In the world of Hollywood legends, few possess the ethereal beauty and raw, commanding presence of Uma Thurman. From her days as a teenage model to her status as a global action icon and dramatic powerhouse, Thurman has redefined the “muse” for a modern generation.
As of early 2026, Uma is experiencing a thrilling “Uma-ssance,” balancing high-stakes action roles with a return to the quirky, heartfelt characters that first made her a star.
Uma Thurman Biography
Born Uma Karuna Thurman on April 29, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts. Uma was born into a family of high-intellect and spiritual depth. Her father, Robert Thurman, was a professor of Buddhist studies and the first Westerner ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, while her mother, Nena von Schlebrügge, was a fashion model turned psychotherapist.
Raised in a nomadic, bohemian household, Uma moved to New York City at just 15 to pursue modeling and acting. Her breakout role came in 1988’s Dangerous Liaisons, where her “haunted” intelligence and poise, as described by co-star John Malkovich, immediately set her apart from her peers.
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Career
Uma’s career has been a masterclass in versatility:
- The Indie Darling (1990s): She became the face of a generation after starring as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
- The Action Icon (2000s): Collaborating again with Quentin Tarantino, she became “The Bride” in the Kill Bill saga, cementing her place in cinema history as the ultimate female protagonist.
- The Streaming Shift (2020s): Recently, she has embraced prestige TV and streaming, starring in the 2025 series Dexter: Resurrection as a formidable head of security and making a splash in the 2025/2026 Red, White & Royal Blue sequel.
Uma Thurman Movies
- Pulp Fiction (1994): The film that turned her into an international superstar.
- Gattaca (1997): A high-concept sci-fi where she met future husband Ethan Hawke.
- Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003–2004): A two-part epic that defines the modern action genre.
- The Old Guard 2 (2024/2025): Her big return to action, playing the villainous “Discord.”
- Red, White & Royal Wedding (2026): Reprising her role as U.S. President Ellen Claremont in the hit sequel.
- Ballerina Overdrive (2026): An upcoming action-comedy where she plays a gritty “Eastern European thug.”
Uma Thurman Net Worth
As of February 2026, Uma Thurman’s net worth is estimated at $45 million. This wealth has been built through record-breaking salaries at her career peak, such as her $14 million paycheck for My Super Ex-Girlfriend, and strategic real estate investments in Manhattan.
Family
Uma is a proud mother of three children. She shares Maya Hawke (27), a major star in her own right, and Levon Hawke (24), an emerging actor and model, with ex-husband Ethan Hawke. In 2026, Maya and Levon are frequently seen dominating Fashion Weeks together. Uma also has a younger daughter, Luna (13), from her relationship with French financier Arpad Busson.
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Personal Life & Relationships
Uma Thurman and Gary Oldman
Uma’s first marriage was to legendary actor Gary Oldman in 1990. She was just 19 at the time, while Oldman was 31. The “crazy love affair” lasted only two years, with the couple divorcing in 1992. Uma has since described the marriage as a “mistake” born of youthful intensity.
Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke
In 1996, while filming Gattaca, Uma met Ethan Hawke. They married in 1998 and became one of the 90s’ most iconic couples. After seven years and two children, they split in 2005 under intense media scrutiny. In 2025, Ethan recently reflected on the split as “humiliating,” though both maintain a deep mutual respect today.
Uma Thurman and Justin B. Smith
Now, Uma’s romantic life is centered around Justin B. Smith, the co-founder of Semafor and former CEO of Bloomberg Media. The pair have been linked since 2021, often hosting high-brow media gatherings together. As of 2026, they continue to enjoy a private, intellectual partnership, with Uma jokingly calling herself a “news lover” to explain their connection.
Controversies
Uma has stood at the center of several industry-defining conversations:
- The Kill Bill Crash: For years, a rift existed between Uma and Tarantino regarding a car crash on the Kill Bill set. Tarantino has called the incident “the biggest regret of my life,” and the two have since reconciled, with Uma even advising her daughter Maya on working with him.
- Harvey Weinstein: Uma was a pivotal voice in the #MeToo movement, bravely detailing her own experiences with the disgraced producer and calling out the “pattern” of his behavior.
Uma Thurman Age
As of February 2026, Uma Thurman is 55 years old. She will celebrate her 56th birthday on April 29, 2026.
Uma Thurman Instagram
With a growing presence on Instagram (@umathurman), Uma shares a blend of behind-the-scenes film updates, her advocacy work for families through Room to Grow, and rare, sweet glimpses of her children.
Conclusion
From her 2026 role as a U.S. President to her return as an action villain, Uma Thurman continues to prove that she is not a muse for someone else’s story; she is the author of her own.
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