Joe Rogan Experience #2425 - Ethan Hawke

In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Ethan Hawke shares his journey from a child actor to an acclaimed performer, highlighting the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped his career. He discusses the challenges and rewards of acting, including the importance of embracing fear and failure as catalysts for growth. Hawke reflects on his experiences with renowned actors like Denzel Washington and the lessons learned from his diverse roles. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, the pursuit of artistic fulfillment, and the value of maintaining a beginner's mind to continually evolve in one's craft.

• The guest began acting at the age of 12 due to a lack of winter sports activities and was enrolled in an acting class by his mother.
• He was invited to participate in a play, George Bernard Shaw's "St. Joan," which was a transformative experience that made him realize acting could be a career.

"I went there and this head of a local theater company came by to teach an improv seminar... he said, 'Um, hey, you want to be in a play.'"

• This quote highlights the serendipitous nature of his entry into acting and the initial opportunity that set the stage for his career.

• The guest's parents were unhappy with their jobs, which contrasted with the joy he found in acting.
• His first play experience exposed him to the passion and dedication of actors, influencing his decision to pursue acting seriously.

"My parents hated their jobs... I went to this rehearsal and everyone was having they were talking about whether or not God existed."

• This quote underscores the contrast between his parents' dissatisfaction and the vibrant, engaging world of theater he discovered.

• He pursued open casting calls in New York, landing a role in a $30 million movie directed by Joe Dante.
• The experience of working with River Phoenix and being thrust into the Hollywood scene at a young age was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

"My first scene partner was River Phoenix... I'm in LA."

• This quote reflects the sudden shift from suburban life to the Hollywood film industry, marking a significant turning point in his life.

• The movie with River Phoenix was unsuccessful, leading to disillusionment and a temporary retreat from acting.
• He returned to high school, putting aside his dreams until he later auditioned for "Dead Poet Society."

"The movie was a big turkey... and I went back to high school and put away my dream of being an actor."

• This quote illustrates the harsh reality of early failure and the impact it had on his aspirations and self-perception.

• After a period of disillusionment, he auditioned for "Dead Poet Society," which reignited his passion for acting.
• The success of the film provided a new trajectory for his career, though he remained cautious due to past experiences.

"I ended up getting one of them... the success of Dead Poet Society sent me, you know, was like a trajectory of it shot me down a different course of water than I was on before."

• This quote emphasizes the pivotal role "Dead Poet Society" played in revitalizing his acting career and setting a new path.

• He learned to approach acting with a focus on the craft rather than the pursuit of fame, influenced by early failures.
• The gradual nature of his fame allowed him to develop a resistance to its potentially negative effects.

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that first experience... I didn't take it seriously at all."

• This quote highlights the importance of maintaining perspective and focusing on the intrinsic value of the work rather than external validation.

• His mother's late-life decision to join the Peace Corps and her work in Romania deeply influenced his understanding of personal fulfillment.
• The guest reflects on the importance of intuition and following one's path, as demonstrated by his mother's journey.

"She joined the Peace Corps, which she wasn't all that impressed with... she fell in love with Romania."

• This quote illustrates the transformative power of following one's passion and the impact it had on both his mother and himself.

• The guest views acting as a means to explore diverse perspectives and deepen empathy for others' experiences.
• He draws upon his varied life experiences to inform his portrayals of different characters.

"I got to play a World War II vet... I'm really trying to imagine being them."

• This quote conveys the immersive and empathetic approach he takes to acting, emphasizing the importance of understanding character motivations.

• He discusses the potential pitfalls of fame and the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine, supportive people.
• The guest emphasizes the value of integrity and authenticity, as instilled by his father.

"My father... he doesn't care about celebrity... he really cares about integrity and whether you're a good person."

• This quote highlights the grounding influence of his father's values and the importance of maintaining authenticity in the face of industry pressures.

• The guest admires actors like Jeff Bridges who have maintained a long, steady career, seeing them as role models for sustainable success.
• He aspires to a career characterized by continuous growth and artistic exploration.

"I look at Jeff Bridges a lot, too... he just slowly got better and better and better."

• This quote reflects his admiration for actors who have built enduring careers through dedication to their craft, serving as a model for his own aspirations.

• Discussion on the value of alternative perspectives in literature, particularly in the context of Buddhism and the Dao.
• The importance of mantras and simple life philosophies as guiding principles.
• The role of mentors and inspirational figures in personal development.

"He has a mantra in it that I just love which is, 'Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.'"

• This quote emphasizes the importance of approaching life with simplicity and joy, recognizing life's transient nature.

"Having known people like that is so beneficial in your life. They they're not just like inspirational. It's like a mental fuel, a type of a type of nutrient almost."

• The speaker highlights the value of having mentors and inspirational figures as essential to personal growth and motivation.

