Celebrities Who You Never Knew Are Buddhists
Hollywood has a reputation for religions experimentation. How else to explain the rise in popularity of Scientology in the 1970s and '80s, or Kabbalah in the 2000s? Though not as well publicized, a number of celebrities have also taken an interest in Buddhism. Many continue to practice throughout their lives. For these celebrity Buddhists, following the middle way has led them to the top of the showbiz heap.
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Angelina Jolie
Jolie has raised her children within Buddhism, and the famously inked actress has two tattoos of Buddhist prayers as well.
Brad Pitt
Pitt began studying Buddhism after marrying now-estranged wife Angelina Jolie. He also instructed their children in the faith.
Sharon Stone
The sexy "Basic Instinct" star converted to Buddhism after moving to Hollywood. She says her conversion came about after seeing women shamed for their bodies and sexuality.
Uma Thurman
The Oscar-nominated "Kill Bill" star grew up Buddhist, and it should come as no surprise. Her father is an internationally respected Buddhist scholar.
Tiger Woods
The golf icon grew up Buddhist. After his high-profile cheating scandal and subsequent divorce, he cited a renewed attention to his faith for overcoming his human weaknesses.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Though she grew up Jewish, Parker began studying Buddhism as an adult. Loath to discuss her faith in public, photographers have spotted her reading Buddhist philosophy books on more than one occasion.
Goldie Hawn
Hawn grew up Jewish, and still considers Judaism her core faith. She has said that she's studied Buddhism as well, and takes the religion's teaching to heart.
Tina Turner
The music legend converted to Buddhism in 1973. She cites her faith as a major turning point in her career, and in her personal life. It gave her the courage to leave her abusive husband Ike in 1976.
Sting
Though he considers himself somewhat agnostic, singer Sting also practices Buddhism. He also claims his faith led him to an interest in yoga to stay in shape.
Richard Gere
Gere converted to Buddhism in his 20s, and even traveled to Tibet to meet the Dalai Lama in 1976. His devout faith and criticism of the Chinese occupation of Tibet got him banned for life from China.
Orlando Bloom
Bloom grew up Christian, but converted to Buddhism after moving to Hollywood. He's won several awards for humanitarian causes he's championed through Buddhist organizations.
Kate Bosworth
The "Still Alice" star has practiced Buddhism throughout her life. She also has active membership in Soka Gakkai International, an organization for Buddhist laypeople.
Jackie Chan
Action star Jackie Chan grew up Buddhist. He took the practices to an extreme while studying in the Peking Drama School. There, he learned his martial arts skills.
Jessica Lange
Lange considers herself something of an atheist, though she also openly practices Buddhism on occasion. She admires the faith for its science-like approach to life.
George Lucas
The "Star Wars" creator refers to himself as a "Methodist Buddhist." He grew up in the Methodist sect of Christianity, before taking an interest in Buddhism as an adult. He also has cited Buddhism as a major influence in the concept of The Force.
Jeremy Piven
The "Entourage" star grew up Jewish, and claims he still keeps the faith. He also practices Buddhism, and cites his meditation and yoga routine as a means for inner peace.
Jeff Bridges
Oscar winner Bridges has studied Buddhism most of his adult life. He always practices on-set meditation every day before filming.
Courtney Love
Rock legend Love has studied numerous religions, from Christianity to Scientology. She claims that Buddhism helped her in her career, and that daily chanting helps her keep sober.
Jet Li
The legendary kung-fu star grew up practicing Buddhism. He cites his faith as a reason for studying martial arts, and as a way to focus the mind.
Steven Seagal
The action star, for all his violence in films, considers himself a pacifist thanks to his Buddhist faith. He also believes himself to be the reincarnation of a 17th-century Buddhist teacher.
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