Ethan Hawke has opened up about one of the most emotional moments of his life, walking his daughter Maya Hawke down the aisle, admitting it was “very difficult” not to be overwhelmed on her special day.
The actor, 55, shared his heartfelt reaction while attending the Time 100 Gala, reflecting on Maya’s intimate New York City wedding to her longtime partner, Huston, which took place on February 14. The ceremony was a deeply personal affair, with both of Maya’s parents, Ethan and Uma Thurman, by her side as she said “I do.”
“It would be very difficult not to,” Ethan told Page Six when asked if he became emotional. “Whenever you see your children so happy, it’s probably the most moving thing you could see.”
© Getty Images for Tibet House USAnd it’s a sentiment many parents will recognise. For Ethan, seeing his daughter, who has grown up in the spotlight yet carved out a career entirely on her own terms, step into this new chapter was nothing short of profound.
A love-filled celebration in New York
The wedding itself struck the perfect balance between intimate and star-studded. Alongside close family and friends, Maya’s Stranger Things co-stars were there to celebrate, including her Stranger Things co-star Finn Wolfhard, plus Iris Apatow with her boyfriend Sam Nivola, among others.
© KONY / BACKGRIDMaya, 26, looked every inch the modern romantic bride in a vintage-inspired Prada satin gown. In one particularly tender moment captured by photographers, Ethan was seen helping guide his daughter into St. George’s Episcopal Church, a father quietly present in one of life’s biggest milestones.
A proud father moment
Ethan, who shares Maya with ex-wife Uma Thurman, couldn’t help but speak with pride about watching his children grow into their own lives. The Lowdown actor described the experience as one of the most moving a parent can have, especially witnessing their children “loving their life and embracing their life and finding wonderful friends and partners.”
© KONY / BACKGRIDMaya is the first of Ethan’s three children to marry, making the occasion all the more poignant for the actor.
Ecstatically happy
A month after the ceremony, Maya offered her own glimpse into married life, and it’s safe to say she couldn’t be happier.
© KONY / BACKGRID“I’m ecstatically happy,” she told PageSix, adding: “Love is the best. I feel so lucky to have found my best friend and to have someone I can tell anything to. It makes something like getting married feel like, oh, of course, not like what. I’m very, very, very lucky, so I’m really happy.”
The couple were first linked in 2023 after being spotted together in New York City, before making their red carpet debut in April 2025 at the Broadway play John Proctor Is the Villain. Having been friends for years before their romance blossomed, their relationship has been built on a strong foundation, something Maya’s words now reflect so beautifully.