History of Ethan Hawke in Timeline

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Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is a multifaceted American talent, recognized as an actor, author, and film director. He gained prominence with roles in films like Explorers and Dead Poets Society. His collaborative work with Richard Linklater and Julie Delpy in the Before trilogy is particularly acclaimed, earning him Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay. He also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in Training Day and Boyhood. Hawke's diverse filmography includes notable roles in Reality Bites, Gattaca, First Reformed, and The Black Phone, showcasing his range and enduring presence in the film industry.

1957: Grandfather Served in Texas Legislature

In 1957, Ethan Hawke's maternal grandfather, Howard Lemuel Green, began serving five terms in the Texas Legislature, continuing until 1967.

1960: Release of "The Magnificent Seven"

In 1960, the original western film "The Magnificent Seven" was released, which was later remade in 2016 with Ethan Hawke.

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1967: Grandfather Became Tarrant County Judge

In 1967, Ethan Hawke's maternal grandfather, Howard Lemuel Green, became the elected Tarrant County Judge in Texas, serving until 1975.

November 6, 1970: Ethan Hawke's birth

On November 6, 1970, Ethan Green Hawke was born in Austin, Texas, to James Hawke, an insurance actuary, and Leslie (née Green), a charity worker.

1974: Piers Paul Read published non-fiction book, Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors

In 1974, Piers Paul Read's non-fiction book, 'Alive', about the survivors of the Andes plane crash, was published. This book was later adapted into the 1993 film 'Alive' starring Ethan Hawke.

1974: Parents' Divorce

In 1974, when Ethan Hawke was four years old, his parents separated and later divorced.

1975: Grandfather's Term as Judge Ended

In 1975, Howard Lemuel Green's term as the elected Tarrant County Judge in Texas ended; he had served since 1967.

1976: Release of "Assault on Precinct 13"

In 1976, John Carpenter's "Assault on Precinct 13" was released, of which Ethan Hawke starred in a remake in 2005.

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1985: A Lie of the Mind Premiere

In 1985, 'A Lie of the Mind' premiered before Ethan Hawke directed a revival of the play in January 2010.

1985: Film Debut in Explorers

In 1985, Ethan Hawke made his film debut in 'Explorers'.

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1988: Graduated from The Hun School of Princeton

In 1988, Ethan Hawke graduated from The Hun School of Princeton.

1989: Dropped out of Carnegie Mellon after being cast in Dead Poets Society

In 1989, Ethan Hawke dropped out of Carnegie Mellon University after being cast in 'Dead Poets Society'.

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1989: Breakthrough performance in Dead Poets Society

In 1989, Ethan Hawke had his breakthrough performance in 'Dead Poets Society'.

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1989: Auditioned for Dad during Dead Poets Society Filming

While filming 'Dead Poets Society' in 1989, Ethan Hawke auditioned for and secured a role in the comedy drama 'Dad'.

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1991: First leading role in White Fang

In 1991, Ethan Hawke landed his first leading role in 'White Fang', playing Jack Conroy.

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1992: Appeared in A Midnight Clear

In 1992, Ethan Hawke appeared in Keith Gordon's 'A Midnight Clear', a well-received war film based on William Wharton's novel.

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1992: Broadway Debut in The Seagull

In 1992, Ethan Hawke made his Broadway debut in Anton Chekhov's 'The Seagull'.

1993: Portrayed Nando Parrado in Alive

In 1993, Ethan Hawke portrayed Nando Parrado, a survivor of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, in the survival drama 'Alive'.

1994: Directed Stay (I Missed You) Music Video

In 1994, Ethan Hawke directed the music video for the song "Stay (I Missed You)" by Lisa Loeb, who was part of Hawke's theater company. The video was later named video of the year by Spin.

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1994: Starred in Reality Bites

In 1994, Ethan Hawke played Troy Dyer in the Generation X drama 'Reality Bites'.

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1995: Appearance in "Buried Child"

In 1995, Ethan Hawke appeared in a production of Sam Shepard's "Buried Child" at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago.

1995: Critical acclaim for Before Sunrise

In 1995, Ethan Hawke received critical acclaim for his performance in Richard Linklater's drama 'Before Sunrise'.

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1995: Starred in Before Sunrise

In 1995, Ethan Hawke starred alongside Julie Delpy in Richard Linklater's 'Before Sunrise'.

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1996: Met Uma Thurman on Gattaca Set

In 1996, Ethan Hawke met actress Uma Thurman on the set of the movie 'Gattaca', leading to their marriage on May 1, 1998.

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1996: Published The Hottest State

In 1996, Ethan Hawke published his first novel, 'The Hottest State', which tells the story of a love affair between a young actor and a singer.

The Hottest State: A Novel
The Hottest State: A Novel

1997: Role in Gattaca

In 1997, Ethan Hawke played the role of a man who infiltrates a society of genetically perfect humans in Andrew Niccol's science fiction film 'Gattaca'.

