Imagine having Hollywood royalty as parents and still carving your own path without batting an eye at their advice. That’s exactly what Maya Hawke did, and it’s a story that’s both inspiring and a little controversial. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Ethan Hawke, her father, recently revealed that Maya ‘didn’t care what [he] thought’ about her pursuing an acting career. Bold move, right? But according to Ethan, it’s this very attitude that’s key to success in the arts. ‘If your focus is what you can give the arts, you’re going to be really happy,’ he explains. ‘But if your focus is what the arts can give you back, you’re going to be really unhappy.’ And this is the part most people miss—it’s not about fame or validation; it’s about passion and contribution.
In a candid interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups, Ethan dives deeper into this philosophy. When asked if he offered Maya advice, his response is refreshingly honest: ‘Advice is useless if not asked for.’ Instead, he highlights how Maya, now a star in her own right thanks to Stranger Things, is the one teaching him about the modern entertainment industry. ‘She’s the real thing,’ he says proudly. ‘She helps me not be stuck in the 1990s.’ It’s a beautiful role reversal that underscores the evolving dynamics of mentorship and legacy.
Speaking of advice, Ethan shares a humorous yet insightful story about Robert Redford, who once told him to stop wearing cowboy hats to avoid looking like he was losing his hair. But beyond the joke, Redford was a pivotal figure in Ethan’s career, championing Before Sunrise when few others saw its potential. ‘He made it seem like it was a real proper movie,’ Ethan recalls, highlighting the power of early support in an industry that’s often unpredictable.
And this is where it gets personal: At 54, Ethan reflects on aging in Hollywood and the gratitude he feels for his decades-long career. It wasn’t until his role in The Good Lord Bird that he felt confident about finishing his career on his terms. ‘If I can make this turn, there’s no turn after this,’ he says. ‘I’m going to be able to finish the race.’ But he’s quick to acknowledge the unpredictability of success: ‘Sometimes people do great work that is ignored or mocked, and some people do mediocre work that is heralded and given prizes. You just don’t know. You just have to keep marching.’
And march he does. This fall, Ethan is everywhere, from Richard Linklater’s critically acclaimed Blue Moon to reprising his role in Black Phone 2 and leading Hulu’s The Lowdown. It’s a testament to his versatility and dedication—but also a reminder that even after decades in the spotlight, the journey is far from over.
Controversial question for you: Is it better to pursue a career in the arts with unwavering independence, like Maya, or is there value in seeking guidance from those who’ve walked the path before? Let’s discuss in the comments—Ethan and Maya’s story is sure to spark some strong opinions!
