Just a few years ago, Maya Thurman-Hawke wasn’t accustomed to the spotlight. Despite being the offspring of two notable A-listers who frequently make headlines, the 21-year-old has managed to stay under the radar for much of her existence up until now. If you aren’t already familiar with Thurman-Hawke, it’s likely that you’ve seen the recent headlines buzzing about her as one of the newest standout stars in the third season of Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, Stranger Things, as Robin, the “alternative girl” bored with her day job. Here, get aquatinted with the up-and-coming actress who’s already making waves in Hollywood.
1. HER PARENTS ARE ETHAN HAWKE AND UMA THURMAN
If you thought Maya’s face looked familiar then you’re spot on. Thurman-Hawke is the oldest child of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. Her parents, who both boast impressive resumes, met on the set of Gattaca and married in May 1998 before divorcing seven years later in 2005. As recently as a few days ago, Hawke took to social media in a proud parent moment to commend his daughter for her role in the series.
“Some of you may have missed her in last year’s BBC production of Little Women. Some of you may have missed her work at Juilliard. I know many missed out on numerous high school productions — heck I even missed a few and I’m her father,” the actor wrote in an Instagram post alongside a promotional video of Maya in character as Robin.
“Some of you may know her music, some may not. But Ladies & Gentleman, get to know MAYA HAWKE. She’s the real thing.”
2. SHE MADE HER ACTING DEBUT BACK IN 2017
Prior to her debut as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of Little Women, Hawke was studying at the prestigious Julliard School in New York where she studied drama. As it turns out, the role was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse, starring alongside Kathryn Newton, Willa Fitzgerald and Anne Elwy.
3. SHE’S ALREADY RUNWAY ROYALTY
Despite being a dead ringer for her mother, Uma Thurman, Maya scored her first modelling gig at the age of eighteen as the face of British label All Saints. She’s gone on to feature in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein and in editorials for Vogue. Last year Thurman-Hawke scored a coveted invitation to Anna Wintour’s exclusive Met Gala, cementing her status as that of a fashion icon.
4. SHE HAS DYSLEXIA
In an interview with Elle, the actress spoke candidly about the struggles of growing up with the learning disorder. Hawke compared her struggles with reading and writing to ‘pulling teeth’ as opposed to acting which always felt ‘like swimming breathing or kissing’.
5. PRIOR TO LANDING THE ROLE IN ‘STRANGER THINGS’, SHE HAD NEVER SEEN THE SHOW
Yep, it’s true. Before scoring the role as Robin, Thurman-Hawke had never watched the show. Speaking with WWD, she revealed that her mother and brother were fans but Thurman-Hawke herself had never seen it before. Yet that worked in her favour as the Duffer brothers re-wrote Robin to be more like Maya.
“I’m a super joyful, exuberant person, especially on set; I bring a lot of energy, maybe from nerves or something, but they kind of tapped into that and then started to write the character more along those lines,” she explained.
You can watch Season Three of ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix out now
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