When we started putting this list together, it seemed like a light, albeit welcome, distraction from all the troubling news about wars and political scandals. However, as we delved deeper, we found ourselves inspired by the journeys of famous Buddhists who have faced their own trials. We hope you’ll also find inspiration and enjoyment in Wildmind’s Top Ten List of Celebrity Buddhists.
Our criteria were straightforward. To qualify, a nominee had to be alive, a celebrity, and a practicing Buddhist. We identified them through a simple process: counting the exact search hits for each name on Google. However, determining if a celebrity is truly a Buddhist isn’t always simple. Just because a website claims someone is a Buddhist doesn’t make it true. We only accepted a celebrity as such if they had stated it themselves. Interestingly, some widely-labeled “celebrity Buddhists” have explicitly denied being practitioners, like Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves.
We found that Jackie Chan and Patti Smith, despite serious practice, did not make the top ten due to fewer Google hits. Artists like Laurie Anderson, Wayne Shorter, and Michael Stipe also didn’t quite make it. Now, let’s dive into our top ten list in reverse order.
Starting with Aung San Suu Kyi, a nonviolent pro-democracy activist in Myanmar (Burma) and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Despite frequent house arrests, her Buddhist practice, particularly vipassana meditation, has provided her with resilience.
Next, Steven Seagal, who surprised many when he was recognized as a Tibetan incarnate lama. Seagal has a deep background in meditation and martial arts, having spent years in Japan studying these practices.
Kate Bosworth, known for her roles in movies like Blue Crush and Superman Returns, began practicing Buddhism thanks to her then-boyfriend Orlando Bloom’s influence. Despite their breakup, her engagement with the practice seemed meaningful.
Richard Gere, though not in our top five, is a prominent advocate for human rights in Tibet and meditates daily. His efforts have even seen him banned from China and the Academy Award stage for his outspoken support.
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock practices Nichiren Buddhism, a form that focuses on chanting for meditation. He attributes his artistic growth to his Buddhist practice.
Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter celebrated for his deep, often melancholy music, found solace in Zen Buddhism. He was ordained a Zen monk and his practice helped him overcome personal struggles, including a long-term drug problem.
The Dalai Lama, leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Nobel laureate, is a Buddhist first and a celebrity second. Known for his efforts in promoting human values like compassion and understanding, His Holiness is revered worldwide.
Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” used her practice of Nichiren Buddhism to gain the strength to leave her abusive marriage and become a symbol for women everywhere.
Orlando Bloom, star of The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, found in Buddhism a way to maintain balance in his life. His practical approach to Nichiren Buddhism helped him steer clear of self-destructive behaviors.
Finally, Tiger Woods topped the list with close to six million Google hits. Although his practice may not be daily, his Buddhist upbringing and occasional practice have contributed to his calm and focus. He is also dedicated to philanthropic efforts through the Tiger Woods Foundation.
This list shows that being a celebrity does not exclude one from seeking spiritual growth through Buddhist practices. It’s a humble reminder that everyone, famous or not, can find value in these teachings as they navigate their personal and professional lives.