Robert Thurman, Uma’s Father, Dies at 84
Robert Thurman passed away at age eighty-four. The man behind scholar life and quiet influence left quietly. Father of screen actor Uma, he carried a presence beyond titles. Years shaped his path through study and thought. Eighty-four turns around the sun marked his journey’s close.
The death of the author and academic was announced via social media by Tibet House US, the cultural center he co-founded.
“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 Instagram statement read.
Robert Thurman, 84, Hailed as ‘A Giant’
Out of nowhere, a chant slipped into the words “Om Mani Padme Hum,” known wherever Tibetan Buddhism is practiced, standing for “the jewel in the lotus.” Spoken like that, it brings forth Avalokiteshvara, said to stir endless compassion just by being named.
Right now, the Thurman family wants space, according to the note. From the start, folks familiar with the teacher’s efforts shared quiet words below. Some began by honoring his impact; others simply paused to remember. Right away, warmth filled the space where replies appeared. A few typed slowly, choosing each phrase with care. Others returned later, adding thoughts that had settled overnight. Not everyone spoke loudly; some stayed brief. Still, each note carried weight. By evening, the thread held a kind of calm that only respect can build.
“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,” Ben Decker, a meditation teacher and program director at Rythmia, wrote.
Robert Honored for Buddhism and Education Legacy
“Deepest condolences to the Thurman family and the Tibet House dharma community. Thank you, Tenzin Bob! “Love you so much, precious teacher, living in our hearts,” Alex Grey, co-founder of Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, wrote.
For thirty years long, Robert held the role of Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia, listed right there on his profile. Then came 2020. Suddenly, that chapter ended.
Years ago, the New York Times labeled him the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism; meanwhile, TIME placed his name among twenty-five individuals influencing the nation’s direction that year. He showed up in their 1997 feature without fanfare, just quiet impact. He showed up quietly among those names, noted without fanfare. Still, both mentions stuck—separate nods, different tones, one steady presence. A single figure helped launch Tibet House US, set up to safeguard traditions from that high plateau. Without fanfare, yet firm in support, preservation of ancient practices found a silent ally.
This group pushes forward with projects rooted in heritage. Its work continues thanks to early support from several figures. Tradition stays visible because of steady dedication behind the scenes. This nonprofit aims to share and protect cultural practices through various efforts. Its work includes education, events, and preserving historical materials. The goal stays clear, honoring a unique heritage without altering its essence.
He Spent His Life Preserving Tibetan Culture
“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,” he said, in part, on his website.
“Tibetan culture is based on a set of principles from the heart of the Buddha’s movement—individualism, nonviolence, educationalism, altruism, and egalitarianism could be said to have made not the perfect but the best effort so far in embodying those principles in social reality,” Robert told Spirituality & Practice when asked what made the Tibetan culture unique. “This is what makes it so especially worthy of preservation and restoration, though all human cultures are of great intrinsic value.
Asked later in the same conversation, Robert faced a question about supporting Tibet despite spending time among famous actors.
Robert Reflected on Family, faith, and His Pride in Daughter Uma Thurman
“Though I do have different sides and am still a highly imperfect individual, I don’t see any dichotomy between aspiring to practice Buddhist virtues, studying and teaching about the nature of the mind, reality, and history, and having good friends, whether famous or not,” he said. “Of course, having a wonderful daughter like Uma is a special bit of good karma—and we are very proud of her.”
Robert married Uma’s mother, Nena Thurman, in 1967 and remained married until he died.
Fallen stars aside, the pair raised Ganden Thurman, now 58, alongside Dechen Thurman, who turns 53, with Mipam Thurman, age 48, completing their family.
Earlier, Robert had been married to Christophe de Menil, heiress and costume designer, who passed away in August 2025 at ninety-two. Their time together brought a daughter: Taya Thurman, now sixty-six.
