Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman Reflect on 'Excruciating' Marriage Split

The A-list actors, who recently reunited for their daughter's wedding, have discussed the breakdown of their relationship.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Exes Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, who were married from 1998 to 2005, reunited on Valentine's Day to attend the wedding of their daughter, actress Maya Hawke, in New York City. While the former couple have rarely been in the same vicinity in recent years, they have continued to co-parent their two children. In interviews, Ethan and Uma have reflected on the 'excruciating' end of their marriage, suggesting their romance simply fizzled out, with Ethan denying reports of infidelity.

Why it matters

The high-profile split of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, shed light on the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the public eye. Their willingness to discuss the breakdown of their marriage, while avoiding negativity towards each other, also highlights the importance of putting children first during a divorce.

The details

After announcing their decision to separate in 2003, Ethan and Uma were confronted with reports that Ethan had been unfaithful while filming a movie in Montreal. However, Ethan denied these claims, stating that 'Uma and I did not split up over anybody's infidelity' and that 'we had a lot of problems before I ever went to Montreal.' Uma has also refused to speak badly of her ex-husband, saying 'I cannot participate in anything critical about my children's father' and that 'I think it's fair to say that I haven't said one mean thing, and I'm not going to start now.'

  • Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman were married from 1998 to 2005.
  • They announced their decision to separate in 2003.
  • Ethan denied reports of infidelity in a 2004 interview with 20/20.
  • Uma discussed the 'excruciating' divorce with Oprah Winfrey in 2005.
  • Ethan and Uma reunited on Valentine's Day 2026 to attend their daughter Maya's wedding in New York City.

The players

Ethan Hawke

An American actor, writer, and director who was married to Uma Thurman from 1998 to 2005.

Uma Thurman

An American actress known for her roles in films such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, who was married to Ethan Hawke from 1998 to 2005.

Maya Hawke

The daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, an actress known for her role in the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Christian Lee Hutson

The musician who married Maya Hawke in the New York City wedding attended by Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.

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What they’re saying

“Uma and I did not split up over anybody's infidelity. We had a lot of problems before I ever went to Montreal.”

— Ethan Hawke (20/20)

“It's humiliating. It's almost humiliating even when they're saying positive things.”

— Ethan Hawke (GQ)

“You can move on, and you can be lucky and you can seize the moment and you can take one step after another. You bear two children with somebody – that's not a small thing – and then you can hardly talk to them.”

— Uma Thurman (Oprah Winfrey)

“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.”

— Uma Thurman (Parade magazine)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.