Some in Hollywood once found it 'irritating.' But Ethan Hawke refuses to be typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke’s ambition for diverse roles often caused tension. This fall, his willingness to "shake it up" has led to major parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
Ethan Hawke has always been a surprising presence in the acting world. Throughout his prolific career, he has moved fluidly between prestige drama, quirky comedy, and intense horror, committing fully to each role.
This year, an unusual mix of roles has coincided in his projects. In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke masterfully portrays the 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. In the horror film 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," Hawke said during a Zoom interview from New York City. "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."
It’s especially remarkable knowing Hawke has been preparing to play Lorenz Hart for more than ten years.
Summary
Ethan Hawke’s dedication to complex, varied roles continues to define his enduring 30-year career, highlighted by standout performances across drama, comedy, and horror.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?