ACTOR · BORN 1970
Uma Thurman
- Born
- 29 April 1970, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Known for
- Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Batman & Robin (1997), Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
25 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Uma Thurman (born 29 April 1970) is an actor best known for Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Batman & Robin.
25 Interesting Facts About Uma Thurman
Interesting Facts (8)
- #001
A book by her ex-husband Ethan Hawke is dedicated to Uma Thurman: 'for Karuna.' Karuna is Thurman's middle name and means compassion in Buddhism. The dedication shows Hawke's emotional bond with Thurman and her importance in his life. The book contains the author's personal thoughts and experiences, and the dedication gives readers a hint of the special relationship between the two.
- #002
Before agreeing to marry Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman turned down two marriage proposals. She was seven months pregnant at their wedding and never explained the reason for the delay. The situation made the dynamics of the couple's relationship a matter of curiosity and drew wide coverage in the press. Thurman's decision shows her to be an independent woman who makes her own choices.
- #003
Uma Thurman has Lancome lipstick shades named after her, and these products were sold only in Asia. The collaboration shows Thurman's influence in the beauty world and her relationship with brands. A prestigious cosmetics company like Lancome releasing products bearing her name reinforces her position as an international beauty icon.
- #004
In 2010, Uma Thurman won her £6,000,000 (about $10,000,000) lawsuit against Handmade Films, the London-based production company behind the film Eloise. Thurman had hired the famous lawyer Bert Fields to represent her, claiming the company failed to pay her agreed £2,800,000 pay-or-play fee and that she lost earnings while waiting for the film to begin production. The case shows Thurman's determination to protect her rights.
- #005
In 2021, in response to Texas passing strict anti-abortion laws, Uma Thurman wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post and revealed that in her late teens, while working in Europe, she had an abortion after becoming pregnant by a man much older than her. 'Choosing not to keep that early pregnancy allowed me to grow up and become the mother I wanted and needed to be,' she said. The admission shows her stance on women's rights and her courage in sharing her personal experiences publicly.
- #006
- #007
In 2003, two brothers from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Sergei and Vladimir Kristovsky, formed a music group named after Uma Thurman but written as Uma2rman. The group's founders wrote a song dedicated to her, in which they described Vladimir's love for Thurman. The song became a big hit and was performed in 2005 at Pesnya Goda, one of Russia's biggest concerts. The event is an indication of Thurman's international popularity.
- #008
Uma Thurman's name is mentioned in Courtney Barnett's song "Avant Gardener." The reference lays bare Thurman's iconic position in popular culture and her influence on artists. Her name appearing in the song proves that she is a source of inspiration not only in the world of cinema but also in music.
Behind the Scenes (1)
- #009
Despite seeing him as her muse, Uma Thurman's warm friendship with director Quentin Tarantino nearly ended after an accident on the set of Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004). Tarantino had pushed her to perform a car stunt that went wrong and caused chronic neck and knee injuries that persist to this day. The production company Miramax withheld all evidence of the accident when Thurman refused to sign a waiver releasing them and Tarantino from any liability. Although Tarantino apologized profusely, the incident deeply damaged the trust between the two, and their friendship could not be repaired for a long time.
Characters & Cast (5)
- #010
Jodie Foster initially turned down the role of Eleanor Arroway in Contact (1997) in 1995, and Uma Thurman was nearly cast for the part. After seeing a new revision of the script, however, Foster agreed to make the film and took on the role. The episode cost Thurman the chance to appear in a major production, though she brought many other unforgettable characters to life over the course of her career.
- #011
Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke named their daughter Maya, which is also the name of the character Thurman played in the 1995 film Duke of Groove. The coincidence shows the connection between the name the couple gave their daughter and a significant role in Thurman's career. The name Maya holds a special place for Thurman both personally and professionally.
- #012
Director Brian De Palma wanted Uma Thurman for the role of Maria in The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990), but Tom Hanks, who had casting approval, rejected her, calling Thurman's acting 'high school.' The role ultimately went to Melanie Griffith. The incident was recorded as one of the obstacles Thurman faced in her career, and Hanks's comment was discussed for a long time.