• Kris Kristofferson's diverse career and life choices as an example of breaking away from conventional paths.
• His contributions to music and film, and his role as an inspirational figure.
• The impact of working with talented individuals on personal and professional growth.

"Chris, you know, his life stories, do you know what I mean? He was in the military and then he gave up everything, became a songwriter."

• This quote illustrates Kristofferson's unconventional life choices and his transition from a military career to songwriting, highlighting his courage and creativity.

"He was a real dude with real issues and, you know, um and I loved him."

• The speaker's appreciation for Kristofferson's authenticity and humanity, despite his flaws.

• The importance of appreciating the achievements of others without idolizing them.
• The value of learning from the experiences and challenges faced by inspirational figures.
• The balance between admiration and maintaining a realistic perspective on human flaws.

"You don't have to hero worship people. You don't have to turn them into deities. They're human beings."

• This quote stresses the importance of recognizing the humanity in our heroes and learning from their experiences without idolizing them.

"It is a mistake, but it doesn't mean you can't love and deeply appreciate who they actually are, flaws and all."

• The speaker acknowledges the potential pitfalls of hero worship while advocating for genuine appreciation of individuals' true selves.

• Acting as an art form that involves immersing oneself fully into a character.
• The concept of hypnosis in acting, where both actors and audiences become absorbed in the narrative.
• The importance of authenticity and presence in creating believable performances.

"When you're acting with Denzel Washington, the power and strength and completeness of his imagination is hypnotizing and it's an invitation to join him."

• The speaker describes the immersive and collaborative nature of acting with skilled actors like Denzel Washington.

"When it's good, it is like diving into a dream. And it's a feeling that I got for the first time when I was 18 years old, acting in Dead Poet Society."

• This quote captures the transcendental experience of acting when it reaches a state of flow and authenticity.

• The process of filmmaking as a collaborative and creative endeavor.
• The significance of being adaptable and receptive to feedback from experienced collaborators.
• The emotional impact and personal growth derived from working on meaningful projects.

"The terror of someone you deeply admire not liking your idea. Your whole body just shrivels up."

• The speaker reflects on the vulnerability and pressure involved in creative collaboration with respected figures.

"He proceeded to tell this elaborate story...and the whole crew, everybody's crying, everybody's so happy."

• This quote illustrates the profound emotional impact and sense of community that can arise during the filmmaking process.

• The pervasive impact of social media on cognitive function and societal interactions.
• The challenges of managing social media use, particularly among younger generations.
• Strategies for fostering healthy relationships with technology.

"I know it destroys my brain. How could it not hurt theirs? I find my own powers of concentration are suffering."

• The speaker acknowledges the detrimental effects of social media on concentration and cognitive function.

"The most important thing is to be your own best friend. And that this is a slight obstacle to it."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-reliance in navigating the challenges posed by social media.

• The journey of developing expertise and confidence through experience and practice.
• The significance of allowing space for failure and growth in creative pursuits.
• The role of seasoned professionals in guiding and inspiring emerging talents.

"I think it's the right manifestation of confidence, right? Young people have to fake confidence."

• The speaker discusses the development of genuine confidence through experience and the necessity for young people to project confidence initially.

"Give me space to be bad. I need space to be bad."

• This quote highlights the importance of allowing room for mistakes and experimentation as part of the creative process.

• Social media is identified as a platform that fosters unkind behavior, particularly among children.
• The conversation highlights the resilience needed to deal with negative interactions on social media.

"The worst thing for kindness is social media. Children in particular, uh, are so mean to each other on social media."

• Social media can be a breeding ground for negative interactions, especially among young people.

"They talk about how one of their friends is getting bullied and this person is doing this and they're leaving comments on this and from a rival high school."

• Social media interactions often involve bullying and negative comments, which can impact young users.

• The importance of developing a thick skin against criticism is discussed, drawing parallels to experiences in the entertainment industry.
• Criticism, especially in public-facing careers, is inevitable and can be detrimental if taken too seriously.

"You want to talk about negative comments, try being an actor. Everybody's got an opinion about you."

• Actors often face harsh criticism, which can be damaging if not handled properly.

"I actually think it really makes you stronger to realize of course people don't like you."

• Understanding that not everyone will like you can build resilience and strength.

• The discussion touches on the nature of online criticism and its often baseless and venomous nature.
• The importance of not letting online negativity affect one's self-perception is emphasized.

"No good comes from it. And he was like, 'They hate me.' I go, 'No, no, no. They hate themselves.'"

• Online criticism often reflects the critic's own issues rather than the target's flaws.

"You don't have to worry about the negativity that people send your way."

• It's crucial not to internalize negativity from others, especially when it is unfounded.

• Criticism from professional critics is scrutinized, with a distinction made between constructive and non-constructive criticism.
• The conversation discusses how critics can shape public perception and the responsibility that comes with it.

