Actresses Who Are Practicing Buddhists

Many Hollywood stars and international icons find solace in the teachings of Buddhism to navigate the pressures of fame. This spiritual path offers techniques for mindfulness and compassion that resonate with performers across different genres. From legendary icons to contemporary stars, these women have embraced various traditions including Zen and Soka Gakkai. Their commitment to these practices often influences their approach to storytelling and professional relationships.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a celebrated performer who has gained international acclaim for her work in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She openly identifies as a Buddhist and credits her faith for providing a stable foundation in the unpredictable film industry. The actress often discusses how Buddhist philosophy informs her perspective on success and failure. She maintains a dedicated practice that emphasizes balance and mindfulness in her daily life.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone is a globally recognized actress known for her performances in ‘Basic Instinct’ and ‘Casino’. She converted to Tibetan Buddhism and has been a vocal supporter of the Dalai Lama for many years. Her spiritual journey began as a search for deeper meaning after achieving massive success in the 1990s. Stone often shares insights about meditation and the importance of compassion in public interviews.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn is a legendary actress who starred in ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘The First Wives Club’. She has practiced Buddhism for decades and often identifies as a Jewish Buddhist. Hawn founded a non profit organization called MindUP to teach children mindfulness techniques based on Buddhist principles. She credits meditation with helping her manage the stresses of Hollywood and maintaining her famously positive outlook.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner was a powerhouse performer who appeared in films such as ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ and ‘Tommy’. She became a practitioner of Soka Gakkai Buddhism during a difficult period in her life and credited the practice with giving her the strength to transform her circumstances. The singer and actress frequently spoke about the power of chanting in her autobiography. Her devotion to Buddhism remained a central part of her identity throughout her later years.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman is an acclaimed actress famous for her roles in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She was raised in a Buddhist household because her father was a prominent scholar and the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Thurman has maintained her connection to the faith throughout her life and career. She often incorporates Buddhist values into her personal philosophy and parenting style.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a talented actress known for her work in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Crash’. She has explored Buddhist teachings for many years and often discusses the role of spirituality in her understanding of the self. The actress uses meditation to stay grounded while working on complex and emotionally demanding projects. Her interest in Buddhism extends to her advocacy work and her pursuit of social justice.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox is a versatile actress who has appeared in ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She is a long time member of Soka Gakkai International and practices the Nichiren tradition of Buddhism. Fox has credited her chanting practice with helping her navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. She frequently shares her spiritual journey with fans and emphasizes the importance of inner determination.

Bellamy Young

Bellamy Young is best known for her role as Mellie Grant on the television series ‘Scandal’. She is a dedicated practitioner of Soka Gakkai Buddhism and has spoken about the positive impact of chanting on her life. The actress discovered the practice during a challenging time and found that it provided her with a sense of purpose and clarity. She remains active in her Buddhist community while continuing her successful acting career.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love is a musician and actress who received critical praise for her performance in ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’. She has been a member of Soka Gakkai International for many years and attributes her recovery to her Buddhist practice. Love often talks about how chanting helps her maintain focus and discipline in her creative endeavors. Her faith serves as a cornerstone of her life and has helped her through numerous personal challenges.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr is a high profile model and actress who has appeared in various fashion related projects and commercials. She practices Soka Gakkai Buddhism and often mentions how chanting brings her a sense of peace. Kerr incorporates her spiritual beliefs into her holistic approach to health and wellness. She finds that her practice helps her stay centered while managing her various business ventures and family life.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is a world renowned model and actress who has appeared in shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘Star’. She has explored Soka Gakkai Buddhism and has spoken about the calming effect of chanting on her life. Campbell uses her practice to find balance and clarity amidst her busy international schedule. Her spiritual journey is an important part of her personal growth and her commitment to philanthropy.

