Actor Ethan Hawke has opened up about his past marriage to Uma Thurman, describing their highly publicized breakup as one of the most difficult and humiliating periods of his life. In a new interview with GQ Hype, the 54-year-old actor shared how difficult it was to go through a divorce while the world was watching.
Hawke, who married Thurman in 1998 after meeting on the set of the film Gattaca, said the intense attention on their divorce left him feeling exposed. “It’s humiliating. It’s almost humiliating even when they’re saying positive things,” Hawke admitted.
The actor explained that their on-set romance felt exciting and intense at the time. But noted that the reality of everyday life was very different. He compared it to the temporary rush of a summer camp romance. Also, saying it did not always connect to real life.
The couple’s marriage ended in 2005 after seven years together. They share two children, Maya, 27, now a rising star in Hollywood, and Levon, 23.
Hawke also spoke about how personal struggles overlapped with professional success. In 2001, he earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Training Day, but behind the scenes, his marriage was collapsing. He admitted that depression made him feel disconnected from Hollywood and fame during that time.
Since the split, both stars have moved forward with their lives. Hawke married Ryan Shawhughes in 2008, with whom he has two daughters, while Thurman has also raised a third child, Luna, from a later relationship with financier Arpad Busson.
Thurman, for her part, has consistently avoided making negative remarks about Hawke. In a past interview, she said, “I cannot participate in anything critical about my children’s father… I think it’s fair to say that I haven’t said one mean thing, and I’m not going to start now. It’s terrible for my family.”
