John Hawkes

John Hawkes, born John Marvin Perkins on September 11, 1959, is an esteemed American actor with a distinguished career. He has received recognition for his performances, including two Independent Spirit Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Hawkes is celebrated for his memorable roles in acclaimed films such as "Winter's Bone" (2010) and "The Sessions" (2012). His portrayal in the latter earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. His diverse filmography also includes notable appearances in movies like "From Dusk till Dawn" (1996), "The Perfect Storm" (2000), "Me and You and Everyone We Know" (2005), "American Gangster" (2007), "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (2011), "Lincoln" (2012), and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017).
In addition to his film work, Hawkes has made significant contributions to television, starring in prominent series such as "Deadwood" (2004–2006) and "Eastbound & Down" (2009–2013). He also appeared in the fourth season of "True Detective" in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.


John Hawkes, originally named John Marvin Perkins, was born in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was the son of Patricia Jeanne (née Olson) and Peter John "Pete" Perkins, who worked as a farmer, cultivating wheat, corn, hogs, and cattle. Raised in a pastoral environment within a small, midwest Scandinavian community, Hawkes experienced a traditional upbringing.
After completing his education at Jefferson High School, Hawkes relocated to Austin, Texas. There, he pursued his passion for music and was actively involved in the local music scene. He was a member of the bands Meat Joy, alongside Gretchen Phillips, and King Straggler, where he collaborated with fellow actors Rodney Eastman and Brentley Gore.


John Hawkes began his acting career with his first film role in "Future-Kill" (1985), initially credited as John Perkins. However, he later changed his stage name to John Hawkes due to the existence of another actor with the name John Perkins.
Hawkes has appeared in various television series, including portraying Greg Penticoff in the first season of "24" and Sol Star in HBO's "Deadwood" from 2004 to 2006. He also played Dustin Powers in all four seasons of HBO's "Eastbound & Down" and had a role as Lennon on ABC's "Lost."


In addition to his television work, Hawkes has an extensive filmography. Some of his notable film roles include appearances in "Me and You and Everyone We Know," "The Perfect Storm," "American Gangster," "Wristcutters: A Love Story," "Martha Marcy May Marlene," and "Lincoln."
In 2011, Hawkes received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Winter's Bone." He won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male that same year and was honored with a Rising Star Award by the Texas Film Hall of Fame.


Hawkes was offered the role of The Governor in AMC's "The Walking Dead" but declined, feeling he wasn't the right fit for the character. The role eventually went to David Morrissey.
In 2012, Hawkes starred in the acclaimed film "The Sessions," which received positive reviews and earned him prolonged standing ovations at its screenings. He also expressed interest in reprising his role as Sol Star in the proposed "Deadwood" film, which ultimately came to fruition in 2019.
Outside of acting, Hawkes appeared in the music video for the cover version of the song "Crying in the Rain" by A-ha in 1990, playing a small role as a robber.

Filmography

1. Winter's Bone (2010) - Role: Teardrop
2. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) - Role: Patrick
3. Contagion (2011) - Role: Roger
4. The Sessions (2012) - Role: Mark O'Brien
5. Lincoln (2012) - Role: Robert Latham
6. American Gangster (2007) - Role: Freddie Spearman
7. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) - Role: Charlie
8. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) - Role: Duncan
9. Everest (2015) - Role: Doug Hansen
10. Eastbound & Down (TV Series, 2009-2013) - Role: Dustin Powers
11. Deadwood (TV Series, 2004-2006) - Role: Sol Star
12. Too Late (2015) - Role: Sampson
13. The Perfect Storm (2000) - Role: Mike "Bugsy" Moran
14. Identity (2003) - Role: Larry Washington
15. Miami Vice (2006) - Role: Alonzo Stevens
16. Higher Ground (2011) - Role: CW Walker

This is not an exhaustive list, but it includes some of his notable performances across various genres and platforms.

References

1.  "Alexandria graduate in the running for an Oscar". Alexandria Echo Press. January 25, 2011. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
2. ^ "Clifford-Hodde-ROCHESTER – User Trees". Genealogy.com. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
3. Shulman, Dave (May 10, 2007). "John Hawkes: Wandering Star". LA Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2009.
4. ^ Steve Rose (4 February 2012). "John Hawkes: 'I play nerds, psychos … psycho-nerds'". The Guardian. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
5. ^ "Who's That Man in the Iron Lung?". The New York Times. October 14, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
6. ^ Stern, Marlow (18 October 2012). "John Hawkes's Award-Worthy Turn in 'The Sessions' and His Wild Ride to Stardom". The Daily Beast. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
7. ^ "John Hawkes balances television and film over years". Biography.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2016.