ACTOR · BORN 1970
Uma Thurman
- Born
- 29 April 1970, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Known for
- Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
88 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
17 Facts From Uma Thurman's Career
- #006
Uma Thurman appeared in Pulp Fiction (1994), which was selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being 'culturally, historically or aesthetically' significant. The film is considered a turning point in cinema history and holds an important place in Thurman's career. This selection crowns the film's lasting impact on American culture and Thurman's unforgettable performance in it.
- #017
Uma Thurman regrets turning down the role of Arwen in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The part was ultimately played by Liv Tyler and won great acclaim. Thurman's decision caused her to miss an important opportunity in her career and has become a subject her fans frequently discuss.
- #018
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.
- #020
Uma Thurman does not have a high school diploma. After pausing her education, she focused on her acting career. This shows that her talent and determination carried her to success despite the lack of formal education. Throughout her career, Thurman has made a name for herself by appearing in many important productions.
- #024
By the age of 13, Uma Thurman was 5 feet 10 inches (about 1.78 meters) tall. Her height helped her draw attention at a young age and take her first steps into a modeling career. Thurman's height was also an advantage in her acting career and became one of the traits that set her apart on screen.
- #028
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.
- #035
Uma Thurman ultimately turned down the role of the mirror queen in The Brothers Grimm (2005), which was played by Monica Bellucci. The role was one of the film's important characters and drew attention with Bellucci's performance. Thurman's decision reflects her different preferences in choosing roles.
- #036
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.
- #038
In her freshman and sophomore years of high school, Uma Thurman attended the Northfield Mount Hermon boarding school in Northfield, Massachusetts, about 25 miles from her then hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. The boarding school experience helped her develop independence in her youth. Thurman's education later took a different direction as she focused on her acting career.
- #041
Uma Thurman ranked 99th on Empire magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time. The list ranks the most influential and talented actors in cinema history. Thurman's inclusion demonstrates her lasting impact on the film world and the success of her acting career.
- #045
Uma Thurman served as a jury member at the Venice Film Festival in 1994. Jury service at this prestigious festival reflects her standing and authority in the film world. Through this role, Thurman took an active part in the international film community.
- #052
On February 7, 2006, France awarded Uma Thurman the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). Gilles Jacob, president of the Cannes Film Festival, presented the award on behalf of the French Ministry of Culture, telling Thurman she was "admired all over the world" and that her career would "make her a whole generation's favorite actress." The honor is awarded to a few hundred people worldwide twice a year and recognizes Thurman's contributions to French culture.
- #053
Uma Thurman followed in the footsteps of both her mother and her grandmother by entering the modeling world. This family tradition paved the way for her to begin a modeling career at a young age and later turn to acting. Thurman's modeling experience helped her develop confidence and presence in front of the camera.
- #054
Uma Thurman was initially cast as Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002). The role ultimately went to Miranda Otto. Thurman's departure from the project marked a significant change in her career and sparked curiosity among her fans.
- #065
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.
- #066
Uma Thurman appeared in two films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and Pulp Fiction (1994). These films hold an important place in cinema history, and Thurman's performances in them were widely praised. The nominations show her success in her acting career and her ability to take part in distinguished projects.
- #071
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.
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