Richard Linklater reveals his first impression of 23-year-old Ethan Hawke

After collaborating on eight movies, including the awards season favorite Boyhood, actor Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater have developed a strong mutual respect for one another.

But they've known each other for more than 20 years. So we wondered: Have they always love each other so much?

Short answer: Yes.

At Hawke's Hollywood handprint and footprint ceremony, at which Linklater delivered some heartfelt remarks, we found out what the guys truly felt for one another when they first met.

Linklater on Hawke

"It's been fun to have a front-row seat to Ethan's career. He's never slowed down. If there were more actors like Ethan that approached (movies) like an art, (Hollywood) would be different. When I met Hawke, he was 23 and already fully formed ... kind of like he is now. He has a lot of energy, a lot of artistic integrity, wanting to do great work, pushing himself. He's the greatest collaborator in my life, the greatest collaborator that anyone could have."

Hawke on Linklater

"To be honest with you, I thought it would be like what it was like to meet (directors) Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, or something. He was extraordinary. You know, a lot of great artists have a real trouble with their ego and are a real pain to be around, and Rick is a beautiful person. He's a real laid-back guy, and I've never heard him speak a negative word about anybody else. I'm grateful that I have a collaboration with someone who's that talented, but beyond his talent, I feel grateful that I've worked so many times with somebody who's as compassionate as he is.
We can't wait for complimentary pair's next collaboration!

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