Uma Thurman‘s father, Robert Thurman, has died at the age of 84.
Death Announcement
The acclaimed Buddhist scholar, author, and educator passed away on Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York, according to a statement issued by Cultural Center Tibet House US, which he co-founded.
The organization announced on Instagram, “We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert A.F. Thurman @bob__thurman, prominent American Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House US, author and translator whose teachings shaped countless lives, died Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York.”
The post also included the Tibetan Buddhist mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” which translates to “the jewel in the lotus.”
Tibet House US added, “The Thurman family requests privacy at this time. Please check thus.org for updates.”
At the time of writing, Pulp Fiction star Uma has not publicly commented on her father’s death.
Expert in Tibetan Buddhism
While many knew Robert as the father of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he forged an extraordinary path of his own, becoming one of America’s most respected experts on Tibetan Buddhism.
In 1997, TIME magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Americans, while The New York Times previously described him as the leading American authority on Tibetan Buddhism. In 2020, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his contributions to literature and education.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes quickly flooded social media following news of his passing.
Alex Gray, co-founder of Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, wrote, “Deepest condolences to the Thurman family and Tibet House dharma community. Thank you, Tenzin Bob! Love you so much, precious teacher, living in our hearts.”
Meditation teacher and Rythmia program director Ben Decker added, “A giant has left the stage. Robert Thurman helped build a bridge between the wisdom of Tibet and the modern world without sacrificing depth, rigor, humor, or humanity.”
Robert’s Life
Born in New York in 1941, Robert’s journey to becoming one of the Western world’s foremost Buddhist thinkers was marked by hardship and transformation.
At the age of 20, he suffered a devastating accident while changing a tire that left him with a glass eye.
After divorcing his first wife and leaving Harvard University before completing his studies, Robert traveled through Turkey and Iran before eventually arriving in India, where he encountered Tibetan Buddhism and found the calling that would define the rest of his life.
He converted to Buddhism and trained under the 14th Dalai Lama, developing a lifelong friendship with the spiritual leader.
Writing on his website about the man who shaped his spiritual path, Robert said, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama befriended me in 1964 and ordained me as a Buddhist monk, then later forgave me for returning to lay life.”
“He has, throughout our lifelong friendship, taught me endlessly, from initially being a senior fellow student, to a philosophical mentor and a majestic Vajra Guru, embodying practical wisdom, compassionate kindness, and heroic good humor, under the extreme adversities suffered by his oppressed people and his refugee good self.”
Impact of Buddhism
Robert also reflected on the profound impact Tibetan Buddhism had on his own life.
He wrote, “Thanks to the Tibetan people, especially their living savior, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his various emanations, I have found basic sanity in my lifelong quest.”
Though his daughter became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actresses, Robert Thurman’s own legacy reached far beyond celebrity.