Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating,' But Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke’s desire to take on diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his passion for "shaking it up" has resulted in major parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
Hawke has consistently surprised audiences throughout his prolific career. He has transitioned seamlessly from prestigious dramas to quirky comedies and intense horror films, approaching each role with dedication and care.
Varied Roles This Year
In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a man full of contradictions. On the FX series The Lowdown, created by his friend Sterlin Harjo, he plays Lee Raybon, a reckless journalist. Meanwhile, in Black Phone 2, he takes on the chilling role of a serial killer terrorizing 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.”
Hawke shared these thoughts during a Zoom conversation from New York City.
Longtime Preparation
Remarkably, Hawke has been preparing to portray Lorenz Hart for over ten years, underscoring his dedication to complex characters that challenge typecasting.
“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.”
His choices reflect a commitment to roles that explore depth and complexity as he advances in his career.
Author’s Summary
Ethan Hawke’s refusal to be typecast has led to some of his most compelling and varied roles after 30 years in the industry, highlighting his ongoing evolution as an actor.