Nena Von Schlebrugge: Uma Thurman's Mom And '60s Icon, Then And Now

By | January 8, 2021

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Model Nena von Schlebrugge wearing a blue suit with three-quarter-length sleeves, gloves and a Persian lamb beret and matching scarf, circa 1961. (Photo by John Rawlings/Conde Nast via Getty Images)

From modeling to Buddhism, Nena Von Schlebrugge’s life has been far from ordinary. It only made sense that she eventually gave birth to actress Uma Thurman (of Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and Dangerous Liaisons fame). Nena was known for her classy beauty that made for dynamite photographs in the top high-fashion magazines throughout the ‘60s. But when she married Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman, her perspectives changed and led her to a life of peace and happiness she still experiences today.

Nena Was Born Into A High-Class Family

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Source: facebook.com/Nena.Von.Schlebrugge.Official

Nena was born as Brigitte Caroline in Mexico City, Mexico in 1941 to a pair of prestigious parents. Her father was German aristocrat Friedrich Karl von Schlebrugge and her mother was Swedish model Brigit Holmqvist. Those close with her family insisted her beauty derived from her mother and her charismatic personality was passed down from her father. Her friends called her by the nickname Nena, the name that would stick with her throughout her entire life and career. After World War II, her family moved back to their mother’s homeland of Sweden, a decision that would change Nena’s life forever.