UMA UNSCRIPTED

She took the world by storm in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Now, Uma Thurman has returned - and is putting her sword skills to use once more

- SALLY JAMES

Uma Thurman is positively glowing these days. At 55, the actress and devoted mom of three is embracing a busy new chapter – one that's taking her from family life in New York City back to the buzz of movie sets. Describing her castmates as "phenomenal," she's clearly relishing the company – and the work.

The Oscar nominee, best known for her roles in Quentin Tarantino films (her breakout was 1994's Pulp Fiction, followed by two Kill Bill outings) - and as Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin - has been part of Hollywood's fabric for more than three decades. But she stepped back to focus on raising her children - Maya, 27, and Levon, 23, with ex-husband Ethan Hawke, and Luna, 13, with former partner Arpad Busson.

Now, with her two eldest following in her footsteps as actors, Uma is diving into a slate of new projects. In Dexter: Resurrection, she plays Charley, a vengeful private security officer opposite Michael C. Hall, while in the superhero sequel The Old Guard 2, she faces off against Charlize Theron – even dusting off some of her old Kill Bill moves in the process.

Here, Uma talks about navigating the ever-changing world of Hollywood, why she loves working in her hometown - and the pride she feels watching her children carve out their own careers.

Fans have been excited about the return of Dexter, especially as we’re seeing so many cast members from the original show. Your character is new, though. What can you tell us about her?

I play Charley, who is a rather dangerous woman. She’s a highly trained, very violent, very private henchwoman assassin with a strong moral code. She’s a predator, basically. I had a lot of fun playing her.

What made you want to sign up for this role?