Following Maya Hawke’s recent surprise wedding, where both her parents appeared, many have wondered about the current status of the Ethan Hawke Uma Thurman relationship. While they are no longer a couple, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke remain deeply involved in their daughter’s life and continue to co-parent their children closely.
The History of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman’s Relationship
Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke first crossed paths in 1996 during the filming of Gattaca. They married two years later in 1998 and welcomed their daughter, Maya Hawke, that same year on July 8. Their son, Levon Hawke, was born in 2002. The couple decided to separate in 2005 and finalized their divorce that year. Despite ending their marital relationship, both have maintained a shared commitment to raising their children, Maya and Levon, together, with no public signs of attempting reconciliation.
Protecting Maya Hawke From Early Fame
Throughout Maya’s childhood, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman guarded her privacy and limited her exposure to the entertainment industry’s pressures. Maya herself has described her upbringing as grounded and focused more on family than fame. In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, she explained,
“They were wary of the public life side of acting and the difficulties of that,”
highlighting their efforts to shield her from early immersion in acting and public attention.
They deliberately avoided taking her to numerous red carpet events or involving her in minor roles on their film sets. That protective approach was meant to help Maya develop a strong foundation, her own passion, and work ethic. Once Maya made a clear choice to pursue acting as an adult, both parents became supportive of her ambitions.
Guidance from Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman on Acting
Although neither parent pushed her toward an acting career, Maya eventually chose to follow in their footsteps. She has appeared in notable projects including the 2017 adaptation of Little Women, the hit series Stranger Things, and Do Revenge. Throughout her career, Maya has frequently sought advice from both parents, trusting their industry experience.
In July 2019, she told WSJ. Magazine,
“I’m always running decisions by them.”
She pointed out that although both her parents have enjoyed success in acting, their individual industry experiences differ. Regarding her relationship with her father, Maya said in a May 2021 interview with PEOPLE,
“We’re always working together in one way or another,”
and sees him as a mentor in her craft.
She also acknowledged their straightforward nature about her work. On The Jenny McCarthy Show in 2019, she said,
“I know my parents don’t B.S. me. They’re pretty rigorous in terms of their commentary when they like something or don’t.”
Public Expressions of Support for Maya’s Career
Both Thurman and Hawke have openly expressed pride in Maya’s achievements. On Late Night With Seth Meyers in November 2020, Ethan Hawke praised his daughter, saying, “She’s always been gifted,” and emphasized their open conversations about art. When Maya premiered as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things in July 2019, Uma Thurman shared a congratulatory message on Instagram, affectionately calling Maya her “victorious loving mermaid daughter.”
In February 2022, Thurman told Access Hollywood it seemed inevitable that Maya would become an actress:
“In the end, she is such a brilliant actress, obviously there’s nothing else she would have ever done.”
Ethan Hawke also discussed his daughter’s insight and resilience with the Los Angeles Times in July 2022, noting,
“She’s really smart. She’s been through a lot in her life,”
referring to her experience growing up under media scrutiny.
Professional Collaborations Between Maya and Her Parents
Maya Hawke has shared the screen with both of her parents in recent years. In 2020, she portrayed the daughter of Ethan Hawke’s character in the miniseries The Good Lord Bird. Then, in 2023, she appeared alongside Uma Thurman in the thriller The Kill Room. Reflecting on these experiences, Maya said in August 2022 on Live with Kelly and Ryan,
“I love working with both of them. They’re really awesome.”
The ongoing close relationship between Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, despite their divorce, highlights their steady partnership as co-parents and collaborators in their children’s artistic journeys. Their dedication provides a strong foundation for Maya and Levon, ensuring that family remains central while supporting their evolving careers.
