In a hilarious turn of events, actor Ethan Hawke revealed his unexpected appearance alongside his longtime friend Josh Charles in Taylor Swift’s music video for “Fortnight,” the lead single from her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
This heartwarming reunion of the “Dead Poets Society” co-stars adds another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated album, leaving fans wondering what other literary references and hidden gems might be tucked away within.
A Starstruck Encounter: Hawke Remembers the Call
During his appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Hawke playfully recounted how the opportunity arose.
“Well, Stephen, I’m very popular,” he joked to Colbert. “People seek me out. It just happens.”
Hawke then revealed the true story:
“We got this call: ‘Taylor’s releasing an album, The Tortured Poets Department. And I think she wanted to hide a little Easter egg about Dead Poets Society in it.'”
This connection between the film and the album title instantly piqued the interest of both Hawke and Charles, lifelong friends and co-stars in the beloved 1989 coming-of-age drama.
Feeling Like Rockstars: A Day on Set with Taylor Swift
Hawke’s description of the experience on set paints a picture of pure joy and camaraderie.
“For Josh and I, we laughed ourselves silly the whole day,” Hawke shared. “We felt like the biggest rock stars in the world.”
He went on to describe a hilarious contrast in personalities between himself and Charles:
“Josh is different than me,” Hawke admitted. “I tried to look low-key about it. Josh, we got to Taylor’s camp. He’s like, ‘Hey, you guys got any sushi?’ ‘Oh, let’s get some sushi in here right now.'”
This lighthearted anecdote adds a personal touch to the story, showcasing the genuine fun these veteran actors had collaborating with the pop icon.
The Price of Fame: Keeping Secrets from Teenage Daughters
Hawke also revealed the challenges of keeping his surprise appearance under wraps. Having signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), he couldn’t tell his two teenage daughters about his brush with music royalty.
“They were not happy when they found out,” Hawke confessed with a chuckle.
This relatable struggle adds another layer of humor to the story, highlighting the universal challenges of balancing fame with family life.