"Critics in particular, I do not think they want to be critics."

• Some critics may not have pursued their true passions, resulting in biased criticism.

"You could shape other people's narratives about who this actor is, about who this person is."

• Critics hold significant power in shaping public narratives, which can impact careers.

• Embracing a beginner's mindset is highlighted as a way to foster continuous learning and growth.
• The approach of starting anew in different fields can enhance skills in one's primary area of expertise.

"If you can get to that zen tabulas no place, the beginner's mind."

• Maintaining a beginner's mindset allows for openness to learning and growth.

"To master a craft, you have to apprentice three or four."

• Diversifying experiences can enrich one's primary craft and lead to mastery.

• Engaging in various activities can enhance an actor's ability to portray different characters.
• The conversation explores how life experiences contribute to a richer understanding of roles.

"The more you can introduce to your mind, the more that would help you become a variety of different people that you're performing as."

• Engaging in diverse experiences can enhance an actor's ability to embody different characters.

"I do think learning the piano might help me be a better actor."

• Learning new skills can indirectly benefit one's primary field by broadening perspectives.

• The conversation delves into the immersive nature of acting and the joy it brings.
• Acting provides an escape from daily concerns, allowing for deep focus on the role.

"My brain disappears into that other psyche."

• Acting involves deep immersion into a character's psyche, offering an escape from reality.

"It's a wonderful relaxation. And that's the strange thing about it."

• The immersive nature of acting provides a unique form of relaxation and fulfillment.

• The importance of being present in the moment is highlighted, particularly in performance arts like acting and comedy.
• Being overly opinionated about one's performance can hinder the ability to be present and in the moment.
• Observing the universe can provide perspective, making personal troubles seem insignificant.

"He's so in the moment what you're talking about when you do comedy or when you do your interviews. He is so in he's so present that he honestly doesn't remember. And that's the trick is he doesn't have this huge opinion."

• The quote emphasizes the value of being present and how it leads to a more genuine performance, free from the burden of self-judgment.

• Observing the stars and the cosmos can be a humbling and life-changing experience.
• Such experiences can alter one's perspective on life and the universe, highlighting the triviality of everyday concerns in the grand scheme of things.

"It changed my life. It changed my perspective on the universe itself because it felt like I was it felt psychedelic."

• The quote illustrates how a profound encounter with the cosmos can shift one's understanding and appreciation of existence.

• Engaging with nature and simple activities, such as riding a bicycle, can have a positive impact on mood and mental health.
• Modern life, particularly in cities, often deprives people of these simple joys due to distractions like social media and light pollution.

"It's so hard to be in a bad mood when you're looking at the stars. It's so hard to be in a bad mood when you're riding a bicycle and you feel the wind."

• This quote highlights the mental and emotional benefits of engaging with nature and simple pleasures.

• The conversation explores the romantic notion of dedicating oneself entirely to a craft or pursuit, such as acting or fighting.
• Complete immersion and focus are seen as essential for achieving greatness and having career-defining moments.

"This romantic task. Oh, it's dedication to excellence. Yes. It's full dedication."

• The quote underscores the importance of dedication and focus in achieving excellence in any field.

• Fear and anxiety are natural and can be beneficial in performance settings, helping to maintain focus and sharpness.
• Embracing nervousness rather than avoiding it can lead to better performance outcomes.

"You have to be nervous. You have to be Mike Tyson talked about it. There's a fantastic video of Mike Tyson um from his documentary where he's talking about his mindset leading to him getting into the ring."

• This quote highlights how fear can be harnessed as a tool for better performance, as exemplified by Mike Tyson's approach to boxing.

• The discussion emphasizes the intrinsic value of creating art for its own sake, rather than for external validation or financial gain.
• True satisfaction comes from the creative process and the impact it has on oneself and others.

"I really like w walking to work and I've realized that I really have always only performed for whoever it was is that made me and I can do that anywhere."

• The quote reflects the idea that art should be pursued for personal fulfillment and authenticity, rather than external approval.

• The challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with maintaining a passion for one's craft is explored.
• The importance of nurturing both the professional and childlike aspects of oneself is emphasized.

"So you have to figure out that balance of like all right this is how I pay my bills. This is you know what facilitates all my whole life. So I have to be a little attentive to the professional part of my brain and not let it diminish the kid in me."

• This quote highlights the necessity of balancing professional obligations with personal passion to sustain a fulfilling career.

• The role of improvisation in acting is discussed, particularly how it can enhance the authenticity and impact of a performance.
• The ability to listen and adapt creatively is crucial for actors to deliver compelling performances.

"When people say improvised, they think, 'Oh, just some magic lightning bolt happen.' It's months of work."

• This quote highlights the misconception of improvisation as spontaneous and emphasizes the preparation and creativity involved in the process.