Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and novelist born in Austin, Texas, in 1970.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Ethan Hawke is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and novelist born in Austin, Texas, in 1970. He rose to fame with films like Dead Poets Society and Training Day, and has earned multiple Academy Award nominations.

Career highlights

Hawke began acting as a teenager, debuting in Explorers (1985) and breaking through with Dead Poets Society (1989). His major roles include Reality Bites, Before Sunrise, Training Day, Boyhood, and First Reformed. He has also worked extensively in theatre.

Writing and directing

In addition to acting, Hawke has written novels and screenplays and directed feature films. His work often overlaps with his interest in literature and theatre. He has been nominated for Tony Awards for his stage work.

Personal life

Hawke was married to actress Uma Thurman from 1998 to 2005; they have two children, including actress Maya Hawke. He married Ryan Hawke in 2008 and has two more children. He resides in New York.

In short

  • Made film debut at 14 in Explorers.
  • Broke through with Dead Poets Society.
  • Nominated for multiple Academy Awards as actor and screenwriter.
  • Has directed films and written novels.
Canadian angle

Hawke’s films and stage work have had wide distribution and recognition in Canada, and he is a familiar figure to Canadian audiences through major English-language film releases and festival programming.

Quick questions

Who is Ethan Hawke?
American actor, director, screenwriter, and novelist known for Dead Poets Society, Before Sunrise, Training Day, and Boyhood.
How old is Ethan Hawke?
Born November 6, 1970; 55 as of 2026.
Is Ethan Hawke married?
Yes, to Ryan Hawke; previously married to Uma Thurman.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ethan-Hawke
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, and major films.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Hawke
    Supports: Early film debut, breakthrough roles, and selected filmography.
  3. Broadway.com — https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/ethan-hawke/profile/
    Supports: Marriage status and number of children.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/ethan-hawke
    Supports: Marriage to Uma Thurman and later career details.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000160/
    Supports: Birth date and biographical details.