Maya Hawke has officially transcended the title of “Hollywood legacy.” While she entered the industry with the undeniable advantage of being the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, the last few years have proven that her staying power comes from a unique blend of grit, vulnerability, and multidisciplinary talent.
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By 2026, Hawke has cemented herself as a cultural fixture. She isn’t just the breakout star of Netflix’s biggest franchise or a darling of the indie music scene, she is a newlywed, a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, and a box-office force starring in the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel.
Her journey from a dyslexic student struggling in traditional schools to a Juilliard dropout and eventual multimedia superstar is a blueprint for modern artistic success.
Quick Facts: Maya Hawke at a Glance
Before diving into the deep end of her career, here is a snapshot of Maya Hawke’s current status in 2026.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Maya Ray Thurman-Hawke |
| Birth Date | July 8, 1998 (Age 27) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York |
| Spouse | Christian Lee Hutson (Married Feb 2026) |
| Key Roles | Robin Buckley (Stranger Things), Anxiety (Inside Out 2), Jo March (Little Women) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$5 Million |
| Height | 5′ 8½″ (1.74 m) |
Early Life: Growing Up in a Hollywood Dynasty
Born in New York City on July 8, 1998, Maya Ray Thurman-Hawke was introduced to the arts immediately. She is the eldest of two children born to actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, a power couple who defined much of 90s cinema.
Her lineage extends beyond just her famous parents. She is the granddaughter of Nena von Schlebrügge, a celebrated model, and Robert Thurman, a renowned Buddhist scholar. Despite this pedigree, Hawke’s childhood was not without significant hurdles.
Overcoming Dyslexia and Finding a Creative Path
Hawke has been vocal about her diagnosis with dyslexia, a learning difference that made her early education challenging. She was expelled from one school due to her inability to read at the same pace as her peers and frequently changed schools during her primary years.
This struggle led her to Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, a private institution known for emphasizing artistic freedom over traditional grading structures. Here, Hawke flourished. The environment allowed her to lean into her creative instincts rather than being penalized for her learning differences.
Her passion for performance eventually led her to the prestigious Juilliard School. However, her time there was short-lived. After just one year, she dropped out to accept her first major role as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of Little Women, a decision that effectively launched her professional career.
The Acting Breakthrough: From Period Dramas to The Upside Down
Maya Hawke’s acting career has been defined by smart choices that showcase her range, moving effortlessly between period pieces, horror, and comedy.
Debuting as Jo March
Stepping into the boots of Jo March in the 2017 BBC miniseries Little Women was a bold first move. The character is a literary titan, previously played by Winona Ryder and Katharine Hepburn. Hawke’s interpretation was praised for its youthful energy and tomboyish charm, proving she could carry a lead role immediately out of the gate.
Robin Buckley and Global Stardom
While Little Women earned her critical respect, Stranger Things gave her global fame. Hawke joined the cast in Season 3 (2019) as Robin Buckley, the sarcastic, sailor-suited coworker of Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) at the Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor.
Why Robin Buckley Resonated:
- Chemistry: Her banter with Joe Keery became instant internet gold.
- Representation: Her character’s coming-out scene was handled with sensitivity and depth, making her an LGBTQ+ icon for the show’s massive fanbase.
- Longevity: She remained a core part of the group through the final season in 2025, earning a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Expanding Filmography: Auteur Directors and Blockbusters
Following her television success, Hawke did not settle for typecasting. Between 2019 and 2026, she built a resume that actors twice her age would envy, working with some of cinema’s most respected directors.
2019–2023: Establishing Credibility
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): She played Linda Kasabian, the “flower child” cult member, in Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist history of 1969 Los Angeles.
- Do Revenge (2022): Hawke starred alongside Camila Mendes in this Netflix dark comedy. Her performance as the twist-villain Eleanor showcased her ability to play manipulative and dark characters beneath a sweet exterior.
- Asteroid City (2023): Wes Anderson cast her as June Douglas, a teacher deeply invested in her students’ education, further cementing her status in the indie-auteur circuit.
2024–2026: The Voice of a Generation
In 2024, Hawke took on a role that would arguably become her most culturally significant since Stranger Things. She voiced “Anxiety” in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. The film was a critical and commercial smash, holding a 91% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Hawke’s frantic, vulnerable performance resonated deeply with audiences, earning her nominations from the Annie Awards and the Astra Film Awards.
Looking ahead in 2026, Hawke is set to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, entering yet another massive pop-culture franchise.
