Uma Thurman: Her Career And What She Is Up To Now

Thurman’s career began in the late 1980s, and her rise to fame was as much about her talent as it was about her remarkable presence on screen. She first caught the attention of audiences in 1988 with her role in Dangerous Liaisons, but it was her performance in Pulp Fiction (1994) that truly propelled her to superstardom. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction introduced her as the cool, calculating "Mia Wallace," a role that would forever be etched in the annals of cinematic history. Thurman’s effortless blend of mystique and vulnerability in this role earned her critical acclaim, and it remains one of her most beloved performances to date.

But Thurman was far from a one-hit wonder. She quickly followed up with other groundbreaking roles, notably in ‘Gattaca’ (1997), where she played a woman caught in a dystopian future of genetic discrimination, and ‘The Truth About Cats & Dogs’ (1996), where she starred opposite Janeane Garofalo in a romantic comedy that showcased her charm and comedic talent. Thurman’s filmography, like her career, was quickly evolving, and she was showing the world that she could do it all—from drama to comedy to sci-fi.

While Thurman’s career was diverse, it was her collaboration with director Quentin Tarantino that truly defined her legacy. After ‘Pulp Fiction’, Thurman reunited with Tarantino for the now-legendary ‘Kill Bill’ franchise, where she portrayed "The Bride," a woman seeking brutal revenge on those who wronged her. Released in two volumes, ‘Kill Bill’ (2003 and 2004) was a groundbreaking achievement in cinema, and Thurman’s fierce performance as a deadly, vengeful woman became an instant pop culture phenomenon.

‘Kill Bill’ was more than just a series of martial arts action films—it was a stylish, cinematic triumph that showcased Thurman’s ability to wield both physical intensity and emotional depth. Her "The Bride" became one of the most iconic characters in action film history, with Thurman’s combination of strength, vulnerability, and sheer determination winning her a whole new legion of fans. This role was a definitive moment in Thurman’s career and a testament to her versatility as an actress. It was also a reminder that Thurman didn’t just play characters—she inhabited them, making her one of the most magnetic talents of her generation.

As the 2000s progressed, Thurman continued to land impressive roles, but she seemed to slow her career down slightly, focusing more on family life and personal growth. Thurman married actor Ethan Hawke in 1998, and the couple had two children together before divorcing in 2005. During this time, Thurman also started to pursue a more eclectic mix of roles, starring in films like ‘My Super Ex-Girlfriend’ (2006), where she embraced a quirky, comic-book-esque role, and ‘Prime’ (2005), a romantic comedy-drama where she starred opposite Meryl Streep and Bryan Greenberg.

While these films were not always met with critical acclaim, they demonstrated Thurman’s ability to move between genres and push herself into new territories, far from the tough action heroine she was often typecast as. It seemed that Thurman was no longer the "action star" but a seasoned actress carefully selecting her roles and focusing on her personal life.

Fast-forward to today, and Uma Thurman remains a force in Hollywood—albeit one who is more selective in her roles. In recent years, Thurman has embraced more diverse and daring projects, including television work. She appeared in the Netflix series ‘Chambers’ (2019), where she portrayed a mysterious and powerful figure who becomes involved in the life of a young woman. This role marked a shift for Thurman, as she embraced the opportunity to tackle something different from her previous roles, demonstrating once again that she was willing to challenge herself artistically.

In addition to her television work, Thurman has continued to work in film. Her most recent roles include appearances in films like ‘The War with Grandpa’ (2020) alongside Robert De Niro, where she took on a supporting role in a family comedy, and ‘The Brits Are Coming’ (2019), a crime caper that allowed her to bring her signature wit and charisma to the screen once more. These roles reflect her broadening acting portfolio, one that no longer relies on her action-film persona, but instead highlights her mature, nuanced performances.

But perhaps one of the most exciting developments in Thurman’s career is her return to the stage. In 2023, she made her Broadway debut in ‘The Parisian Woman’, a play by Beau Willimon (creator of ‘House of Cards’). Playing the role of a Washington, D.C., socialite, Thurman brought her theatrical experience and sharp sensibility to the stage, adding yet another dimension to her already impressive range. This step into the world of live theater is just one example of Thurman’s continued pursuit of personal and professional growth, showing that she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Beyond her work as an actress, Uma Thurman has used her platform to advocate for causes that matter to her. She has long been an advocate for women’s rights, speaking out against gender inequality in Hollywood and using her voice to raise awareness about important social issues. Thurman was one of the many women who spoke out about the harassment she experienced in the entertainment industry, particularly during her work with Harvey Weinstein. Her brave decision to speak publicly about her experiences added to the #MeToo movement and further cemented her status as a woman unafraid to speak truth to power.