List Of 20 Famous Buddhist Celebrities:
#1 Tina Turner
Turner became an adherent of Nichiren Buddhism in 1973. In her book ”Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good,” the singer explores her longstanding relationship with Buddhism.
”In this very personal book, I focus on core themes of my life: hope, happiness, and faith,” Turner wrote in on her official Facebook page.” She added: ”Even more to me than an inspirational philosophy that guides me, the wisdom of Buddhism actually saved my life!”
#2 Richard Gere
Gere is a co-founder of the Tibet House and a prominent advocate for human rights in Tibet.
He converted to Buddhism following a tour to Nepal in 1978. Richard said about Buddhism: ”The sense of practicing the Dharma gave me an immense happiness and console.”
#3 George Lucas
He is an American film director who is best known for creating the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchise.
Lucas was born and raised in a Methodist family. He considers himself a “Buddhist Methodist.” George explained for the NY Times:
”My daughter was asked at school, “What are you?” And she said we’re Buddhist Methodists. I said, well, I guess that’s one way to describe it.”
#4 Herbie Hancock
Herbert is an American composer, pianist, and a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism — a branch of Mahayana Buddhism.
”I’ve been practicing Buddhism now since the Summer of 1972,” he told New Sounds. Herbert continued: ”I was turned on to it by Buster Williams who was a bass player in my band.”
#5 Orlando Bloom
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In a 2019 interview, Orlando said that he began practicing Nichiren Buddhism. “I have a Buddhist practice, which has always been an incredible anchor for me,” Orlando said. ”It’s been sort of a philosophical and a spiritual teaching that resonated for me.”
#6 Naima Mora
She practices Nichiren Buddhism. ”Buddhism is about everyday life,” Mora told Lions Roar during a Q&A session. ”The average person here and now – anyone – has the potential to attain enlightenment.”
#7 Sting
The English musician follows Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the Diamond Vehicle.
#8 Uma Thurman
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Thurman was born into a Buddhist family. Uma said during an interview: ”When asked if I consider myself Buddhist, the answer is, it’s more my religion than any other because I was brought up with it in an intellectual and spiritual environment.” Uma later added: ”I don’t practice or preach it.”
Note – Her father, Robert Thurman, is an American Buddhist author and one of the very first western Tibetan Buddhist monks.
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#9 Steven Seagal
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In 1997, Lama Penor Rinpoche – the 11th throne holder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism – announced that Steven Seagal was a tulku (a person recognized by followers as the emanation of a deceased master of Tibetan Buddhism).
Penor Rinpoche said at the time:
”In February of 1997, I recognized my student, Steven Seagal, as a reincarnation (tulku) of the treasure revealer Chungdrag Dorje.”
Rinpoche added:
”But, he has not been officially enthroned. He has also not undergone the lengthy process of study and practice necessary to fully realize what I view as his potential for helping others.”
#10 Philip Glass
He became a student of Tibetan Buddhism in 1966.
#11 Sharon Stone
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She converted to Buddhism after Richard Gere introduced her to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Stone said: ”I’m extremely religious. My practice is Buddhism, but I believe in God.”
Previously, the actress was a member of the Church of Scientology.
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#12 Jet Li
Li is a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. He said in an interview: ”Every religion boils down to love, to a respect for all living things, to choosing peace over violence as a means of resolving a conflict.”
#13 Oliver Stone
Stone was raised in the Episcopal Church, but now he practices Buddhism.
”Buddhism can only be good for this country, Stone told the LA Times. ”It has a beneficent, self-realization energy that can only help America heal.”
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#14 Boy George
George has practiced Nichiren Buddhism. English singer said: ”I’m Catholic In My Complications And Buddhist In My Aspirations.”
#15 Tiger Woods
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He grew up a Buddhist. Woods said for CNN: ”I like Buddhism because it’s a whole way of being and living,” He went on to say: “It’s based on discipline and respect and personal responsibility.”
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#16 Adam Yauch
Adam was a practicing Buddhist. Yauch has organized the Tibetan Freedom Concert as well as a nonprofit organization devoted to Tibetan independence (the Milarepa Fund).
#17 Steve Wynn
Steven was born Jewish but said that he is a Buddhist.
#18 Mehmet Scholl
He is a follower of Buddhist principles.
#19 Allen Ginsberg
Ginsberg is a follower of Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
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#20 Kate Bosworth
Bosworth is a Buddhist. She once said: ”It’s [Buddhism] is just a really incredible state of mind. It’s just a beautiful place to try and be at.”
Featured image credit – Delbars/Shutterstock
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.