Ethan Hawke | Biography, Movies, TV Shows, Dead Poets Society, Books, & Facts | Britannica

Ethan Hawke: Biography and Career Overview

Ethan Hawke is an American actor, director, and novelist known for playing thoughtful and sensitive characters. He was born on November 6, 1970, in Austin, Texas, and raised in New Jersey.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Hawke began acting in high school and made his film debut at age 15 in Explorers (1985), portraying a teenager who builds a spaceship. In 1988, he enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University to study drama but left after a few months to star in Dead Poets Society (1989).

The film, featuring Robin Williams as a charismatic English teacher, was critically acclaimed.

Notable Films

By age 25, Hawke had appeared in 15 films, establishing himself as a prominent actor.

Summary

Ethan Hawke's career reflects his dedication to complex, thoughtful roles, spanning acting, directing, and writing.

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Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-02

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