard." Philosophers and religious leaders. p. 90. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Publishing Group
4. Rowe,
S. (2014, March 29). Scientology: How L. Ron Hubbard’s heir became his fiercest
critic. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10726672/Scientology-how-L-Ron-Hubbards-heir-became-his-fiercest-critic.html