Ethan Hawke: actor, writer, and director

Career highlights

Hawke’s filmography includes a mixture of dramatic roles and experimental projects. He starred as Jesse in Richard Linklater’s conversational romance Before Sunrise (1995) and returned to that character in later installments, a collaboration that has been central to his public profile. He earned strong critical attention for his supporting turn in Training Day and has been recognized for his screenwriting on entries in the Before series. In recent years Hawke has continued to take varied parts, including a memorable antagonist role in the horror film The Black Phone (2021) and a lauded lead performance in the drama First Reformed.

Writing and directing

Outside acting, Hawke has written fiction and adapted his own work for film. His novel The Hottest State was published and later adapted for the screen; he has directed feature films and projects for stage and screen. He frequently moves between roles as performer, co‑writer and director, often working with long‑term collaborators and exploring character‑driven stories rather than big‑budget spectacle.

Stage work and style

Hawke is also active in theater, appearing in numerous stage productions and on Broadway. Critics and audiences often note his energetic, physically engaged style and his interest in naturalistic dialogue. He has been praised for taking risks with unconventional roles and for his willingness to return to the stage between film projects.

Personal life and legacy

Hawke’s personal life has sometimes intersected with his public image. He was married to actress Uma Thurman from 1998 until 2005 and later married Ryan Shawhughes in 2008; he is the father of actress Maya Hawke. Over a multi‑decade career, Hawke has become known as a versatile collaborator who moves comfortably among acting, writing and directing while maintaining a steady presence in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Selected filmography

• Explorers (1985)
• Dead Poets Society (1989)
• Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Before Midnight (series)
• Training Day (supporting role)
• The Black Phone (2021)