Ethan Hawke, a familiar face on screen for four decades, recently offered a surprising glimpse beyond his acclaimed roles. Known for films like *Dead Poets Society* and *Boyhood*, and currently nominated for an Oscar for *Blue Moon*, Hawke has always possessed a captivating presence.
At a post-Baftas party in London, the actor found himself playfully interrogated while playing a game of Jenga. The question posed was deceptively simple: “Is it bad to eat in bed?” Hawke’s response, however, was anything but predictable.
After a deliberate pause and adjusting his sunglasses, a mischievous glint appeared in his eye. He confessed, with a hint of playful ambiguity, “Incredibly vulgar things are going through my brain right now.” Then, delivering the punchline, he stated, “I like to eat in bed, but I don’t eat food.”
The remark sparked immediate reaction, a knowing giggle escaping Hawke as he quickly steered the conversation towards less provocative topics – the appropriate time for dinner and essential travel items. It was a moment of unexpected candor from a typically reserved star.
Hawke’s personal life has often been a subject of public interest. He’s currently enjoying a stable marriage to Ryan Shawhughes, whom he wed in 2008, and they share two daughters. Their relationship blossomed after Shawhughes briefly worked as a nanny for Hawke’s children with his previous wife, Uma Thurman.
His marriage to Thurman, beginning in 1998 after meeting on the set of *Gattaca*, ended in 2005 amidst speculation. Hawke has spoken candidly, though sparingly, about the difficulties of divorce, emphasizing the impact on their children, Maya and Levon, both of whom have followed in their parents’ acting footsteps.
He once reflected on the experience, stating that the public scrutiny felt like “gasoline” but the true challenge lay in navigating the complexities of family dynamics. He expressed a longing for an amicable split, a sentiment he quickly vowed to protect from further public discussion, honoring a promise to his children.
Interestingly, Hawke’s current happiness was once unimaginable to him. He admitted to initially resisting the idea of further family commitments after his divorce, desiring a life of solitude. However, a deep connection with Shawhughes changed his perspective, admitting he simply enjoyed “kissing her.”
The Baftas themselves held a poignant moment for Hawke. Though Robert Aramayo ultimately won the Best Actor award for *I Swear*, Aramayo’s acceptance speech included a heartfelt tribute to Hawke. Aramayo recalled a formative talk Hawke gave at Juilliard, emphasizing longevity and self-preservation in the acting profession.
The gesture visibly moved Hawke, who was seen wiping away tears as Aramayo spoke. It was a powerful demonstration of the lasting impact an artist can have on others, a testament to Hawke’s influence extending beyond his celebrated performances.