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1997: West Windsor Plainsboro High School Renamed

In 1997, West Windsor Plainsboro High School, which Ethan Hawke attended, was renamed to West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.

May 1, 1998: Married Uma Thurman

On May 1, 1998, Ethan Hawke married actress Uma Thurman, whom he met on the set of 'Gattaca' in 1996. They separated in 2003.

1998: Appeared in Great Expectations and The Newton Boys

In 1998, Ethan Hawke appeared in 'Great Expectations', a modern adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel, and collaborated with Richard Linklater on 'The Newton Boys'.

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1998: Starred in Great Expectations

In 1998, Ethan Hawke starred in 'Great Expectations'.

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1999: Starring in "Camino Real"

In 1999, Ethan Hawke starred as Kilroy in the Tennessee Williams play "Camino Real" at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts.

2000: Played Hamlet in Michael Almereyda's Film

In 2000, Ethan Hawke played the title character in Michael Almereyda's film 'Hamlet', which transposed the play to contemporary New York City.

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2000: Supported Bill Bradley for President

In 2000, Ethan Hawke supported Bill Bradley for President of the United States, aligning with the Democratic Party.

2000: End of Malaparte Theater Company

In 2000, Malaparte, the Manhattan theater company co-founded and directed by Ethan Hawke, ceased operations.

2001: Publication of "Fast Food Nation"

In 2001, Eric Schlosser's best-selling book "Fast Food Nation" was published, which later served as the basis for the 2006 film in which Ethan Hawke had a role.

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

2001: Appeared in Waking Life and Tape

In 2001, Ethan Hawke appeared in two Richard Linklater films: 'Waking Life' and 'Tape'.

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2001: Co-founded Young Lions Fiction Award

In 2001, Ethan Hawke co-founded the Young Lions Fiction Award, an annual prize for achievements in fiction by writers under 35.

2001: Directed Chelsea Walls

In 2001, Ethan Hawke directed the narrative film 'Chelsea Walls'.

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2001: Academy Award Nomination for Training Day

In 2001, Ethan Hawke received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Training Day'.

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2001: Starred in Training Day

In 2001, Ethan Hawke starred as rookie cop Jake Hoyt in 'Training Day', alongside Denzel Washington. This role earned him nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards.

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2002: Son Levon Born

In 2002, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman's son, Levon, was born.

2002: Directed Chelsea Walls and published Ash Wednesday

In 2002, Ethan Hawke made his directorial debut with 'Chelsea Walls' and published his second novel, 'Ash Wednesday', which became a New York Times Best Seller.

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2003: Separated from Uma Thurman

In 2003, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman separated amid allegations of infidelity.

2003: Guest starred in Alias

In 2003, Ethan Hawke made a television appearance as a mysterious CIA agent in the second season of the television series 'Alias'.

2003: Return to Broadway in "Henry IV"

In 2003, Ethan Hawke returned to Broadway in Jack O'Brien's production of "Henry IV", playing Henry Percy (Hotspur).

2004: Academy Award Nomination for Before Sunset

In 2004, Ethan Hawke received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for co-writing 'Before Sunset'.

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2004: Starred in Taking Lives and Before Sunset

In 2004, Ethan Hawke starred in 'Taking Lives' and 'Before Sunset', the latter of which he co-wrote and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

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2004: Supported John Kerry for President

In 2004, Ethan Hawke supported John Kerry for President of the United States, aligning with the Democratic Party.

August 2005: Divorce Finalized

In August 2005, Ethan Hawke's divorce from Uma Thurman was finalized.

2005: Starring in "Hurlyburly"

In 2005, Ethan Hawke starred in the Off-Broadway revival of David Rabe's dark comedy "Hurlyburly", earning a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.

2005: Starring in "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Lord of War"

In 2005, Ethan Hawke starred in the action thriller "Assault on Precinct 13," a remake of the 1976 film, and appeared in the political crime thriller "Lord of War" as an Interpol agent.

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November 2006: Starred in The Coast of Utopia

In November 2006, Ethan Hawke starred as Mikhail Bakunin in Tom Stoppard's trilogy play 'The Coast of Utopia' at the Lincoln Center Theater in New York.

2006: Directed The Hottest State

In 2006, Ethan Hawke directed the narrative film 'The Hottest State'.

2006: Cast in "Fast Food Nation" and directs "The Hottest State"

In 2006, Ethan Hawke was cast in a supporting role in "Fast Food Nation," directed by Richard Linklater, and directed his second feature, "The Hottest State," based on his 1996 novel.

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May 2007: Starred in The Coast of Utopia

From November 2006 to May 2007, Ethan Hawke starred as Mikhail Bakunin in Tom Stoppard's trilogy play 'The Coast of Utopia' at the Lincoln Center Theater in New York, receiving a Tony Award nomination.

