Ethan Hawke is an American actor,writer, and director. Born in Austin, Texas, in 1970, Hawke aspired from an early age to become a writer. He also developed an interest in acting, and began participating in school plays. His acting debut was with Explorers, followed by a supporting role in the acclaimed 1989's Dead Poets Society. Hawke continued to develop his acting career, with leading roles in Before Sunrise (1995), and the sci-fi Gattaca (1997). Hawke acted alongside Denzel Washington in Training Day (2001). His performance earned him Screen Actors Guild and Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.