Uma Thurman, with a net worth of $45 million, is an acclaimed actress who has captivated audiences since her breakout role in “Dangerous Liaisons.” From modeling to acting and producing, Thurman’s career highlights include iconic roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill.”  Standing tall at 5 feet 11¼ inches, Thurman’s presence is as commanding as her talent. Join us as we delve into the journey of this Boston native, uncovering her rise to fame, diverse income sources, and intriguing trivia that enrich her Hollywood legacy.

Uma Karuna Thurman is a popular American actress known for acting in many different types of movies, including romantic comedies, dramas, science fiction, and action films.

She first became well-known after appearing on the covers of British Vogue in December 1985 and May 1986.

Thurman’s big break came with the movie Dangerous Liaisons in 1988. She became internationally famous for her role as Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. For this role, she was nominated for several major awards, including the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Often called Tarantino’s muse, Thurman worked with him again as the main character in Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2, released in 2003 and 2004.   These roles earned her two more Golden Globe Award nominations.

 

Uma Thurman – Ethnicity and Early Life

Uma Karuna Thurman, born on April 29, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. Her father, Robert Thurman, a respected professor  and author, specializing in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, instilled in her a deep appreciation for spirituality and culture. He also lived as a Buddhist monk for three years.  Her mother, Nena von Schlebrügge, brought glamour and sophistication as a renowned high-fashion model of Mexican-German-Swedish descent.

Uma’s upbringing was unconventional yet rich with experiences that would shape her future career and personal journey. Her unique first name, “Uma,” means “splendor” or “light” in Sanskrit, reflecting her father’s deep connection to Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.

Uma Thurman had a Buddhist upbringing and spent about two years in Almora, Uttarakhand, India. She mostly grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, and attended Amherst Regional Junior High School. Later, she moved to Woodstock, New York.

She has three brothers: Ganden, born in 1967; Dechen Karl, born in 1973; and Mipam, born in 1978. She also has a half-sister named Taya, born in 1961, from her father’s previous marriage.  Max von Schlebrügge, a Swedish football player  is her first cousin.

 

School Days

In a 2004 biography, Uma Thurman is described as having been an awkward and introverted girl who was teased for her appearance and unusual name. Sometimes, she used the name “Uma Karen” instead.

When she was ten, a friend’s mother suggested she get a nose job. As a child, she struggled with body dysmorphic disorder. Thurman attended Amherst Public Schools and discovered her love of acting in eighth grade.

At 14, she went to Northfield Mount Hermon School, a preparatory school in Massachusetts.

There, talent scouts saw her perform as Abigail in a school play called ‘The Crucible’ and offered her a chance to act professionally.  She then dropped out of school to pursue an acting career.

Uma Thurman – Acting Career

Uma Thurman started her career as a fashion model when she was just 15 years old, working with the Click Models agency.

She appeared in magazines like Glamour and was featured on the covers of British Vogue in December 1985 and May 1986.

Her journey into acting began with her first movie, a teen thriller called Kiss Daddy Goodnight, which came out in 1987. After that, she landed roles in three films in 1988: Johnny Be Good, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and her most notable role at the time, Dangerous Liaisons.

In Johnny Be Good, she played the girlfriend of a talented high school football player. In The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, she had a brief appearance as the goddess Venus. During her entrance she briefly appears nude, in an homage to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.

In the Oscar-winning drama Dangerous Liaisons, co-starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich, Thurman took on the role of a naive teenager, raped by a manipulative man.

In 1990, Uma Thurman appeared in a movie called Henry & June, alongside Fred Ward and Maria de Medeiros. It’s a drama about the relationship between writer Henry Miller and his wife June in 1931 Paris, and it’s quite daring in its content.

After that, in 1991, Thurman played Maid Marian in a British adventure film called Robin Hood. Then, she started filming a biopic about Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, called Dylan Thomas, where she played Dylan’s wife Caitlin, opposite her then-husband Gary Oldman.  But unfortunately, the project got canceled shortly after they started filming.

Thurman then starred in two more movies in 1992: Final Analysis, where she played a patient of a psychiatrist in San Francisco, alongside Richard Gere and Kim Basinger, and Jennifer 8, a thriller where she played a blind woman who gets involved with a former policeman, played by Andy García.

In 1993, Uma Thurman played a young woman with big thumbs in the movie Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, directed by Gus Van Sant. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t do well with critics or at the box office. Thurman’s performance even got her nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress.

That same year, Thurman also starred as a waitress alongside Robert De Niro and Bill Murray in the drama Mad Dog and Glory.

