Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman practiced ‘witch-adjacent’ remedies

Maya Hawke Shares Insights Into Her Parents’ Unique Approach to Healing and Everyday Life

Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman -

Maya Hawke, the breakout star of Netflix’s hit series *Stranger Things*, has opened up about the unconventional ways her mother, Uma Thurman, and father, Ethan Hawke, raised her. During an interview on NPR’s *Wild Card with Rachel Martin*, the 21-year-old actor described how her upbringing was deeply intertwined with the natural world and a blend of practical and mystical traditions. “My mother really taught me to love and respect nature,” she explained. “She instilled in me the idea that things like herbal remedies are part of daily life.” While Maya acknowledged her mother’s influence, she noted that these practices were more about harmony with the environment than the dramatic spells and rituals often associated with witchcraft. “It’s sort of like ‘witch-adjacent’—not toil and trouble, but wickenary,” she added, using a term she described as a gentle, almost poetic way of referring to the intersection of nature and healing.

The Healing Power of Pineapple Skin Tea

Maya shared a specific memory of her mother’s remedies that still resonates with her today. “One thing I still remember from my childhood is this pineapple skin tea,” she said. “My mom would have me drink it whenever I had a cold.” The actor explained that the idea behind the remedy was simple: the enzymes in pineapple skin were believed to have cleansing properties that could help the body recover. “It was all about using what was around us to support health,” she elaborated. Though the practice may seem whimsical, Maya emphasized that her mother approached it with genuine care and intention, blending science with a sense of wonder.

Ethan Hawke’s ‘Magic’ and Uma Thurman’s Nature Connection

When asked about her father’s role in her upbringing, Maya revealed that Ethan’s approach was different from her mother’s. “He’s magic in a different way,” she said. “He’s a magical thinker. I wouldn’t say he’s witchy, but he used to do like treasure hunts for me when I was a kid.” The actor described her father as a creative and resourceful figure, often engaging her in playful activities that sparked her imagination. In contrast, Uma’s influence was more rooted in the tangible aspects of the natural world. “She loves nature,” Maya said. “She’s a gorgeous gardener, and I grew up watching her tend to her plants, foraging for ingredients, and creating meals from the garden.”

Maya admitted that she didn’t fully grasp the significance of her parents’ fame until later in life. “I didn’t realize how big of a deal they were,” she reflected. “My mom spent most of her time with me in the garden, on her knees, picking herbs and vegetables to make soups. It was a quiet, everyday kind of magic.” This intimate connection to the land, Maya suggested, shaped her perspective on health and wellness. “It wasn’t just about being a famous actress,” she said. “It was about living in sync with the world around us.”

A Hollywood Legacy and a Family of Artists

Maya’s family is a cornerstone of Hollywood history. Her father, Ethan Hawke, is celebrated for his roles in iconic films such as *Dead Poets Society*, *Training Day*, *Boyhood*, and the *Before* trilogy, which he co-wrote and starred in. Her mother, Uma Thurman, rose to stardom through her unforgettable performances in *Pulp Fiction* and *Kill Bill*, both directed by Quentin Tarantino. Despite their fame, Maya recalled that her parents prioritized simplicity in their routines. “They were always more focused on their craft than on the spotlight,” she said.

Ethan and Uma’s partnership began on the set of *Gattaca* in 1997, where they met and quickly fell in love. They married in 1998 and remained together until their divorce in 2005. While their relationship was central to Maya’s early life, she noted that her parents maintained their individual creative pursuits. “They were both so passionate about their work,” she said. “Even when they were together, they found time to explore their own interests.” This balance of collaboration and independence, Maya believed, helped her develop a unique sense of self.

Maya’s Siblings and the Dynamics of Family Life

Maya has four siblings in total, each with their own distinct connection to the entertainment industry. She has one full sibling, her younger brother Levon Roan Thurman-Hawke, and three half-siblings from different family relationships. Two of them, Clementine Hawke and Indiana Hawke, are the daughters of Ethan Hawke and his former spouse, Ryan Shawhughes. The third, Luna Thurman-Busson, is the daughter of Uma Thurman and financier Arpad Busson. Maya described the family dynamic as a mix of creativity and groundedness. “We were all raised with a love for storytelling, but also with a strong sense of connection to the earth,” she said.

While her parents’ careers often kept them busy, Maya emphasized that their presence in her life was always intentional. “Even when they were working, they made time for us,” she recalled. “It was about quality over quantity, and that’s something I carry with me today.” This philosophy, she explained, extended to her own career. “I’ve always tried to blend my work with what I care about—whether it’s acting, music, or being in touch with nature.”

Maya’s journey as an artist began with her parents’ guidance. Growing up, she was exposed to the world of performance through her father’s work, but it was her mother’s connection to the natural world that left the deepest impression. “Uma’s garden was like a sanctuary,” she said. “It was a place where she found peace and inspiration, and that’s what I grew up with.”

As Maya continues to carve her own path in Hollywood, she remains grateful for the lessons she learned from her parents. “They taught me that healing isn’t always about medicine,” she reflected. “Sometimes it’s about listening to the world and using what it offers.” This perspective, she added, is evident in both her acting and music, where she seeks to create meaningful experiences that resonate with authenticity.

Maya’s story is a testament to how the blending of tradition and creativity can shape a unique identity. While her mother’s “witch-adjacent” remedies may seem out of place in the modern world, they represent a deeper understanding of wellness that she now embraces. “It’s not about following a strict formula,” she said. “It’s about finding ways to connect with what’s around you and believing in the power of small, intentional acts.” This belief in the interconnectedness of life and art is what continues to drive Maya’s work, ensuring that her legacy as a performer and storyteller is as rooted in nature as it is in Hollywood.

For fans of *Stranger Things*, Maya’s journey is not just about her role as Robin Buckley. It’s also about the influences that shaped her from an early age. From the pineapple skin tea to the treasure hunts and the serene garden, her childhood was a tapestry of experiences that taught her the value of curiosity, creativity, and connection. As she continues to grow as an actress and singer-songwriter, Maya remains a living embodiment of the unconventional wisdom passed down through her family.