Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating,' But Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's desire for diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his commitment to "shaking it up" has brought him major parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
Throughout his prolific career, Hawke has surprised audiences by moving effortlessly between prestige dramas, quirky comedies, and full horror films, embracing each role with dedication. This year, he finds himself part of an unusual cluster of projects.
Recent Roles Showcasing His Range
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a figure marked by many contradictions.
- On the FX series The Lowdown, created by Hawke’s friend Sterlin Harjo, he plays Lee Raybon, a reckless journalist.
- In Black Phone 2, he stars as 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.”
Remarkably, Hawke has been preparing to play Lorenz Hart for over a decade, showing his long-term dedication to the role.
Author's summary: Ethan Hawke’s versatile career continues to thrive with complex roles that reflect his refusal to be typecast and his dedication to challenging performances.