Some in Hollywood once found it 'irritating.' But Ethan Hawke refuses to be typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke’s wish for diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his passion for variety has brought him major parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
Ethan Hawke has always been an unpredictable actor. Throughout his extensive career, he has moved effortlessly between prestige drama, quirky comedy, and intense horror, embracing each role with unwavering commitment.
A year of diverse roles
This year, an unusual mix of projects has coincided for Hawke. In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, he convincingly portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a man full of contradictions. On the FX series The Lowdown, created by Hawke’s friend Sterlin Harjo, he plays Lee Raybon, a reckless journalist. And 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. 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.”
— Ethan Hawke, speaking over Zoom from New York City
Planning and perseverance
It’s even more remarkable knowing that Hawke has been preparing to play Lorenz Hart for over ten years, showing his long-term dedication to challenging roles.
Author's summary: Ethan Hawke embraces complex and varied roles late in his career, proving his commitment to growth and artistic challenge after 30 years in acting.