Ellar Coltrane, known for his role in Richard Linklater’s acclaimed film ‘Boyhood,’ has moved away from his Hollywood career. Now 31, Coltrane played Mason Evans Jr. in the film that chronicles a boy’s journey growing up in Texas, filmed over 12 years from 2002 to 2014. Despite the film’s success, Coltrane has distanced himself from the film industry.
New Directions and Creative Pursuits
Coltrane shared with Variety that he acted in short films, including ‘El Fantasma,’ filmed in Mexico City, where he portrayed Lee Harvey Oswald. He also appeared in another short called ‘So, Who Was It This Time?’ filmed in El Paso. Coltrane has found a supportive community within the independent film sector in El Paso. He noted the vibrant energy there reminds him of Austin two decades ago.
His participation in indie projects, like ‘Shoplifters of the World Unite,’ didn’t reignite his interest in the entertainment industry. Recently, during the ‘Boyhood’ 12-Year Reunion Q&A at Austin Film Society’s AFS Cinema, Coltrane admitted to missing the film set environment and the collaborative process.
A Shift to New Paths
Coltrane now engages in manual labor, volunteers as a firefighter, and is pursuing an EMT license. Although he enjoys acting, he prefers smaller, passion-driven projects. His ability to collaborate with passionate directors allows him to contribute effectively on set, offering his unique insights and skills.
Starting as a child actor at six in ‘Boyhood,’ alongside Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke, Coltrane described lacking formal acting training. His experience came through collaboration in filmmaking rather than traditional acting roles. He seeks future involvement in independent projects, where he feels he can contribute significantly.
Reflection on Childhood Stardom
Coltrane reflects on his journey from child star to adulthood, feeling he managed the transition without significant harm. He recognized the unique challenges child actors face, observing peers who struggled with fame. By experiencing celebrity later, Coltrane avoided intense early media exposure, learning his craft while avoiding potential pitfalls of child stardom. He expresses empathy for those navigating fame from a young age.