August 2007: Release of "The Hottest State"

In August 2007, Ethan Hawke's second directorial feature, "The Hottest State," based on his 1996 novel of the same name, was released, receiving a tepid reception.

November 2007: Directed 'Things We Want'

In November 2007, Ethan Hawke directed Jonathan Marc Sherman's 'Things We Want' for The New Group, an Off-Broadway company.

2007: Starred in Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

In 2007, Ethan Hawke starred in 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead'.

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2007: Tony Award Nomination for The Coast of Utopia

In 2007, Ethan Hawke was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Tom Stoppard's 'The Coast of Utopia'.

2008: Married Ryan Shawhughes

In 2008, Ethan Hawke married Ryan Shawhughes, who had briefly worked as a nanny to his and Thurman's children.

2008: Supported Barack Obama for President

In 2008, Ethan Hawke supported Barack Obama for President of the United States, aligning with the Democratic Party.

2009: Appearances in "New York, I Love You" and "Staten Island"

In 2009, Ethan Hawke appeared in "New York, I Love You," a romance movie, and "Staten Island," a crime drama.

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2009: Appeared in Two Plays

In 2009, Ethan Hawke appeared in two plays under British director Sam Mendes: Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard' as Trofimov and Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' as Autolycus, as part of the Bridge Project. His performance in The Winter's Tale earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination.

January 2010: Directed 'A Lie of the Mind'

In January 2010, Ethan Hawke directed Sam Shepard's 'A Lie of the Mind' on the New York stage, marking the first major Off-Broadway revival since its 1985 premiere. The production garnered five Lucille Lortel Award nominations including Outstanding Revival, and earned Hawke a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Director of a Play.

November 2010: Honored as a Library Lion

In November 2010, Ethan Hawke was honored as a Library Lion by the New York Public Library.

December 2010: Starred in 'Blood from a Stone'

From December 2010 to February 2011, Ethan Hawke starred in Tommy Nohilly's 'Blood from a Stone' Off-Broadway, earning positive feedback and an Obie Award for his portrayal of Travis.

2010: Directed A Lie of the Mind

In 2010, Ethan Hawke directed Sam Shepard's 'A Lie of the Mind', for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Director of a Play.

2010: Starring in "Daybreakers" and "Brooklyn's Finest"

In 2010, Ethan Hawke starred in the science fiction horror film "Daybreakers" and Antoine Fuqua's "Brooklyn's Finest" as a corrupt narcotics officer.

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February 2011: Starred in 'Blood from a Stone'

From December 2010 to February 2011, Ethan Hawke starred in Tommy Nohilly's 'Blood from a Stone' Off-Broadway, earning positive feedback and an Obie Award for his portrayal of Travis.

March 2011: Supported Same-Sex Marriage

In March 2011, Ethan Hawke and his wife released a video supporting same-sex marriage in New York.

2011: Roles in "Moby-Dick" and "The Woman in the Fifth"

In 2011, Ethan Hawke played Starbuck in the television adaptation of "Moby-Dick" and starred in "The Woman in the Fifth" opposite Kristin Scott Thomas.

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October 2012: Prefers Art to Politics

In an October 2012 interview, Ethan Hawke stated that he prefers great art to politics, highlighting his admiration for artists like Michael Chabon and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

2012: Starring in "Sinister"

In 2012, Ethan Hawke entered the horror genre for the first time by playing a true crime writer in Scott Derrickson's "Sinister", which grossed US$87 million at the worldwide box office.

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2012: Hawke discussed the song Stay (I Missed You)

In a 2012 interview, Ethan Hawke mentioned that the song "Stay (I Missed You)" from the movie 'Reality Bites' is the only number-one popular song by an unsigned artist in music history.

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2013: Starred in Before Midnight

In 2013, Ethan Hawke starred alongside Julie Delpy in 'Before Midnight'.

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2013: Starred in Clive and Macbeth

In 2013, Ethan Hawke starred in and directed 'Clive', inspired by Bertolt Brecht's Baal, and played the title role in a Broadway production of 'Macbeth'.

2013: Starring in "The Purge" and "Getaway"

In 2013, Ethan Hawke starred in the horror-thriller "The Purge," which had a successful box office debut, and the action thriller "Getaway," which was critically and commercially unsuccessful.

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August 2014: Release of "Predestination" in Australia

In August 2014, Ethan Hawke's film "Predestination" was released in Australia after premiering at the SXSW Film Festival.

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September 2014: Premiere of "Seymour: An Introduction" at TIFF

In September 2014, Ethan Hawke's documentary debut, "Seymour: An Introduction," screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), winning second runner-up for TIFF's People's Choice Award for Best Documentary.