In Quentin Tarantino’s movie Pulp Fiction (1994), Uma Thurman played Mia Wallace, the wife of a mobster in Los Angeles.

The movie was a big hit and it got a lot of praise from critics, often being listed as one of the greatest films ever made.

Because of her performance in Pulp Fiction, Thurman got nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and became an established movie star.

Even though she could have taken advantage of her newfound fame by doing big-budget films, she chose not to for the next three years.

Uma Thurman had a couple of successful films in 1996. In Beautiful Girls, she played a smart love interest, and in The Truth About Cats & Dogs, she starred as a funny blonde model.  Both movies did pretty well at the box office and got good reviews.

The following year, in 1997, she starred alongside Ethan Hawke in Gattaca, a sci-fi movie set in a future where people’s genes determine their place in society. It didn’t do great in theaters, but became popular on home video and got praised by critics.

Then, Thurman took on the role of Poison Ivy, a supervillain, in Batman & Robin. Even though the movie wasn’t well-received and is often considered one of the worst films ever made, Thurman’s performance got noticed. She even won a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Best Sci-fi Actress and got nominated for Favorite Movie Actress at the Kids’ Choice Awards.

In 1998, Uma Thurman played Fantine in Les Misérables, the film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s famous novel.  Directed by Bille August, the movie was praised for being a smart and well-crafted version of the story. Roger Ebert even said that Thurman’s performance was the best part of the film.

That same year, she also starred as a British secret agent in The Avengers, which didn’t do well with critics or at the box office. Some reviewers felt Thurman’s performance was a bit distant.

In 1999, Thurman took a break from acting after having her daughter in 1998. She only did a few small, low-budget projects during this time.

She performed in a theater production of an updated version of Molière’s The Misanthrope at the Classic Stage Company. She also played a socialite in Woody Allen’s movie Sweet and Lowdown, alongside Sean Penn.

During this break, she was offered the role of Éowyn in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy but turned it down, which she later regretted as one of the worst decisions she ever made.

In 2000, Uma Thurman starred in the period drama The Golden Bowl, based on a novel by Henry James. She also narrated the John Moran opera Book of the Dead (2nd Avenue) at The Public Theater.

In the historical drama Vatel (2000), Thurman played Anne de Montausier, the love interest of a 17th-century French chef named François Vatel.

She also starred in Richard Linklater’s real-time drama Tape (2001) as the former girlfriend of a drug dealer and volunteer firefighter, played by Ethan Hawke. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

Hawke also directed Thurman in Chelsea Walls (2001), a drama set in New York’s Chelsea Hotel.

In 2002, Thurman won a Golden Globe for her performance in the HBO cable film Hysterical Blindness, where she also served as one of the executive producers. In this movie, she played a woman from New Jersey in the 1980s searching for love. Critics praised Thurman’s commitment to the role, saying she brought the character to life with her intense portrayal.

Uma Thurman teamed up with Quentin Tarantino again for the martial arts action film Kill Bill (2003–2004). For her role in Kill Bill, Thurman received two Golden Globe nominations and multiple MTV Movie Award nominations for Best Female Performance and Best Fight scenes.

She spent three months training in martial arts, swordsmanship, and Japanese for the role, making it one of her most demanding performances yet.

In 2005,her three major film releases. Her first film of the year was Be Cool, a crime-comedy and the sequel to Get Shorty, where she starred alongside her Pulp Fiction co-star John Travolta.

Next, she appeared in the romantic comedy Prime with Meryl Streep, Her last film of 2005 was the remake of The Producers, where she played a Swedish stage actress named Ulla.

In 2006, Uma Thurman starred in My Super Ex-Girlfriend, where she played a superhero dumped by her boyfriend who then seeks revenge.

In 2007, she appeared in The Life Before Her Eyes as an accident survivor dealing with guilt.

In 2008, Thurman starred in The Accidental Husband, a romantic comedy, and a British TV drama called My Zinc Bed.

In 2009, she was in Motherhood, playing a New York City mother facing various challenges.

Thurman also had a brief role in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) as Medusa.

In 2011, she served on the Cannes Film Festival jury and starred in Ceremony.

Over the years, Thurman took on roles in various films, including Bel Ami (2012), Playing for Keeps (2012), and Movie 43 (2013),

In 2012, Uma Thurman made her television debut in the drama series Smash.