Musical Career: Folk-Rock and Critical Acclaim
Parallel to her screen work, Maya Hawke has cultivated a serious career as a musician. Unlike many actors who release vanity projects, Hawke is a dedicated songwriter with a distinct folk-rock sound influenced by Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
Album Discography
- Blush (2020): Her debut album introduced her soft, acoustic sound.
- Moss (2022): A more experimental follow-up that featured the viral hit “Thérèse,” which discussed the public perception of her body and sexuality.
- Chaos Angel (2024): Her third and most acclaimed studio album.
The Success of Chaos Angel
Released in May 2024, Chaos Angel marked a maturation in her songwriting. It received a Metacritic score of 81, indicating “universal acclaim.” The album features collaborations with her now-husband, Christian Lee Hutson, and explores themes of falling in love, self-sabotage, and growing up. Tracks like “Missing Out” and “Dark” showcase her ability to blend specific, personal details with universal emotions.
Personal Life: Marriage and Advocacy
2026 marked a significant shift in Maya Hawke’s personal life. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, she married musician and collaborator Christian Lee Hutson in a private ceremony.
Who is Christian Lee Hutson?
Hutson is an accomplished singer-songwriter and producer known for his work in the indie-folk scene, particularly with artists like Phoebe Bridgers. He and Hawke had been creative partners for years prior to their marriage, with Hutson producing tracks on her albums Moss and Chaos Angel. Their relationship represents a merger of personal love and professional synergy.
Advocacy: The Battle for Roe
Hawke uses her platform for substantial advocacy work. She starred in the scripted podcast Supreme: The Battle for Roe (2023), playing Sarah Weddington, the attorney who argued the landmark case. This project highlighted her commitment to women’s rights and reproductive health, utilizing her voice to educate a younger generation on historical legal battles.
Maya Hawke Net Worth 2026: A Breakdown
As of 2026, Maya Hawke’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. While she comes from wealth, her personal fortune is self-generated through a diverse portfolio of income streams.
Primary Income Sources:
- TV Salary: By Season 5 of Stranger Things, main cast salaries had skyrocketed. Reports suggest significant per-episode payouts that formed the bulk of her early wealth.
- Film Roles: High-grossing films like Inside Out 2 and The Hunger Games franchise command higher fees than indie projects.
- Music Touring: Unlike streaming, touring generates significant revenue. Hawke has toured internationally to support her albums.
- Brand Endorsements: Hawke has modeled for high-end luxury brands, including serving as the face of AllSaints and starring in Calvin Klein campaigns.
Why Maya Hawke Stands Out in 2026
In an era where “nepo babies” are often scrutinized, Maya Hawke has largely escaped the backlash. Why? Because she shows up. Whether she is memorizing lines for a Wes Anderson film, touring a folk album, or advocating for social causes, she demonstrates a work ethic that rivals anyone in the industry.
She has successfully bridged the gap between Gen Z internet culture and prestigious, high-brow cinema. With a marriage to a respected musician, a role in the Hunger Games universe, and a critically acclaimed music career, 2026 is undoubtedly the year of Maya Hawke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maya Hawke’s net worth in 2026?
Maya Hawke’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million in 2026. This is accumulated through her acting roles in Stranger Things and films, her music career, and modeling contracts with brands like Calvin Klein.
Who is Maya Hawke’s husband?
Maya Hawke married musician and producer Christian Lee Hutson on February 14, 2026. They have collaborated on several of her musical projects.
Does Maya Hawke have dyslexia?
Yes, Maya Hawke has dyslexia. She was expelled from school as a child because of it but credits the condition for her creativity and ability to interpret scripts uniquely.
What character did Maya Hawke play in Inside Out 2?
Maya Hawke voiced the character “Anxiety” in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024), a role that earned her widespread critical acclaim and award nominations.
Is Maya Hawke in the new Hunger Games movie?
Yes, Maya Hawke has been cast in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, set for release in 2026. She is reported to be playing the character Wiress.
Did Maya Hawke go to college?
She attended the prestigious Juilliard School for one year but dropped out to accept the role of Jo March in the BBC’s adaptation of Little Women.
How many albums has Maya Hawke released?
As of 2026, she has released three studio albums: Blush (2020), Moss (2022), and Chaos Angel (2024), along with the Clipped Wings EP.
Who are Maya Hawke’s parents?
She is the daughter of Academy Award-nominated actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.
What is Maya Hawke’s most famous role?
While she has many credits, she is most globally recognized for playing Robin Buckley in the Netflix sci-fi horror series Stranger Things.
Does Maya Hawke write her own songs?
Yes, Maya Hawke is the primary songwriter for her music, often collaborating with Jesse Harris and her husband, Christian Lee Hutson. Her lyrics are known for their poetic, narrative style.
