Uma Thurman recalls childhood encounter with police

Actress Uma Thurman shared a story regarding a frightening childhood incident during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. While living in Amherst, Massachusetts, as a three or four-year-old, Thurman attempted to buy a pair of red high heels after spotting them in a shop window.

Using 75 cents she found, the young actress walked to the store alone while her mother was resting. After attempting to purchase the shoes, the shopkeeper grew suspicious of her being unaccompanied and contacted the police. Thurman recalled being terrified during the encounter, believing she was being arrested when officers placed her in a patrol car because she could not provide her street address.

The situation concluded when officers located her mother, whom Thurman described as a “beautiful, hippie, Miss Clavel” figure. Reflecting on the event, Thurman noted that the incident may have been an early sign of her independent nature.