During their sit-down for Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors, Sydney Sweeney and Ethan Hawke’s first encounter took an unexpectedly poignant turn. The 55-year-old Hollywood veteran and the 28-year-old Euphoria breakout star struck into a chat that immediately revealed a loving, fatherly dynamic.
As a proud father of four, Hawke was quick to recognize Sweeney’s development as a performer. Sweeney, whose depiction of Cassie Howard catapulted her into international fame, thought back on the part that transformed her artistic tendencies.
She described how Cassie’s unadulterated emotional depth propelled her into unexplored acting ground, saying, “Euphoria was the beginning of everything for me.”
“I had to be very free with every choice that I made because Cassie is a very emotional and heart-driven character,” she said. “I have to stop doubting myself. I had to go right in, make wild choices, and not be critical of what I was doing.” Sweeney said she was much more appreciative of the experience after completing up Season 3. She claims that Sam Levinson, the creator, frequently urged her to embrace Cassie’s extremes by saying, “All right, let’s just do a Cassie crazy take.”
She claimed that some of her favorite creative breakthroughs occurred from such unfettered periods.
Captivated by her dedication, Hawke commended her readiness to push limits. He told her, “Seeing someone lay it all out there is exciting.” “When you take a risk, the world adores it. You also accepted a challenge. You’re putting your all into your work, and you’re doing a fantastic job.”
A Heartwarming, Unexpected Exchange Between the Two Performers
Sweeney responded with surprise sincerity to Hawke’s adoration, which was expressed with genuine affection. “Man, I wish you were my dad,” she joked with a bashful smile. The comment instantly calmed the situation and highlighted Hawke’s standing as a supportive mentor both on and off set. Sweeney and his eldest daughter, Maya Hawke, star of Stranger Things, are close in age, which highlights the endearing, almost familial nature of their relationship.
