Ethan Hawke Explorers 1985 Motorcycle Accident with River Phoenix Revealed

"The bike was fine, but my foot was broken." Hollywood veteran Ethan Hawke shared a terrifying yet heartwarming story from his youth. During a Monday appearance on 'The Late Show,' the 55-year-old actor recounted a secret motorcycle crash involving his late best friend, River Phoenix, while filming their 1985 sci-fi debut, Explorers.

The Ethan Hawke Explorers 1985 Accident Details

At just 14 years old, the duo took Phoenix’s father’s motorcycle for an unauthorized joyride. After Hawke crashed the bike and broke his foot, he chose to hide the agonizing pain overnight at Phoenix's house so his friend wouldn't get in trouble. Hawke described the experience as a "nightmare," noting that production on the film eventually had to be shut down while he recovered.

A Friendship Beyond the Silver Screen

Hawke also paid tribute to Phoenix at the recent Palm Springs Film Awards, reflecting on their deep bond. While Hawke introduced Phoenix to literature like 'The Catcher in the Rye,' Phoenix introduced him to punk rock and vegetarianism. Despite Phoenix's tragic death at age 23 in 1993, Hawke emphasized that his friend's influence remains a permanent part of his identity.