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Ethan Hawke is looking back on the powerful impact Robin Williams had on him during the making of the 1989 classic 'Dead Poets Society.'
In the beloved film, Williams delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career as John Keating, an unconventional English teacher at a conservative all-boys school who inspires his students to embrace creativity and self-expression. Ethan Hawke, who was just 18 at the time, portrayed Todd Anderson, a shy new student whose journey forms the emotional core of the story.
Ethan Hawke Shares Experience Working With Robin Williams
During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Hawke, now 56, reflected on what it was like to work with Williams and director Peter Weir. He shared that balancing Williams' immense comedic talent with the film's serious tone was no small task for Weir, describing the late actor as a true comic genius who was still finding his footing in dramatic roles at the time.
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Image Courtesy: People
Ethan Hawke recalled being deeply influenced by the way Williams approached acting on set. Rather than sticking strictly to the script, Williams would often improvise or add new ideas in the moment—something the young Hawke had never witnessed before.
Seeing that kind of freedom and creativity in action opened his eyes to a new way of performing. It taught him that great acting wasn't just about following lines but about playing, exploring, and trusting one's instincts.
He went on to explain that the collaboration between Weir and Williams worked precisely because of their differences. Instead of clashing, they respected one another's methods and found a rhythm that allowed both their styles to shine. For Ethan Hawke, it was an early lesson in what true artistic collaboration can achieve—that great storytelling comes from embracing multiple perspectives rather than trying to make everyone work the same way.
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Image Courtesy: People
More About Robin Williams
Robin Williams went on to become one of the most beloved figures in film and comedy, known for his boundless energy and emotional depth. After privately battling Lewy Body Dementia, the Oscar-winning actor died in 2014 at the age of 63, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire audiences and artists alike.
Ethan Hawke's Current Endeavour
Ethan Hawke, meanwhile, continues to take on dynamic and complex roles. He currently stars in 'Blue Moon,' directed by Richard Linklater, alongside Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott. The film follows lyricist Lorenz Hart, played by Hawke, as he faces personal and professional turmoil during the premiere of his former partner's hit musical Oklahoma!
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Image Courtesy: People
Off-screen, Hawke is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife, Ryan, since 2008, and they share two children, Clementine and Indiana. He is also the father of actors Maya and Levon Hawke, from his previous marriage to Uma Thurman.
More than three decades after 'Dead Poets Society,' Hawke says the lessons he learned from Robin Williams—about creativity, courage, and collaboration—remain some of the most valuable of his career.