- #013
Uma Thurman played the role of Paqu in Savages (2012), but all of her scenes were cut from the film. The role was the mother of the character played by Blake Lively. The removal of Thurman's scenes was a decision made during the film's editing process and was met with disappointment by her fans.
- #014
In 2000, it was announced that Uma Thurman would star in Christopher Hampton's adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel "The Custom of the Country." The project reflected Thurman's interest in literary adaptations and her talent for period drama. Although the film never came to be, it offers an idea of her career plans at the time.
Career & Awards (5)
- #015
Uma Thurman was three months pregnant with her daughter Luna while filming her guest appearance on the series Smash (2012). During this period she carried on both her pregnancy and her professional career at the same time. Thurman's performance demonstrates her commitment to her work and her professionalism despite her pregnancy.
- #016
At the 67th Cannes Film Festival, Uma Thurman presented the Palme d'Or to Winter Sleep (2014) alongside Quentin Tarantino. She drew attention by walking on stage barefoot and left her mark on the festival with this gesture. The moment once again demonstrated Thurman's standing in the film world and her friendship with Tarantino.
- #017
Uma Thurman was cast to play Marlene Dietrich in a biography to be directed by Louis Malle, but Malle's death caused the project to be canceled. The project could have been an important opportunity in Thurman's career. Malle's death was regarded as a great loss in the film world, and Thurman also felt the sorrow of losing this project.
- #018
Uma Thurman reportedly turned down the role played by Katherine Heigl in Knocked Up (2007) because of a pay dispute. The role became an important turning point in Heigl's career and the film was a big success. Thurman's decision shows her sensitivity on financial matters and her priorities in career choices.
- #019
In 2017, she made her Broadway debut with Beau Willimon's political drama "The Parisian Woman" at the Hudson Theatre. In the play, she shared the roles of husband and wife on stage with Josh Lucas, whom she was alleged to be with in real life. Thurman's step onto Broadway is an important turning point showing that she also commands the theater stage in her career.
Life & Family (6)
- #020
Uma Thurman's middle name, Karuna, is one of the four sublime states in Buddhism and means 'compassion.' The other three sublime states are Metta (loving-kindness), Mudita (sympathetic joy) and Upekkha (equanimity). The name reflects her family's commitment to the Buddhist faith and the values attributed to her character.
- #021
- #022
Uma Thurman's mother, Nena Thurman, was once married to LSD advocate Timothy Leary; the marriage lasted less than a year (1964-1965). Their wedding in Nepal was the subject of a 15-minute documentary titled "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You." Nena married Uma's father, Robert Thurman, two years later, in 1967. The episode sheds light on the Thurman family's unusual and colorful past.
- #023
Court documents dated January 2017 concerning Uma Thurman's custody battle over her daughter Luna revealed that Thurman was taking Triazolam, Wellbutrin and Klonopin, medications that treat depression, anxiety and insomnia. Before the hearing began, a judge denied her request to close the proceedings to the media. The documents laid bare the difficulties in Thurman's personal life and her legal struggle.
- #024
The year 2009 was full of tragic losses for Uma Thurman: her close friend Natasha Richardson, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) supporting actor David Carradine and her half-nephew Dash Snow all died within a short period. Richardson died of head trauma while skiing, Carradine apparently during a sex game that went wrong, and Snow of a heroin overdose. These three deaths left deep marks on Thurman's life and affected her profoundly.
- #025
Jack Jordan, a University of Chicago graduate who was living in his car, began sending Uma Thurman and those around her love notes and disturbing drawings in 2005. Jordan was arrested in October 2007 and May 2008 for stalking Thurman, and in November 2010 for violating probation by trying to contact her by phone. The episode raised serious concerns about Thurman's safety and led to legal proceedings.
Related pages
- Maria de Medeiros — Uma Thurman comes up in the facts on that page
- Mad Max: Fury Road — Uma Thurman comes up in the facts on that page
- Where the Heart Is — Uma Thurman comes up in the facts on that page
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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