Heber Carl Jentzsch

Heber Carl Jentzsch, a prominent American Scientology executive who served as the nominal President of the Church of Scientology International for decades, passed away in January 2026 at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by his former wife, Karen de la Carriere. Jentzsch was a recognizable figure and the public face of Scientology for many years, often engaging with media and defending the church through various controversies.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 30, 1935, Jentzsch grew up in a Mormon family. He pursued higher education at the University of Utah, graduating in 1959 with a degree in communications. Before his deep involvement with Scientology, he also had a brief career as an actor in the 1960s, appearing in television programs such as "Combat!" and "The Mod Squad."

Jentzsch joined the Church of Scientology in 1967, reportedly after experiencing the Purification Rundown. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the public relations director of the Guardian's Office in the 1970s, a role in which he served as the church's chief press spokesman. In 1982, he was appointed the nominal President of the Church of Scientology International, a title he held until around 2010.

Throughout his tenure as president, Jentzsch was a vocal advocate for Scientology, frequently appearing in interviews and aggressively defending the organization. He notably announced the death of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard to the press in January 1986. His public role also led to legal challenges, including his arrest in Spain in 1988 alongside other Scientologists on charges that were eventually dropped.

In the early 2000s, Jentzsch largely disappeared from public view, leading to widespread speculation about his whereabouts. Multiple sources, including former Scientologists, alleged he was confined to "The Hole," a controversial disciplinary facility at Scientology's Gold Base near Hemet, California. Family members reported being unable to contact him for years. In his later years, he was reportedly moved from the base to a nursing home, where he ultimately passed away.