Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating,' But Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's eagerness to take on diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his commitment to "shaking things up" has paid off with major roles in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
Ethan Hawke’s Versatile Career
Ethan Hawke has long been an actor full of surprises. Throughout his prolific career, he has moved seamlessly between prestige dramas, quirky comedies, and outright horror, dedicating himself fully to every role.
2025: A Unique Convergence of Roles
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a man full of contradictions.
- In 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 who haunts children from beyond the grave.
“It makes you believe in astrology or something,” Hawke said during a Zoom interview 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.”
Notably, Hawke has been preparing to play Lorenz Hart for more than a decade, highlighting his long-term dedication to his craft.
Author's Summary
Ethan Hawke’s refusal to be typecast has led to a career marked by diverse, complex roles that continue to challenge him even after 30 years in acting.