Some in Hollywood once found it 'irritating.' But Ethan Hawke refuses to be typecast

As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's drive for diverse roles caused some tension. This fall, his passion for variety has culminated in key roles in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.

Ethan Hawke has always been known for his surprising choices. Throughout his prolific career, he has shifted seamlessly from prestige dramas to quirky comedies and intense horror films, dedicating himself fully to each part.

Recent Unique Roles

In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke vividly 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.
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,” 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 is even more impressive knowing Hawke has been preparing to embody Lorenz Hart for over ten years.

Author’s Summary

Ethan Hawke’s commitment to diverse, challenging roles defies typecasting and highlights an evolving, richly varied acting career.

Los Angeles Times — 2025-11-05