She appeared in Lars von Trier’s film Nymphomaniac (2013) as Mrs. H, receiving praise despite limited screen time. She won a BAMBI Award for Best International Actress and earned a Bodil Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In 2015, Thurman starred in the NBC miniseries The Slap and the drama Burnt. She later appeared in the Bravo series Imposters and served as the president of the Cannes Film Festival “Un Certain Regard” jury.

Thurman made her Broadway debut in The Parisian Woman in 2017-2018, receiving mixed reviews but winning the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Leading Actress in a Play.

She starred in the independent comedy The Con Is On (2018) and reunited with Lars von Trier for The House That Jack Built, both receiving attention at the Cannes Film Festival.

In Down a Dark Hall (2018), she played the role of Madame Duret, the headmistress of a mysterious school for troubled girls,

In 2019, Uma Thurman played a grieving mother in the Netflix series Chambers. She  received a career honorary award at the David di Donatello Film Awards in Italy and performed in a revival of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts.

Thurman reunited with Robert De Niro for the family comedy The War with Grandpa, released in 2020.  

She also narrated the documentary series The Age of Nature.

In 2022, Thurman appeared in the Apple TV+ series Suspicion and portrayed Arianna Huffington in the series Super Pumped.

She also starred in the film Hollywood Stargirl, released on Disney+. Other projects include the crime thriller The Kill Room, the romantic comedy Red White & Royal Blue, and the sequel to The Old Guard.

 

Uma Thurman Awards

Uma Thurman’s notable awards and nominations span across various years of her career:

• Pulp Fiction (1994): Nominated for Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.
• Hysterical Blindness (2002): Won Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Film.
• Smash (2012): Received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

Uma Thurman – Past Relationships, Ex Husbands and Current Boyfriend

Uma Thurman is dating Justin B. Smith, the CEO of Bloomberg Media Group.   She Thurman was first married to English actor Gary Oldman from 1990 to 1992. Then, she married American actor Ethan Hawke in 1998 after meeting him on the set of a movie.

They have two children together, Maya and Levon. They separated in 2003 and finalized their divorce in 2005.

Afterwards, Thurman dated French financier Arpad Busson, with whom she had a daughter named Luna in 2012. They were engaged but called it off in 2009 and again in 2014.

In 2017, Thurman and Busson began child custody negotiations for their daughter. Ultimately, Thurman was granted primary physical custody.

Uma Thurman has been romantically linked with several notable figures throughout her life. These include director Phil Joanou, actor Timothy Hutton, and renowned actor Robert De Niro. She was also rumored to have had a relationship with Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones. Additionally, Thurman has been associated with hotelier Andre Balazs, actor Ethan Hawke, and filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. She was engaged twice to financier Arpad Busson and has been linked to businessman Brian H. Burns. Thurman’s relationship history also includes a rekindled romance with Andre Balazs in 2015.

 How tall is Uma Thurman?

Uma Thurman’s height of 5 feet 11¼ inches (approximately 1.81 meters) places her among the taller actresses in Hollywood. While there are other actresses of similar stature, such as Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman, Thurman’s height is notable within the industry.

 

Uma Thurman – Net Worth (How her Salary and Income Grew over Years)

Here’s a breakdown of Uma Thurman’s sources of income and career highlights, adding depth and detail to her net worth explanation:

Film Career: Uma Thurman’s net worth is significantly influenced by her successful film career. Her breakthrough role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” (1994) not only earned her critical acclaim but also established her as a bankable star in Hollywood. The success of this film and subsequent projects like the “Kill Bill” series contributed substantially to her earnings through lucrative salaries and backend deals.

Blockbuster Hits: Thurman’s involvement in blockbuster hits such as “Batman & Robin” (1997), “Les Misérables” (1998), and “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” (2006) further bolstered her financial standing. These films not only showcased her versatility as an actress but also garnered significant box office revenue, resulting in substantial paychecks for Thurman.

Television Ventures: Thurman’s foray into television productions also added to her net worth. Her roles in acclaimed series like “Smash” and “Imposters” not only provided her with steady income but also expanded her audience reach and influence in the entertainment industry.

Endorsement Deals: Like many Hollywood stars, Thurman has capitalized on her fame through endorsement deals with major brands. These partnerships, which include appearances in advertising campaigns and endorsements of products, have provided her with additional income streams beyond her acting career.

Investments and Business Ventures: Thurman’s financial portfolio may also include investments in businesses, real estate, or other ventures. While specifics may not be publicly disclosed, it’s common for successful actors to diversify their income through such investments.

