20 Celebrities Who Practice or Follow Buddhism?

Last Updated: February 22, 2026

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We often see celebrities surrounded by fame and the spotlight. This all brings instability and noise to life, so how do they manage all that chaos?

Surprisingly, the answer is the ancient philosophy of Buddhism. Many celebrities from Richard Gere to Tina Turner and Steve Jobs to Brad Pitt, every one of them follows Buddhism to find inner peace.

In this guide, we will be looking at the 20 similar celebrities who practice Buddhism, and we will look at how their journey starts.

Most Popular Celebrities Who Admire Buddhism

Most popular celebrities include Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt, Tiger Woods, Richard Gere, Steve Jobs and many more who had proudly admired Buddhism. This list includes everyone from the Hollywood stars to the global icons.

1. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor who has become one of the most popular and beloved Hollywood stars. He is known for his works as Neo in The Matrix trilogy, John Wick in the John Wick Franchise, along with movies like My Own Private Idaho and many more.

He was born to an English mother and a Chinese origin American father. His father's roots in China gave him some exposure to look into Asian culture.

But the real turning point was in 1993, when he played the role of Prince Siddhartha in Bernardo Bertolucci's film 'Little Buddha'. To prepare for this role, Reeves had travelled to many Buddhist sacred places like Lumbini, Nepal and Bhutan, and he had spent many times with the Buddhist monk and closely looked into Buddhism. These have been a great influential factor for him to admire Buddhism.

Reeves has talked about this in many of his interviews. In one of his 2011 interviews, Reeves said that:

"When I worked on Little Buddha and got introduced to Buddhism. I am not a buddhist, but to start to think about those ways and to think about impermanence and mortality, and that changed my life".

2. Richard Gere

Richard Tiffary Gere is a humanitarian and the most loved Hollywood actor. Unlike other celebrities, Richard has been a dedicated Buddhist practitioner. 

The connection between Gere and Buddhism is older than becoming famous. When he was in university, he was attracted towards books like 'Jean-Paul Sartre Being and Nothingness', and 'The Crack in the Cosmic Egg'. This planted initial seed of intellectual curiosity about existence precedes essence, reality, and how our beliefs shape the world.

But this was not enough to push him towards Buddhism. In his early twenties, Gere was in a deeply unhappy and depressed state as he shared in a 1996 interview. He started seeking the answer for "why am I unhappy and how can I get out of this?", and this is when he found a buddhist text in one of the New York libraries. And this is where he was introduced to the concept of impermanence, and from here he has got a totally new perspective on life. 

And after this, he had read almost every paper and thesis he could find on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. He also started practising T'ai Chi (traditional Chinese mind body exercise) and Buddhism.

3. Orlando Bloom

Orlando Jonathan Blanchard Copeland Bloom is one of the most recognisable Hollywood stars who has worked with many of the iconic franchises and notable films.

His journey towards Buddhism started at 16 when he left home for London. One day, during his exam preparation, he heard a man chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (meaning: I devote myself to the Wonderful Law of the Lotus Flower Sutra) in another room. He went over and asked what he was doing, and the man replied that he was chanting for his good exams and to have a successful life. The curious Bloom asked if this was really going to work, and the man said yes.

From then on, Bloom started chanting and practising Buddhism as his mentor was a member of Soka Gakkai International. This is the same Buddhist organisation whose members are Tina Turner and Herbie Hancock. The practice gave Bloom a roadmap for life.

At 21, the faith tested him when he fell from a three storey rooftop and fractured his spine. Doctors told him that he might never walk again, but he recovered and credited the Buddhist perspective for this.

4. Tina Turner

Singer Tina Turner, the legendary "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," was also one of the members of the Soka Gakkai International Organisation (the same organization Orlando Bloom belongs to). 

Her journey to Buddhism began in 1973 when she was trapped in an abusive marriage with Ike Turner so she used to chant and practice in secret. She was suggested to practice Buddhism by her friends Ana Maria and Wayne Shorter to deal with that toxic relationship.

She once revealed:
"I felt so desperate that I tried to commit suicide with an overdose of sleeping pills. Fortunately, they found me and took me to the hospital, where they revived me."

After that she started chanting continuously and later she clearly stated "Buddhism literally saved my life".

5. Herbie Hancock

Herbert Jeffrey Hancock is an American pianist and composer. In 1972, he heard his bassist Buster William play a really extraordinary set in Seattle. When he asked about the inspiration behind such transcendent music, William revealed that he practiced Buddhism.

That inspired Hancock, and start chanting "Namo-myoho-renge-kuyo", by being an active member of Soka Gakkai International (
same organization Tina Turner and Orlando belongs to).

Today it is almost more than 50 years, and Hancock revealed that he still chants twice a day.

6. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs' connection to Buddhism started in the early 1970s when he travelled to India and spent 7 months seeking spiritual truth. He attended many religious festivals and returned to the US with head shaved and wearing traditional Indian clothing.

After coming back, Steve got to know about Kobun, a well known Zen teacher in Los Altos. One night, Steve showed up at Kobun's door at midnight, and had a late night talk.

