Ethan Hawke praises daughter Maya Hawke’s performance in Netflix’s Stranger Things, calling her role inspiring and unforgettable. The veteran actor reflects on her artistic journey, independence, and rising success in Hollywood and music.
Hollywood actor Ethan Hawke has publicly expressed his admiration and pride for his daughter Maya Hawke, praising her performance in Netflix’s globally successful science-fiction series Stranger Things. The veteran actor described Maya’s portrayal of Robin Buckley as both impressive and inspiring, marking a significant milestone in her steadily rising career.
Speaking at Live From E!: Golden Globes 2026, Ethan Hawke shared heartfelt thoughts about watching his daughter thrive independently in the entertainment industry. The 55-year-old actor, known for acclaimed performances in films such as Training Day, Boyhood, and Before Sunrise, emphasized that his pride goes far beyond professional success.
“Well, I’m proud of her as a human being, first and foremost,” Hawke said during the interview. “But she is awesome on that show, and that show is right up my alley. I loved it.”
Maya Hawke, 27, whom Ethan shares with his former wife Uma Thurman, joined Stranger Things in its third season as Robin Buckley, a sharp-witted, intelligent, and fearless character who quickly became a fan favorite. Her performance was widely praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and natural comedic timing.
With the series recently concluding after its highly anticipated fifth and final season, Hawke reflected on how meaningful it was to see his daughter shine in a project that resonated so deeply with audiences worldwide.
“Robin is a great character,” he added. “The fact that she’s as young as she is, and she’s already set off on her own, is incredible. Her music is amazing, all her work inspires me. I am very proud of her, is the short answer.”
Maya Hawke’s success is notable not only because of her famous parents but also because she has deliberately carved her own artistic identity. In addition to acting, she has released multiple music albums, earning recognition for her thoughtful songwriting and distinct voice. Her work spans independent films, mainstream television, and music, reinforcing her versatility as an artist.
According to Female First UK, Ethan Hawke recently revealed that Maya’s creative path was evident from a very young age. While speaking to actress Sydney Sweeney during Variety’s Actors on Actors series, he recalled moments from her early childhood that hinted at her artistic future.
“I knew when she was about four that she was going to be an artist,” he said. “And I knew she was going to be a very good one. That was her safe place. Watercolouring, dancing, and singing all throughout her childhood.”
The actor also touched upon the emotional complexities of her upbringing, acknowledging that not everything was easy. Without providing specific details, Hawke admitted that there were difficult periods and regrets that shaped Maya’s early life experiences.
“There were a lot of things about her childhood that were really, really hard and complicated,” he said. “And things I regret for her.”
One moment, in particular, left a lasting impression on him. Hawke recalled a time when one of Maya’s teachers asked her if she was happy. Her response, he said, reflected maturity far beyond her years, revealing emotional intelligence that would later define her artistic work.
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Maya Hawke’s journey stands as a compelling example of second-generation Hollywood talent redefining expectations. Rather than relying solely on her lineage, she has built credibility through consistent performances and creative authenticity. Her role in Stranger Things not only introduced her to a global audience but also cemented her status as a serious performer in her own right.
As the Stranger Things era comes to a close, fans continue to follow Maya Hawke’s next steps with anticipation. With strong support from her parents and an expanding body of work across multiple artistic platforms, her future in the entertainment industry appears both promising and expansive.
For Ethan Hawke, however, the achievement that matters most remains personal. Watching his daughter grow into an independent, confident, and creative individual, he says, has been the greatest reward of all.
