Ethan Hawke biography, net worth, wife, young, age, daughter 2025

Biography of Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is a powerhouse actor and genuinely multi-talented artist. Throughout his career, this Hollywood standout has built an impressive reputation across multiple fields, excelling as a screenwriter, director, novelist, and of course, actor. This creative versatility makes Hawke such a compelling figure in entertainment. His story is fascinating, so let's dive right in. Net worth: $55 million.

Childhood and Family

The future Hollywood actor was born on November 6, 1970, in Austin, Texas. His parents divorced shortly after his birth, so young Ethan spent most of his childhood with his mother and stepfather. Following his mother's remarriage, the family relocated to Princeton.

At age 6, young Ethan started elementary school. During this period, his favorite subject was Literature. He even seriously considered becoming a professional writer, but acting classes shifted his priorities. In these classes, young Ethan consistently stood out from his classmates. Perhaps that's why, while in third grade, he landed the lead role in a school play for first graders. The young performer handled this important role beautifully. From that moment on, acting became his singular passion and life goal.

First Roles

The young actor continued working in various semi-professional productions. He steadily honed his craft, and his hard work soon paid off. Landing a role in the upcoming film Explorers alongside River Phoenix was a major breakthrough for the young actor.

Ethan Hawke's first role was in Explorers, 1985

Ethan Hawke did not become famous for this movie, but it gave him invaluable acting experience. He got to experience the atmosphere of a professional set and learn from seasoned, established actors.

All that experience proved invaluable four years later when he landed a role in the cult classic Dead Poets Society. This marked the beginning of Ethan Hawke's journey to international stardom.

Ethan Hawke became famous for the movie Dead Poets Society

Ethan Hawke's standout performance in Dead Poets Society caught the attention of major Hollywood producers. Now a recognized talent, the actor started receiving new film offers. In 1991, he got the role of Jack Conroy in the movie White Fang.

This was followed by several notable films, including Waterland, Mystery Date, Rich in Love, and Reality Bites, which brought Ethan Hawke even more recognition.

From that point on, Ethan's acting career took off rapidly. He appeared in comedies and dramas, but eventually gravitated toward romantic films. It is worth noting such movies as Great Expectations and Before Sunrise. They became genuine masterpieces and eventually achieved cult status among film enthusiasts.

Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke: Turn Up the Phone!

Before Sunrise was subsequently continued in the movies Before Sunset and Before Midnight. These films were released 9 and 18 years after the first installment, perfectly matching the trilogy's central concept. Ethan Hawke played the lead male role in these movies.

According to Zoomboola.com, in 2001, Ethan Hawke first appeared among the nominees for the Oscar. The actor gained recognition for his performance in Training Day, where he played a supporting role.

Best Roles

That same year, Hawke presented his directorial debut to audiences. Chelsea Walls was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.

Throughout his later career, Ethan Hawke has frequently taken on directing and screenwriting roles. Most notably, he wrote the screenplays for Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). The former earned him another Oscar nomination for screenwriting.

Ethan Hawke's great interview

Hawke also wrote and directed The Hottest State. The film was adapted from his own novel of the same name.

Speaking of his literary work, Hawke has published two novels: The Hottest State (1996) and Ash Wednesday (2002).

In 2016, Hawke starred in the smart comedy Maggie's Plan. The protagonist decides to have a baby and devises a clever scheme involving Hawke's character, anthropologist John.

That same year saw the release of western remake The Magnificent Seven, where Hawke joined Chris Pratt, Denzel Washington and other stars to protect a town from ruthless outlaws.

The Magnificent Seven: Ethan Hawke in the role of a brave cowboy

In 2018, Hawke's next directorial effort Blaze premiered, telling the true story of poet and songwriter Blaze Foley's life and creative journey.

Personal Life of Ethan Hawke

While filming the sci-fi thriller Gattaca, Ethan Hawke began dating actress Uma Thurman. They married in 1998. The couple soon welcomed two children - daughter Maya Ray and son Levon. However, in 2005, the couple divorced.

Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke were married in their youth

The split happened for two key reasons. First, Uma Thurman's more successful career led her to distance herself from her husband, often avoiding public appearances with Ethan. Meanwhile, the actor grew close to Ryan Shawhughes, a young blonde who'd been working as the family's nanny since 2003. What happened next followed a predictable script: Uma came home early, caught her husband with the nanny, and kicked him out.

Ethan Hawke and his children from his marriage to Uma Thurman

Initially, the actor was devastated by the breakup. He spiraled into depression and refused to see Ryan, blaming her for destroying his marriage. But two years later, they reconnected. In 2006, Ethan launched Ryan's acting career by casting her in the film adaptation of his novel The Hottest State. They married in 2008. They soon had a daughter, Clementine, followed by their second child, Indiana.

On the photo: Ethan Hawke and Ryan Shawhughes

Remarkably, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman have maintained a friendly relationship. Ethan remains actively involved in raising his children from his first marriage and proudly calls himself the father of four amazing kids.

On the photo: Ethan Hawke, his children, and his new wife

Ethan Hawke Now

Over the past few years, Ethan Hawke has appeared in numerous film premieres. These include 2019's "La Vérité" and "The Purge," plus 2020's "Tesla" and "Cut Throat City." He also starred as John Brown in the acclaimed miniseries "The Good Lord Bird."

Ethan Hawke is still actively acting in movies now

Ethan Hawke: latest news and articles

15 child actors turned Hollywood stars

21 Feb 2019

Jeremiah Chase Baker

I liked the movie «Boyhood», all the main actors played great, including Hawk.

2021-05-17 23:17:37
Betty Goodman

Didn`t know that Hawke was married to Uma Thurman, even they have children in common! But what he cheated at that time to his wife is a shame!

2021-05-10 10:24:59
Leo Grant

Is the film «White Fang» with Ethan based on the famous work of Jack London?

2021-04-21 19:17:22
Shirley Smith

Dead Poets Society, with Hawke, of course! One of my favorite films.

2021-04-11 15:11:12
William Cook

I think it`s very cool when a creative person develops in different industries, discovering more and more new talents like Ethan Hawke.

2021-04-03 15:07:57

Photos: Ethan Hawke