A week later again Steve meets Kabun with a small metal sheet (a computer chip). He told Kabun that he designed it and named it Lisa. From that moment they became close friends. Their friendship lasted until Kabun's death in 2002.

Zen Buddhism has helped Steve throughout his life to navigate all the ups and down like founding Apple, being fired from the company and eventual return.

7. George Lucas

George Walton Lucas is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter who created the two most successful film franchises in history: Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

His Buddhist journey began in the early 1970s when he traveled to Dharamsala, India, before creating Star Wars. There he met a Tibetan Buddhist master, Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche.

Lucas describes himself as "Buddhist Methodist" , as he practices Buddhism while maintaining his Christian roots.

Through his films, Lucas has introduced millions of people to Buddhist concepts like impermanence, non-attachment, and meditation.

8. Uma Thurman

Uma Karuna Thurman is an American actress who has worked in over 50 films since the 1980s. She was raised in a Buddhist environment as her father Robert Thurman was the first American appointed as a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Even the 14th Dalai Lama has been a guest in their home.

This has definitely affected Uma's life, but moreover, she has explained that she doesn't formally follow any religion. However, Buddhism is definitely closer to her than any other because she was brought up with it.

9. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston's connection with Buddhism started in 2005 when she married Brad Pitt. Both Brad and Jen were interested in Buddhism from the beginning. They started meditating and practicing Buddhism after Aniston read a book that contained Mahatma Gandhi's practices.

In July 2010, Aniston made headlines when she purchased a 230-kilogram Buddha statue for over €3,000 (approximately $4,000). Later, one of her friends described that every morning she brings flowers home for the Buddha. She also loves to talk to the Buddha statue—not because she believes it will answer, but because he never interrupts or asks for an autograph.

Many times, she has openly spoken about how meditation has played a very good role in managing her anxiety and her extreme fear of flying.

10. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is an American actor and producer known for films like Fight Club and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He has been one of Hollywood's biggest stars for decades.

His connection to Buddhism started before filming Seven Years in Tibet in 1997. He picked up a copy of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying but never cracked it, choosing instead to learn from the actual Buddhist monks working as extras on set . He later spoke about how their philosophy of non-violence and blessing your enemies challenged everything he grew up with.

In 2005 when he was with Jennifer Aniston, both were interested in Buddhism and started meditating together after she read a book on Gandhi's practices . Even after their split, he continued exploring Buddhist ideas. His role in Seven Years in Tibet connected him indirectly to the Dalai Lama whom he portrayed as a young boy in the film

11. Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the highest-paid and most beloved Hollywood stars. He describes his current religious identity as "Jew-Bu" , a combination of Jewish and Buddhist.

He says that Buddhism and meditation have helped him a lot during his lowest points, mainly during multiple arrests, failed rehab attempts, and his fight with drug and alcohol addiction.

Beyond meditation, Downey also practices Wing Chun kung fu, an 18th-century martial art founded by a Buddhist nun.

12. Jet Li

Jet Li is a Chinese martial artist and actor, known for his roles in films like Once Upon a Time in China and Hero. He has gained all the fame and wealth that one might think could bring happiness, but he didn't truly find happiness or peace. This led him to begin seeking a path to peace.

Through this search, he learned about Siddhartha Gautama, who himself was a prince but still chose to leave home in search of peace. From that point on, Jet Li started practicing Buddhism. Throughout his life, he has faced many health issues, such as hyperthyroidism. He also survived the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, and he credits Buddhism for helping him through these experiences.

13. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer considered one of the greatest of all time. He has won numerous championships and changed the sport of golf forever.

His connection to Buddhism began in childhood, as his mother, Kultida, raised him in the Buddhist faith. She taught him the principles of Buddhism and encouraged him to rely more on inner qualities like peace and compassion rather than on external things.

In a 1996 interview, he said that at the time, he believed in many Buddhist principles but not in all aspects. As he became famous, he grew distant from his friends, which led to feelings of depression and sadness. After 2010, he started practicing Buddhism again and finally came to understand that working on inner qualities is more important than chasing money and fame for happiness, what his mother had taught him during his childhood.

14. Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson's connection to Buddhism began at her birth, as her mother, Goldie Hawn, was already actively practicing Buddhism. She was raised in a family where both Jewish and Buddhist beliefs and teachings were followed.

From a young age, she started practicing Buddhism. Many times, she has openly said that she and her family follow Judaism because of their religion, while they follow Buddhism for its ideology, lessons, peace, and understanding of impermanence.

15. Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn's connection to Buddhism is similar to her daughter Kate Hudson's—she maintains her Jewish identity while also practicing Buddhism. She describes herself as a "Jew-Bu."

She first learned about Buddhism in 1972 while exploring Eastern philosophy. After gaining knowledge about Buddhist ideology and principles, she started practicing it. She also founded a foundation and began offering mindfulness training programs to children in many public schools. She shared that many parents worry, thinking that following Buddhism means adopting an Eastern religion, but she explained that it is more than any kind of religion, it is a way to find peace and compassion. It is the only religion you can follow without leaving your own religious identity behind.

