Ethan Hawke Reflects on His “Humiliating” Divorce from Uma Thurman

Actor Ethan Hawke has opened up about his painful experience with his divorce from ex-wife Uma Thurman. In a recent interview, he described the media coverage of their 2004 split as “almost humiliating,” even when the coverage was positive.

Hawke recalled that their relationship, which began after meeting on the set of Gattaca in 1997, was driven by his desire for cinematic magic. The couple married in 1998 and had two children: Maya, now 27, and Levon, 23. However, by 2005, Thurman filed for divorce amid rumors Hawke was involved with their nanny, Ryan Shawhughes. Hawke denied the allegations but soon began dating Shawhughes after their separation.

Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke arriving at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2002 — They married in 1998. *Getty Images*

Despite ending their marriage, Hawke and Thurman remained civil for their children’s sake. Thurman, who later married Arpad Busson, with whom she shares daughters Luna and the now 17-year-old Clementine, has publicly stated she chose to keep a respectful distance from sharing negative comments about Hawke.

“I cannot participate in anything critical about my children’s father,” Thurman said in 2006. “It’s terrible for my family.”

Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman at the premiere of 'Hamlet' — The couple chose to part ways in 2004 amidst cheating rumors. *Getty Images*

In his reflections on love during filming, Hawke explained that acting often fosters a sense of “imaginative intimacy,” likening it to the thrill of spinning a bottle—an exciting yet risky experience. He described such encounters as creating a “high” that feels dangerous and exhilarating, outside the routine of everyday life.