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

Maya Hawke Reflects on Her Unique Upbringing with Parents Uma and Ethan

Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman - Maya Hawke, the rising star of Netflix’s *Stranger Things*, has opened up about the unconventional upbringing she shared with her parents, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. In a recent interview with NPR’s "Wild Card with Rachel Martin," the 23-year-old actress described how her mother instilled in her a deep connection to nature and the use of natural remedies during childhood. This approach, which she humorously labeled as "witch-adjacent," blended practical healing with a touch of mystical tradition.

The Magic of Nature in Everyday Life

Maya began by emphasizing her mother’s influence, stating, “My mother really taught me to love and respect nature… like herbal remedies to things.” She elaborated on how these practices were more than just remedies; they were a way of life. “It’s sort of like 'witch-adjacent,'” she explained. “It’s not toil and trouble, but it’s wickenary.” The term, which she used to describe the subtle, almost ceremonial nature of her mother’s methods, highlights the creative and intuitive approach to health and wellness.

“It’s sort of like 'witch-adjacent.' It’s not toil and trouble, but it’s wickenary.”

Maya shared a specific example from her childhood that still resonates with her today. Her mother would prepare a pineapple skin tea for her whenever she came down with a cold. “Because the enzymes in the pineapple skin are good to get rid of a cold,” she said, noting how these small, homemade solutions were part of her early life lessons. The simplicity of the remedy contrasted with its perceived magical qualities, underscoring the blend of science and folklore in her family’s routines.

The Divergent Paths of Magic

While Uma Thurman’s approach to healing leaned into nature, Maya described her father’s brand of magic as more playful and imaginative. “He’s a magical thinker,” she said. “I wouldn’t say he’s witchy, but he used to do like treasure hunts for me when I was a kid.” This unique style of storytelling and discovery, she noted, reflected Ethan’s creative spirit. “He’s crafty and magical, but he’s not witchy,” she added, drawing a distinction between her parents’ methods.

Maya also highlighted how her parents’ lives were intertwined with the cultural and artistic landscapes of Manhattan and Upstate New York. Growing up in these contrasting environments, she experienced a mix of urban sophistication and rural tranquility. “I grew up between Manhattan and Upstate New York,” she said, explaining that her mother’s passion for gardening played a significant role in shaping her worldview. Uma’s dedication to nurturing plants and creating meals from fresh ingredients gave Maya a sense of grounding, even as her father’s whimsical creativity sparked her imagination.

“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.”

A Hollywood Legacy in the Making

Maya’s family is deeply rooted in Hollywood’s storied history. Uma Thurman, known for iconic roles in *Pulp Fiction* and *Kill Bill*, and Ethan Hawke, celebrated for his performances in *Dead Poets Society* and the *Before* trilogy, have both left indelible marks on the film industry. Their union, which began on the set of *Gattaca* in 1997, brought together two artistic powerhouses, but their paths eventually diverged. The couple married in 1998 and divorced in 2005, a split that Maya has reflected on with a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for their individual contributions to her life.

Maya admitted that she didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of her parents’ fame until later. “Growing up, I didn’t know how 'big of a deal' my parents were,” she said. Her mother’s presence was often felt in the garden, where Uma spent long hours “on her knees” gathering ingredients for meals. “She’s a gorgeous gardener,” Maya noted, underscoring the way her mother’s dedication to nature became a daily ritual rather than a fleeting trend.

The Influence of Family on Identity

Maya’s career has evolved as a natural extension of her family’s artistic legacy. While her parents are celebrated for their film work, she has carved out her own niche as both an actress and singer-songwriter. Her role as Robin Buckley in *Stranger Things* has brought her widespread recognition, but she credits her upbringing for shaping her creative instincts. “I followed in my parents’ footsteps,” she said, though she added that her journey has been distinct in its own right.

Maya’s family structure further illustrates the blend of tradition and individuality. She has one full sibling, her younger brother Levon Roan Thurman-Hawke, and three half-siblings from her parents’ separate relationships. Through her father’s marriage to Ryan Shawhughes, Maya has two half-sisters: Clementine Hawke and Indiana Hawke. Uma’s relationship with financier Arpad Busson also added another half-sister, Luna Thurman-Busson, to the family dynamic. Despite these varying connections, Maya described her upbringing as a cohesive blend of artistic influence and personal bonds.

A Balanced Perspective on Her Parents’ Roles

Maya’s reflections on her parents’ roles reveal a balanced view of their contributions to her life. While Uma’s focus on nature and herbal remedies shaped her practical and intuitive approach, Ethan’s magical thinking inspired her to embrace curiosity and creativity. “I grew up with two very different but equally powerful sources of inspiration,” she said. The contrast between their methods—Uma’s grounded, natural practices versus Ethan’s playful, imaginative ideas—created a unique environment where both logic and whimsy coexisted.

Maya’s ability to navigate these influences speaks to her adaptability and the richness of her upbringing. “My mom’s approach was about connecting with the earth,” she explained, while “my dad’s was about sparking wonder.” This duality has informed her work, from her acting in *Stranger Things* to her musical endeavors. She often speaks of her parents’ impact, not just in terms of their careers, but in how they shaped her understanding of the world. “They taught me to see the magic in everyday things,” she said, highlighting the enduring lessons of her childhood.

As Maya continues to grow in her career, she remains grateful for the foundation laid by her parents. Their lives, though distinct in their own ways, have left an indelible mark on her identity. Whether through the simple act of brewing pineapple skin tea or the intricate stories shared during treasure hunts, Maya’s early experiences with her family have become a source of inspiration and comfort. “I think my parents’ magic is something I carry with me every day,” she said, capturing the essence of her journey from a child of Hollywood to a young artist in her own right.