Ethan Hawke and Son Levon Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Tom Stoppard

Actor Ethan Hawke and his son Levon paid a heartfelt tribute to celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard, who passed away recently. The tribute took the form of an intimate video shared on Instagram, where Ethan recited a moving monologue from Stoppard’s acclaimed play, “The Coast of Utopia.” Levon, who accompanied his father on guitar, added a beautiful musical backdrop to the poignant tribute.

Ethan and Levon’s Tribute to Tom Stoppard

In the video, Ethan expressed his admiration for Stoppard, describing him as “one of the greatest human beings” he had ever met. He shared his personal connection to Stoppard’s work, revealing that he had performed in “The Coast of Utopia” and was deeply moved by the themes explored in the play.

The Monologue’s Themes

The monologue that Ethan recited featured reflections on various significant topics, including mortality and the passing of time. One key character, Alexander, experiences profound loss, providing a thought-provoking commentary on life’s purpose. Ethan highlighted a particularly poignant line:

• “Because children grow up, we like to think a child’s purpose is to grow up. But a child’s purpose is to be a child.”
• “Life’s bounty is in its flow. Later is too late.”

These insights culminate in a compelling question about happiness: “Was the child happy while he lived? That’s a proper question.”

Tom Stoppard’s Legacy

Stoppard was an iconic British playwright and screenwriter, renowned for his award-winning works. His notable plays included:

• “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”
• “Arcadia”
• “Leopoldstadt”

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997, reflecting his impact on the arts and his close ties to British royalty.

Personal Connections

Ethan Hawke shares his son Levon with ex-wife Uma Thurman. Their tribute to Stoppard reflects not only a personal affection for the playwright’s work but also the importance of exploring deep themes through art.

In closing, Ethan expressed profound gratitude to Stoppard for his contributions to theater: “Sir Tom, safe travels. Thank you for the beautiful plays. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Happy Thanksgiving.” This tribute serves as a touching reminder of the lasting impact Stoppard had on the world of literature and theater.