16. Harrison Ford

American actor Harrison Ford is a very private person, yet in different interviews he has mentioned that he learned about Buddhism mainly from books, and the most important teachings he got were forgiveness and letting go of dissatisfaction.

He also has a passion for conserving the environment and has worked with many organizations to protect the planet, which reflects a spiritual connection with nature.

17. Alanis Morissette

Canadian-American singer and songwriter Alanis Morissette was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, yet she practices Buddhism. Her journey began after years of struggling with depression and eating disorders during her teens and twenties. After recovering, she started eating healthier and later ran a marathon to promote awareness of eating disorders.

Her album Flavors of Entanglement was born from the grief she experienced after her breakup with Ryan Reynolds in 2007, and she has described the creative process as cathartic.

She even met her husband, Mario Treadway, at a meditation session in California, and they married in 2010. Buddhism has been a grounding force for her, both in helping her find a life partner and in supporting her during difficult times.

18. Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer songwriter and poet known for deep spiritual lyrics. His work explored faith despair and redemption.

In 1994 he retreated to the Mount Baldy Zen Center in California and spent five years there as a monk. He was ordained in 1996 and given the name Jikan meaning the silent one. He served as personal assistant to his teacher Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi doing simple tasks while practicing Zen rigorously. He always maintained Zen was a discipline and he never stopped being Jewish.

Even after his manager embezzled over $5 million he went on a two year world tour in 2008 to recoup money and credited his practice for keeping him grounded. On his final album You Want It Darker before dying in 2016 he had a cantor from his childhood synagogue sing on the record. Buddhism has been grounding for both navigating career crises and exploring faith through music.

19. Courtney Love

Courtney Love's journey to Buddhism started when she was fighting with a different addiction. She started practicing Nichiren Buddhism and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo twice a day. In a 2015 interview with David Letterman she said this practice along with meetings is what really saved her.

She explained chanting changed her life completely and turned everything around. Even she chants for about an hour each time and compares it to doing sit ups, admitting she gets bored too but keeps doing it. Buddhism has been grounding for both staying sober and finding structure in a turbulent life.

20. Angelina Jolie 

Angelina Jolie is an American actress and humanitarian known for her roles in many films and her work with refugees worldwide.

Her connection to Buddhism came through her son Maddox whom she adopted from Cambodia. She got a Buddhist prayer tattooed in Khmer script on her back shortly after adopting him to honour his heritage. She once said she wants a Buddhist son and a Christian and Muslim child too. She doesn't follow any religion strictly but believes there is something greater than all of us. She and Brad Pitt reportedly had a secret Buddhist ceremony in 2005. She raises her children to respect all faiths by taking them to churches, temples and Buddhist ceremonies.

Some More Honorable Mentions

Besides the above top 20, there are some more Buddhist-inspired public figures that deserve to be included in this list.

The 14th Dalai Lama

The 14th Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet who was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was just two years old. A search party found him living on a farm and tested him by showing him objects that belonged to his predecessor. He picked the correct rosary and drum claiming they were his. He officially took the throne at age four . His message is consistently centered on compassion and mind training.

Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone is an American film director known for movies like Platoon and JFK. He was introduced to Buddhism through Le Ly Hayslip's book "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places" while filming Heaven and Earth in Vietnam. He later converted after meeting with Tibetan lamas in Nepal and monks in Thailand.

He even converted his backyard treehouse into a Buddhist shrine where he meditated regularly. He has credited Buddhism for helping him overcome drug addiction.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr is an Australian model who became the first Victoria's Secret Angel from Australia. She practices Nichiren Buddhism with her then-husband Orlando Bloom who chanted while she gave birth to their son Flynn . She chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo twice daily with her son who sits there with little beads . She describes the practice as grounding and centering. She later clarified she is Christian but spiritual

Conclusion - What is Impermanence?

If you have gone through all these words, you should have found "impermanence" many times, but what actually is impermanence?

Well, impermanence teaches you that everything ends, no matter how good or bad it is. Imagine having your favourite cup of coffee with just the right sweetness, strength, and temperature that you never want to end, but with the last sip, it does. Similarly, imagine a time after a bad result on an exam, the saddest moment but the good thing is that even this time will pass.

Well, this is impermanence. Too simple, right? But actually, this gives you a deep meaning. If you really understand this, believe me, it will definitely help you a lot with your suffering, depression, loneliness, or similar struggles. And this is why all the celebrities keep talking about impermanence.

FAQs

Q1. Do all these celebrities officially identify as Buddhist?

Not all celebrities are totally Buddhist. Instead, many of them are lifelong practitioners, while others follow Buddhist philosophy and start chanting mantras and practicing meditation.

Q2. What Buddhist practices do celebrities follow most?

Impermanence, mindfulness, meditation, Zen-inspired simplicity, and chanting mantras are the top practices that most popular celebrities follow.

Q3. Is chanting part of Buddhism?

Yes, chanting is one of the important aspects of Buddhism. Chanting devotional mantras gives you mental peace and compassion.

Q4. Can ordinary people benefit from Buddhism practice too?

Absolutely, anyone can get benefit and peace from practicing Buddhism, despite fame, money, or monastery. In fact, Buddhism means being happy over any fame or wealth.

Published on February 22, 2025

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