Robert Thurman, Buddhist scholar and Uma Thurman's father, dies at 84
Synopsis
Robert A.F. Thurman — Buddhist scholar, Tibet House US co-founder, and father of actress Uma Thurman — died on 16 June in Woodstock, New York, at 84. One of the most influential Western interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism, his passing marks the end of a career that helped bring an ancient tradition to the modern world.
Key Takeaways
Thurman , prominent American Buddhist scholar and author, died on 16 June in Woodstock, New York , aged 84 .
He was the co-founder of Tibet House US , a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Tibetan heritage.
Tibet House US confirmed his passing in an Instagram statement, including the Tibetan mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' .
He is the father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman , known for Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill series.
The Thurman family has requested privacy; updates are available at thus.org.
Robert A.F. Thurman, a pioneering American Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House US, and father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman, died on the morning of Tuesday, 16 June in Woodstock, New York. He was 84. The news was confirmed by Tibet House US, the cultural institution he helped establish.
Tibet House US Confirms the Loss
In a statement shared on Instagram, Tibet House US said: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert A.F. 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 statement included the Tibetan Buddhism mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' — meaning 'the jewel in the lotus' — as a tribute. The organisation also noted that 'the Thurman family requests privacy at this time' and directed followers to thus.org for further updates.
A Life Bridging East and West
Robert Thurman was widely regarded as one of the foremost Western interpreters of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Over decades, he authored and translated numerous texts, bringing the intellectual rigour and spiritual depth of the Tibetan tradition to mainstream academic and popular audiences. He co-founded Tibet House US in New York City alongside actor Richard Gere and composer Philip Glass, with the mission of preserving Tibetan culture. His work, according to those who knew him, combined scholarly precision with warmth and humour.
Uma Thurman: Career and Family Background
Uma Thurman, born on 29 April 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts, is the daughter of Robert Thurman and model Nena von Schlebrugge. She rose to early prominence through roles in Dangerous Liaisons and Pulp Fiction — the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of The Bride in director Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films cemented her global status and earned widespread critical acclaim. The Kill Bill series has since developed a devoted cult following. Thurman has also worked as a producer and model, with a career spanning drama, action, comedy, and television. As of the time of reporting, she had not made a public statement regarding her father's passing.
What Comes Next
Tibet House US has asked supporters to monitor thus.org for official updates from the Thurman family. Robert Thurman's legacy — as a scholar, author, translator, and cultural bridge-builder — is expected to be celebrated through tributes from the global Buddhist community and academic institutions in the days ahead.
Point of View
Coming at a time when Tibet's survival as a living tradition was genuinely in question. Coverage of his passing will inevitably centre on his famous daughter, but that framing undersells the man: his translations and scholarship shaped how an entire generation of Western readers encountered Buddhist thought. The more important question is who carries that bridge-building work forward.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert A.F. Thurman?
Robert A.F. Thurman was a prominent American Buddhist scholar, author, and translator, widely regarded as one of the foremost Western interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism. He co-founded Tibet House US and taught for decades at Columbia University, authoring numerous books on Buddhist philosophy.
When and where did Robert Thurman die?
Robert Thurman died on the morning of Tuesday, 16 June, in Woodstock, New York. He was 84 years old at the time of his passing.
What is Tibet House US?
Tibet House US is a cultural institution based in New York City, co-founded by Robert Thurman, dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan civilisation and Buddhist teachings. It confirmed Thurman's death in a statement on Instagram.
Has Uma Thurman spoken about her father's death?
As of the time of reporting, Uma Thurman had not made a public statement regarding her father's passing. Tibet House US noted that the Thurman family has requested privacy.
What is Robert Thurman's connection to Uma Thurman?
Robert Thurman is the father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman, known for her Academy Award-nominated role in Pulp Fiction and her iconic portrayal of The Bride in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films. Uma's mother is model Nena von Schlebrugge.