Uma Thurman Salary Highlights: At the financial peak of her career, Thurman earned substantial salaries for her roles in various films. For instance, she earned $14 million for the critical and commercial flop “My Super Ex-Girlfriend,” highlighting her earning potential. Her paydays for other notable projects include $5 million for “Batman and Robin,” $5 million for “Gattaca,” $8 million for “The Avengers,” $12 million for “Kill Bill,” $12.5 million for “Paycheck,” and $12 million for “The Producers,” showcasing the range of her compensation across different films.

Uma Thurman – House and Property Investments

Uma Thurman has made significant real estate investments over the years. In 2013, she bought a 13-room unit in New York City’s prestigious River House co-op from novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford for $10 million. However, in 2018, reports surfaced that she was considering selling it, but it’s unclear if she succeeded.

 

During her marriage to Ethan Hawke, they owned a historic mansion in Snedens Landing, New York, dating back to 1750, affectionately known as the “Ding Dong House” by locals due to its bell tower. They acquired the property in 1998 for $4.4 million and sold it a year later for $4.6 million.

 

Trivia about Uma Thurman

1. Voice Work: Thurman has done voice work for various projects, including the animated series “The Life & Times of Tim,” where she voiced a character in one episode.
2. Dancer Background: Before pursuing acting and modeling, Thurman was trained as a dancer. She studied ballet in her youth, which helped her perform her physical roles more effectively.
3. Published Writer: Uma Thurman has contributed essays to various publications. She wrote an essay on her experiences as an actress and a woman in Hollywood for The New York Times.
4. Philanthropy: Thurman is actively involved in numerous charitable causes. She supports organizations such as Room to Grow, which helps children born into poverty, and the Tibet House US, which aims to preserve Tibetan culture.
5. Synesthesia: Thurman has a mild form of synesthesia, a condition where one sensory experience involuntarily triggers another. For her, certain sounds can evoke colors or visual patterns.
6. Love for Literature: Uma Thurman is an avid reader and has a particular fondness for classic literature. She often references works by authors like William Shakespeare and Henry James in interviews.
7. Buddhist Influence: Growing up in a Buddhist household, Thurman has maintained an interest in Buddhism and meditation throughout her life. She often incorporates mindfulness practices into her daily routine.
8. Multitalented Family: Her brother, Dechen Thurman, is also in the entertainment industry, working as an actor and yoga instructor, showing that talent runs in the family.
9. Culinary Skills: Uma Thurman is a skilled cook and enjoys preparing meals for her family and friends. She has mentioned in interviews that cooking is one of her favorite hobbies.
10. Art Collector: Thurman has a passion for art and is an avid collector. She appreciates various forms of visual art and often visits galleries and exhibitions in her free time.

Uma Thurman – Controversies

Here are some controversies involving Uma Thurman:

1. Quentin Tarantino and “Kill Bill” Car Crash: In 2018, Thurman revealed that she was injured during a car crash on the set of “Kill Bill” due to being pressured into performing a dangerous driving stunt. The incident left her with permanent neck and knee injuries. She initially blamed Quentin Tarantino for the accident, but later clarified that the producers covered it up and that Tarantino ultimately helped her obtain the footage to bring the incident to light.
2. Harvey Weinstein Allegations: Thurman was among the many actresses who accused producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. She detailed her experiences with Weinstein, describing incidents of harassment and assault. Her revelations added to the extensive list of allegations against Weinstein, who faced numerous charges of sexual abuse.
3. Child Custody Battle with Arpad Busson: Thurman had a contentious custody battle with her ex-fiancé, French financier Arpad Busson, over their daughter Luna. The legal disputes were highly publicized, with allegations and counter-allegations regarding parenting and custody arrangements. In the end, Thurman was granted primary physical custody of their daughter.
4. “Kill Bill” Promotion Dispute: During the promotion of “Kill Bill: Volume 1,” Thurman and Tarantino had a publicized falling out. The dispute was reportedly over creative differences and the intense nature of the film’s promotion. However, they reconciled before the release of “Kill Bill: Volume 2.”
5. Accusations of Hypocrisy: Thurman faced criticism when she starred in “The House That Jack Built,” a film by Lars von Trier, who had been accused of harassment by Björk. Critics pointed out the contradiction between her condemnation of Weinstein and her decision to work with von Trier. Thurman defended her choice, stating her respect for von Trier as a filmmaker.
6. Plastic Surgery Rumors: In 2015, Thurman appeared at a red carpet event with a noticeably different look, sparking widespread speculation about plastic surgery. The media frenzy focused on her altered appearance. Thurman later addressed the rumors, attributing her look to makeup and denying having undergone cosmetic procedures.