Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating.' But Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's desire to explore different roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his love for variety has led to significant parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
A Career Full of Surprises
Throughout his prolific career, Hawke has moved seamlessly between prestige drama, offbeat comedy, and intense horror, committing fully to each character. This year, his projects have formed a remarkable and unexpected combination.
Key Roles in 2025
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays the complex real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart.
- 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 dark role of a serial killer haunting children from beyond the grave.
“It makes you believe in astrology or something. 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.”
Hawke shared these thoughts during a Zoom interview from New York City, reflecting on how the varied nature of his roles this year feels like a rare alignment. Notably, he has been planning to portray Lorenz Hart for over a decade, making this role a long-anticipated milestone.
Author's Summary
Ethan Hawke's refusal to be typecast has led to a remarkable year of challenging and diverse roles, showcasing his adaptability and passion for complex characters after 30 years in the industry.