Ethan Hawke and Sydney Sweeney Reveal Candid Truths in Heartfelt Interview

When Ethan Hawke, 55, and Sydney Sweeney, 28, sat down together for a recent episode of Actors on Actors, the conversation quickly turned personal. The two stars didn’t hold back, sharing honest reflections, regrets, and even a few lighthearted wishes. Their exchange offered a rare glimpse into the lives and minds of two of Hollywood ’s most compelling talents.

Stage Fright and Supportive Words

During their chat, Sweeney admitted to struggling with intense nerves when it comes to performing live. When Hawke asked if she had much stage experience or interest, she replied,

I have horrible stage fright. I have terrible stage fright. Because I didn’t grow up doing it.

Hawke reassured her, suggesting that her anxiety was likely due to inexperience and would fade with time.

You know what that is? Inexperience. (Sweeney laughs) It really is. Yeah, if you don’t grow up doing it – if you did it five times, it would go away.

Sweeney agreed, saying she’d probably enjoy it once she got used to it. Hawke praised her past performances and encouraged her to embrace the thrill of live acting, comparing it to the rush of a fight. Their back-and-forth was both comforting and motivating, hinting that Sweeney might one day conquer her fears on stage.

Reflections on Family and Regret

The conversation took a more emotional turn when Hawke opened up about his daughter, Maya Hawke. He reflected on her childhood, expressing both pride and regret.

With my oldest, it was without complication. I knew, when she was about 4, that she was gonna be an artist, and I knew that she was gonna be a very good one. That was her safe place. Water coloring, dancing, singing – all throughout her childhood.

He admitted there were difficult moments he wished had been different, but he always recognized her artistic spirit.

There were a lot of things about her childhood which were really, really hard and complicated, and things I regret for her. But anything that had to do with human communication, people understanding each other, was something she vibrated to.

Hawke shared a story about Maya’s thoughtful response to a teacher’s question about happiness, highlighting her depth and independence. He explained that he never worried about her pursuing the arts, knowing it was her true calling.

Journeys, Dreams, and Honest Confessions

Hawke also discussed his long journey to starring in Blue Moon, a project he’d been attached to for over a decade. He recalled reading the script and immediately feeling a connection to the role, but director Richard Linklater insisted he wasn’t ready yet.

I was like, ‘This is ice hot.’ I don’t know exactly what, but you know, sometimes you read something like, you talked about when you first read ‘Christy ’. You know, I knew 20 pages in that I gotta play this guy.

The two spent years revisiting the material until the timing was finally right. When production began, Hawke admitted the pressure set in, but he pushed through, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities.

In a lighter moment, Hawke revealed he once dreamed of being a boxer after watching Rocky. He trained for months, only to realize after his first fight that the sport wasn’t for him.

I saw Rocky, and I decided I wanted to be a boxer. So, I took boxing classes, and I got one fight. And I didn’t like boxing anymore. [Laughs]

He described how his opponent’s punches made him rethink his ambitions, admitting he didn’t enjoy losing or getting hit.

Heartfelt Wishes and Unforgettable Moments

The interview ended on a touching note when Sweeney told Hawke,

Well, I’m incredibly honored to sit here and have this conversation with you. This has been- I’ll never forget this. Thank you! Killed that. No, you’re incredible. So, I’m sitting here being like, ‘Man, I wish you were my dad.’ [Both laugh.]

Their genuine connection and mutual admiration made for a memorable exchange, leaving viewers with plenty to think about long after the cameras stopped rolling.