Some in Hollywood Once Found It Irritating, but Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke’s pursuit of diverse roles sometimes caused friction. This fall, his passion for "shaking it up" is evident in major performances in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
A Career of Surprises and Variety
Ethan Hawke has built a prolific career by moving fluidly between prestige drama, quirky comedy, and pure horror, embracing each character with dedication. This year is remarkable due to an unusual mix of roles coming together simultaneously.
Notable Roles in 2025
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a man filled with 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 takes on the chilling role of 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.” — Ethan Hawke
Remarkably, Hawke had been planning to play Lorenz Hart for over a decade, adding depth to his current projects.
Author's Summary
Ethan Hawke’s refusal to be typecast has led to a rich, varied career, with standout, complex roles emerging even after 30 years in the industry.