Ethan Hawke's Wife Ryan Shawhughes Hawke: A Creative Partner and Philanthropist

The actor's second wife is a producer, board member, and mother of his two youngest children.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ethan Hawke, the acclaimed actor known for films like "Training Day" and "Boyhood," is married to Ryan Shawhughes Hawke, his creative partner and the vice president of their production company, Under the Influence Productions. The couple has collaborated on several projects, including the FX series "The Lowdown" and the miniseries "The Good Lord Bird." In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Ryan Hawke is also a philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations like The Alex Fund and EngenderHealth.

Why it matters

Ethan Hawke's marriage to Ryan Shawhughes Hawke highlights the importance of creative partnerships in Hollywood, where many successful actors and filmmakers work closely with their spouses. The Hawkes' collaboration on various projects also demonstrates the value of bringing diverse perspectives and skill sets to the creative process. Additionally, Ryan Hawke's philanthropic work underscores the couple's commitment to social and educational causes beyond the entertainment industry.

The details

Ethan Hawke and Ryan Shawhughes Hawke first met when she was employed as a nanny for his children from his previous marriage to Uma Thurman. Though they were not romantically involved at the time, the two later reconnected and began dating. They married in 2008 and have since collaborated on several projects through their production company, Under the Influence Productions. Ryan Hawke is responsible for writing, developing, and producing works for television and film, including the FX series "The Lowdown" and the miniseries "The Good Lord Bird." Outside of her entertainment industry work, Ryan Hawke is also a philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations like The Alex Fund, which supports educational initiatives in Romania, and EngenderHealth, a global advocate for sexual and reproductive health and gender equality.

  • Ethan Hawke and Ryan Shawhughes Hawke married in 2008.
  • Their first daughter, Clementine, was born in 2008.
  • Their second daughter, Indiana, was born in 2011.

The players

Ethan Hawke

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like "Training Day" and "Boyhood." He was previously married to Uma Thurman, with whom he has two children.

Ryan Shawhughes Hawke

Ethan Hawke's wife and creative partner. She is the vice president of their production company, Under the Influence Productions, and is responsible for writing, developing, and producing works for television and film. She is also a philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations like The Alex Fund and EngenderHealth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We'd been married for a little while and we really like working together. And we think the same way, and Ryan has unbelievable literary taste.”

— Ethan Hawke

“I was hellbent on not having any more kids and I wanted to be single for the rest of my life. But I made a best friend and I liked kissing her.”

— Ethan Hawke

“I do think that the goal is to help the child feel comfortable and ready to succeed.”

— Ryan Hawke

What’s next

Ethan Hawke is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in "Blue Moon" at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony.

The takeaway

Ethan Hawke and Ryan Shawhughes Hawke's partnership demonstrates the value of creative collaboration and the importance of balancing professional and personal lives in Hollywood. Their work together, both in the entertainment industry and in philanthropic endeavors, highlights the power of a shared vision and complementary skills.