(TASSAWAR NEWS) – Hollywood star Ethan Hawke has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his life — his highly publicized divorce from actress Uma Thurman.
In a new profile with GQ UK, the actor recalled the overwhelming media attention surrounding their split in 2004, admitting that even positive coverage felt unbearable.
“It’s almost humiliating even when they’re saying positive things,” Hawke said.
Hawke and Thurman first met on the set of Gattaca in 1997 and quickly developed a strong connection. Reflecting on the intimacy actors often feel while working together, Hawke described it as “dangerous and thrilling… like falling in love at summer camp.” Yet, he noted that such sparks don’t always align with the realities of daily life.
The pair married in 1998 and welcomed two children — actress Maya Hawke, now 27, known for Stranger Things, and Levon Hawke, 23. But by 2005, their marriage had come to an end.
Thurman filed for divorce amid rumors linking Hawke to the family’s nanny, Ryan Shawhughes. Though he denied the allegations, Hawke later began a relationship with Shawhughes, whom he married in 2008. The couple share two daughters, Clementine (17) and Indiana (14).
Despite the painful breakup, Thurman has remained diplomatic. In a 2006 interview, she said:
“I cannot participate in anything critical about my children’s father. I just need to keep peace. I think it’s fair to say that I haven’t said one mean thing, and I’m not going to start now.”
Thurman later welcomed daughter Luna with financier Arpad Busson, though their relationship ended in 2014. More recently, she has been linked to Bloomberg executive Justin B. Smith and architect Peter Sabbeth.
Hawke’s candid reflection sheds new light on a chapter that shaped both stars’ personal lives, while also reminding fans of the challenges celebrities face under the scrutiny of fame.