Joan Chen

Joan Chen is a distinguished actress and director known for her roles in ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘Twin Peaks’. She was born in China and has maintained a deep connection to Buddhist traditions throughout her life. Chen often incorporates spiritual themes into her creative work and personal philosophy. She views her practice as a way to stay connected to her heritage and find inner stability.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi gained international fame for her roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. She is a practicing Buddhist who frequently visits religious sites to offer prayers and seek guidance. The actress has spoken about the importance of inner peace and how her faith helps her achieve it. She often shares photos of her spiritual journeys with her followers on social media.

Maggie Cheung

Maggie Cheung is an iconic actress known for her work in ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Hero’. She has embraced Buddhism and has shifted her focus away from the limelight to pursue a more spiritual and artistic life. Cheung finds that the teachings of Buddhism resonate with her desire for simplicity and authenticity. Her practice has influenced her decision to take fewer acting roles and focus on personal fulfillment.

Paz Vega

Paz Vega is a Spanish actress who appeared in ‘Spanglish’ and ‘Sex and Lucia’. She has expressed her interest in Buddhist philosophy and has incorporated its teachings into her daily routine. The actress finds that meditation helps her manage the pressures of working in both European and American cinema. Her spiritual practice is a vital part of her approach to mental health and well being.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is a popular actress who starred in ‘Almost Famous’ and ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’. She was raised with Buddhist teachings by her mother Goldie Hawn and continues to practice meditation regularly. Hudson often speaks about the importance of mindfulness and staying present in the moment. She views her spiritual upbringing as a gift that has helped her navigate the complexities of fame.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh is an award winning actress known for her roles in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Killing Eve’. She has spoken about her practice of meditation and her interest in Buddhist teachings. Oh uses these spiritual tools to stay connected to her inner self while portraying intense and multifaceted characters. Her commitment to mindfulness is evident in her thoughtful interviews and public appearances.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is an Academy Award winning actress who has starred in ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and ‘Volver’. She has been interested in Buddhism for many years and has visited various Buddhist centers around the world. The actress finds that the principles of compassion and mindfulness help her maintain a healthy perspective on her career. She often incorporates these values into her personal life and her work as a mother.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q is an actress known for her roles in ‘Nikita’ and ‘Mission Impossible III’. She is a devout Buddhist and a dedicated animal rights activist who views her spiritual practice and her advocacy as interconnected. The actress follows a vegan lifestyle in accordance with her Buddhist beliefs and often speaks about the importance of non violence. Her faith provides her with the discipline and focus required for her physically demanding roles.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is a versatile actress famous for her work in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Elementary’. She has expressed a strong interest in various spiritual traditions including Buddhism and often incorporates meditation into her life. Liu finds that these practices help her stay balanced while juggling her acting career and her work as a visual artist. Her spiritual curiosity is a significant part of her personal and creative journey.

Carina Lau

Carina Lau is a prominent Hong Kong actress who has appeared in numerous films like ‘Days of Being Wild’. She is a devoted Buddhist and has credited her faith with helping her through significant personal and professional trials. Lau often visits temples and participates in Buddhist retreats to deepen her understanding of the teachings. Her spiritual practice is well known among her fans and colleagues in the Asian film industry.

Shu Qi

Shu Qi is a highly successful actress known for her roles in ‘The Assassin’ and ‘If You Are the One’. She is a practicing Buddhist who often shares her spiritual reflections and temple visits on social media. The actress finds that her faith helps her deal with the stresses of the entertainment industry and maintain a sense of calm. She is frequently seen wearing Buddhist prayer beads as a symbol of her devotion.

Tang Wei

Tang Wei is a critically acclaimed actress known for her performance in ‘Lust, Caution’ and ‘Decision to Leave’. She is a practicing Buddhist who values the peace and clarity that her spiritual practice brings to her life. The actress often takes breaks from her career to focus on her personal growth and spiritual well being. Her commitment to her faith is reflected in her serene and thoughtful demeanor.

Zhou Xun

Zhou Xun is one of the most celebrated actresses in China and has appeared in films like ‘Cloud Atlas’ and ‘The Banquet’. She is a devout Buddhist who often engages in charitable work inspired by her spiritual beliefs. The actress finds that her practice helps her stay humble and focused despite her immense fame. She is a frequent visitor to Buddhist holy sites and often speaks about the power of compassion.

