Ethan Hawke Recalls The Hollywood Legend Who Changed His Career, And Roasted His Style

Ethan Hawke is giving credit where it’s due, to none other than Robert Redford. In a new interview, the "Blue Moon" star opened up about how the Hollywood icon not only championed one of his most beloved films, "Before Sunrise," but also gave him a piece of style advice that still makes him laugh decades later. The Oscar-nominated actor, now 54, reflected on the early days of his career, sharing how Redford’s belief in him changed everything, and why he didn’t take the Sundance founder’s wardrobe suggestion too seriously. The exchange offered fans a rare glimpse into the friendship between two generations of actors, one marked by mutual respect, gratitude, and humor.

During his sit-down with AARP’s "Movies for Grownups," Hawke recalled how Redford was one of the first major Hollywood figures to recognize his potential, even when others didn’t. “He was very helpful and kind to me when I was younger,” Hawke shared. “He was the first real champion of 'Before Sunrise.' A lot of people weren’t interested in that movie when it first came out.”

According to Hawke, Redford’s support was instrumental in getting the film noticed. “He made us the opening night of the Sundance Film Festival [1995] and he introduced the film, made it seem like it was a real proper movie,” Hawke explained, adding that the moment gave the project instant legitimacy and helped launch his career as both an actor and writer.

While Redford’s mentorship came with wisdom, it also came with a dose of humor. Hawke revealed that the "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" legend once pulled him aside with an unexpected bit of style advice. “The last time I saw Robert Redford, he told me to stop wearing cowboy hats because people will think I’m losing my hair,” Hawke said with a grin. “And I thought that was really funny.”

When asked whether he followed Redford’s suggestion, Hawke couldn’t help but laugh. “No, I did not,” he admitted. “Like I said, unasked-for advice is never listened to.”

For Hawke, Redford’s impact went far beyond a laugh or a piece of advice because it represented the type of mentorship that every young artist dreams of. Redford’s confidence in "Before Sunrise" not only validated Hawke’s talent but also helped open doors for future creative collaborations.

The actor continues to hold deep admiration for Redford’s generosity and leadership, crediting him as one of the most influential figures in his artistic journey.

Elsewhere in the interview, Hawke turned his attention toward Hollywood’s future, sharing the rising stars who have captured his admiration. Though hesitant to single anyone out, the "Training Day" actor named a few young talents he believes are paving the way forward.

“I get insecure about saying one person,” he began, “but Paul Mescalexcites me, he’s terrific. Jacob Elordi is great, and John David Washington is phenomenal. There are so many people.”

As the conversation came full circle, Hawke reflected on his latest project, "Blue Moon," a film he describes as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of his career. The melancholic, dialogue-driven movie reunites him once again with longtime collaborator Richard Linklater, marking another chapter in one of Hollywood’s most enduring creative partnerships.

“I’ve worked with Rick since 1994. He’s so wonderful,” Hawke said, noting that the project was over a decade in the making. “He gave me that script 12 years ago. And about every other year, we would get together and do a reading of it and talk about it and prune it and shape it and work on it. And it slowly just kind of grew and grew and grew. And then all of a sudden he was ready to make it.”

When it finally came time to shoot, Hawke said the experience was both exhilarating and draining. “The actual making of it felt like being shot out of a cannon,” he admitted. “We had to work so fast, and it’s so dialogue-heavy. The character is so multidimensional and strange and fun and heartbreaking. That’s about the most exhausted I’ve ever been at a wrap party in my life.”

"Blue Moon" is out on October 24, 2025.