Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating,' but Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's wish for diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his passion for "shaking it up" has led to major roles in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
A Versatile Career
Ethan Hawke has always been an actor full of surprises. Throughout his extensive career, he has moved fluidly from prestige dramas to quirky comedies and intense horror films, approaching each role with unwavering commitment.
Unlikely Convergence of Projects in 2025
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke masterfully portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a man full of contradictions.
- On the FX series The Lowdown, created by his friend Sterlin Harjo, he plays Lee Raybon, a reckless journalist.
- In Black Phone 2, he takes on the chilling role of a serial killer haunting children from beyond the grave.
“It makes you believe in astrology or something,” Hawke said over Zoom from New York City. “All these disparate parts of my life are being released at the same time. I’ve been so worried about this whole aging process. But the great thing about it is that the roles get a lot more complicated. They get fewer, but the ones you get are complicated and interesting. I feel astonished to have been doing this job for 30 years and have two of the best parts I’ve ever had this year.”
It is remarkable considering Hawke has been preparing to portray Lorenz Hart for more than a decade.
Author’s Summary
Ethan Hawke's career thrives on variety, embracing complex and rare roles that challenge typecasting, culminating in a remarkable year of diverse performances.