Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is an actor, writer and director known for his work in acclaimed films including Dead Poets Society and the Before trilogy. Hawke spent his early childhood moving frequently before settling in New Jersey. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and attended the Hun School of Princeton. After graduating, he enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University to study acting, later transferring to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, though he did not complete a degree as his acting career accelerated.

Hawke made his film debut in 1985’s Explorers before gaining widespread recognition starring opposite Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society (1989). His early career included leading roles in White Fang (1991) and Reality Bites (1994), establishing him as a prominent figure in 1990s cinema. His collaboration with director Richard Linklater began with Before Sunrise in 1995 and continued with Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013), earning critical acclaim and awards attention.

Beyond acting, Hawke has directed films such as Chelsea Walls (2001), Blaze (2018) and Wildcat (2023). His performances in Training Day (2001), Boyhood (2014) and First Reformed (2017) earned him four Academy Award nominations, including the nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2002 and 2015.

Hawke married Uma Thurman in 1998. The pair welcomed children Maya (born in 1998) and Levon (born in 2002) before divorcing in 2005. He later married Ryan Shawhughes in 2008, and they have two daughters: Clementine Jane (born in 2008) and Indiana (born in 2011).