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2014: Directed Seymour: An Introduction

In 2014, Ethan Hawke directed the documentary 'Seymour: An Introduction'.

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2014: Academy Award Nomination for Boyhood

In 2014, Ethan Hawke received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Boyhood'.

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2014: Release of "Boyhood"

In mid-2014, Linklater's "Boyhood", filmed over 12 years, was released, with Ethan Hawke playing the protagonist's father; the film became the best-reviewed film of 2014 and earned Hawke multiple awards nominations.

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January 2015: Release of "Predestination" in the US

In January 2015, the science fiction thriller "Predestination," starring Ethan Hawke, was released in the US after its premiere and Australian release in 2014.

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March 2015: Release of "Seymour: An Introduction"

In March 2015, Ethan Hawke's documentary "Seymour: An Introduction" was released to a warm reception.

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November 2015: Publication of "Rules for a Knight"

In November 2015, Ethan Hawke published his third novel, "Rules for a Knight", in the form of a letter from a father to his four children about moral values in life.

Rules for a Knight
Rules for a Knight

2015: Starred in Maggie's Plan

In 2015, Ethan Hawke starred in 'Maggie's Plan'.

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May 2016: Joined Library's Board of Trustees

In May 2016, Ethan Hawke joined the New York Public Library's board of trustees.

2016: Starring in Multiple Films and Publication of "Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars"

In 2016, Ethan Hawke starred in "In a Valley of Violence," "The Phenom," "Maudie," and "The Magnificent Seven"; his fourth book, "Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars," co-authored with Greg Ruth, was also released on June 7, 2016.

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2016: Supported Hillary Clinton for President

In 2016, Ethan Hawke supported Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, aligning with the Democratic Party.

2017: Appearances in "Valerian" and "First Reformed"

In 2017, Ethan Hawke appeared in a cameo role in "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" and starred in Paul Schrader's drama film "First Reformed," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

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2017: Starred in First Reformed

In 2017, Ethan Hawke starred in 'First Reformed'.

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December 27, 2018: True West Show Previews Began

On December 27, 2018, previews began for the revival of Sam Shepard's 'True West' on Broadway, co-starring Paul Dano.

2018: Directed Blaze

In 2018, Ethan Hawke directed the narrative film 'Blaze'.

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2018: Film Premieres at Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals

In 2018, Ethan Hawke had two films premiere at the Sundance Film Festival: "Juliet, Naked" and "Blaze". He also starred in "Stockholm", which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

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2018: Starred in True West

In 2018, Ethan Hawke starred in the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Sam Shepard's play 'True West'.

January 24, 2019: True West Show Officially Opened

On January 24, 2019, the revival of Sam Shepard's 'True West', co-starring Paul Dano, officially opened on Broadway and received critical acclaim.

March 17, 2019: True West Closed

On March 17, 2019, the revival of Sam Shepard's 'True West', co-starring Paul Dano, closed on Broadway.

2019: Adaptation of "The Good Lord Bird"

In 2019, Ethan Hawke and Jason Blum adapted the book "The Good Lord Bird" into a miniseries.

2019: Starring in "The Kid"

In 2019, Ethan Hawke starred in the western drama "The Kid", directed by Vincent D'Onofrio.

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October 4, 2020: Premiere of "The Good Lord Bird" miniseries

On October 4, 2020, the miniseries "The Good Lord Bird", adapted by Ethan Hawke and Jason Blum from the book of the same name, premiered on Showtime.

2020: Created and starred in The Good Lord Bird

In 2020, Ethan Hawke created, co-wrote, and starred as John Brown in the Showtime limited series 'The Good Lord Bird'.

2020: Roles in "The Good Lord Bird" and "Tesla"

In 2020, Ethan Hawke starred as John Brown in "The Good Lord Bird" and as Nikola Tesla in the biographical film "Tesla".

February 2021: Publication of "A Bright Ray of Darkness"

In February 2021, Ethan Hawke's third novel, "A Bright Ray of Darkness", was published.

2021: Starred in The Black Phone

In 2021, Ethan Hawke starred in 'The Black Phone'.

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2022: Directed and starred in The Last Movie Stars and Moon Knight

In 2022, Ethan Hawke directed the HBO Max documentary series 'The Last Movie Stars' and starred in the Marvel television miniseries 'Moon Knight' as Arthur Harrow.

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2022: Starring in "Moon Knight," "The Black Phone," and "The Northman"

In 2022, Ethan Hawke starred as Arthur Harrow in the Disney+ series "Moon Knight", as The Grabber in "The Black Phone", and appeared in "The Northman."

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2022: Starred in The Northman

In 2022, Ethan Hawke starred in 'The Northman'.

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2022: Documentary and Voice Acting Role

In 2022, Ethan Hawke's documentary "The Last Movie Stars" was broadcast on HBO Max, and he voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman in "Batwheels".

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