Zhao Wei

Zhao Wei is a famous actress and director known for her roles in ‘My Fair Princess’ and ‘Red Cliff’. She has been a practicing Buddhist for many years and has often been seen participating in religious activities. The actress credits her faith with helping her manage the challenges of her high profile career in the Chinese media. Her spiritual practice is an important part of her life and her approach to leadership in the industry.

Fan Bingbing

Fan Bingbing is an international fashion icon and actress known for ‘X Men Days of Future Past’. She is a practicing Buddhist and has been known to visit temples to seek blessings and peace. The actress has turned to her spiritual practice during difficult times to find strength and resilience. Her faith is a private but significant part of her personal life.

Bai Ling

Bai Ling is a unique and prolific actress known for her roles in ‘The Crow’ and ‘Anna and the King’. She has often spoken about her spiritual beliefs and her practice of meditation rooted in Buddhist traditions. The actress finds that her spiritual connection allows her to express herself more freely in her work. Her practice is a key component of her vibrant and unconventional personality.

Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu is a Taiwanese actress and singer who gained fame in ‘Meteor Garden’. She is a devout Buddhist and has been a vegetarian for many years as a reflection of her spiritual beliefs. The actress often speaks about the importance of kindness and the impact of Buddhist teachings on her life. Her faith provides her with a strong moral compass and a sense of peace.

Ariel Lin

Ariel Lin is a beloved Taiwanese actress known for ‘It Started with a Kiss’. She is a practicing Buddhist who often visits temples to pray and find solace. The actress finds that her faith helps her stay grounded despite her busy schedule and high level of fame. Her spiritual practice is a source of strength and inspiration for her work.

Rainie Yang

Rainie Yang is a versatile singer and actress who appeared in ‘Devil Beside You’. She has expressed her interest in Buddhism and often participates in religious rituals with her family. The actress finds that the teachings of Buddhism help her maintain a positive outlook on life. Her spiritual connection is an important part of her personal growth.

Vivian Hsu

Vivian Hsu is a talented actress and singer who has worked in Taiwan and Japan. She is a practicing Buddhist who often speaks about the importance of gratitude and mindfulness. The actress finds that her faith helps her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry with grace. Her spiritual practice is a central part of her life and her creative expression.

Cher

Cher is an icon of music and film who won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Moonstruck’. She has been a long time student of Buddhist philosophy and has often spoken about the influence of these teachings on her life. The actress and singer uses meditation to stay focused and energized throughout her legendary career. Her spiritual curiosity has led her to explore various traditions within the faith.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu is a talented actress known for her roles in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Hustlers’. She has spoken about the importance of her Buddhist upbringing and how it continues to influence her worldview. The actress uses the principles of mindfulness to manage the pressures of Hollywood and stay connected to her roots. Her spiritual background is a significant part of her identity and her approach to her craft.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is an Academy Award winning actress known for ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. She has explored various spiritual paths and has spoken about her interest in Buddhist teachings and meditation. The actress finds that these practices help her stay grounded and maintain a healthy perspective on her career. Her spiritual journey is an ongoing part of her personal evolution.

Gwendoline Christie

Gwendoline Christie is an actress famous for her roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Star Wars’. She has discussed her practice of Zen Buddhism and how it helps her stay present during the filming of intense scenes. The actress finds that the discipline of Zen provides her with a sense of calm and focus. Her spiritual practice is a key component of her preparation for her diverse and demanding roles.

Koyuki

Koyuki is a Japanese actress known for her role in ‘The Last Samurai’. She is a practicing Buddhist who values the serenity and mindfulness that her faith brings to her life. The actress often incorporates spiritual practices into her daily routine to stay centered. Her quiet strength and graceful presence are often attributed to her dedicated spiritual practice.

Share your thoughts on these inspiring actresses and their spiritual journeys in the comments.