Ethan Hawke Looks Back on First Kiss with Gwyneth Paltrow
Ethan Hawke recently reflected on his first kiss with Gwyneth Paltrow, describing it as a disappointment that still crosses his mind years later. During an appearance on *Today with Jenna & Friends*, the actor shared that his biggest regret in Hollywood was that kiss, which happened off-camera instead of in their film *Great Expectations* back in 1998.
He characterized the moment as, well, “unfortunate,” recalling it occurred during a game of Truth or Dare. Hawke expressed, “Honestly, I remember not even telling her this. I was disappointed because that was my courage, because I didn’t want that… I wanted to kiss her, but not during the game.” It’s funny how those small decisions stick with you, isn’t it?
Both actors reminisced about their time together. Not too long ago, they caught up and talked about life before the constant buzz of smartphones and social media. Hawke recalled running into Paltrow at various events quite often back then—how different things felt with, you know, just a little less pressure. “For about six months, I would run into you in six or seven different places… It was so much fun,” he said.
Paltrow also chimed in, emphasizing how significant that kiss was in a casual setting, even if it wasn’t quite what either of them had imagined. “This is the first time we’ve ever flirted, remember?” she said, a glimmer of nostalgia in her voice.
Looking back, Hawke admitted that he had hoped for something more than what occurred that night. He mentioned, “What could have happened in that stupid game,” revealing he had other ideas in mind at the time.
Later in the chat, the pair delved into other experiences during the filming of *Great Expectations*, including a controversial sex scene that Paltrow outright refused. Hawke joked about director Alfonso Cuaron’s pitch for the scene, while Paltrow recalled her fears about how her family would react. Classic Hollywood, right?
In the film, Hawke plays a painter enamored with Paltrow’s character, Estella, in a modern twist on Charles Dickens’ story. Reflecting on their careers and shared experiences, it’s clear both actors carry cherished yet complicated memories from that period.
