Ellar Coltrane Reflects on Life After ‘Boyhood’

Ellar Coltrane, recognized for his role in “Boyhood,” has distanced himself from Hollywood. The actor, now 31, played Mason Evans Jr. in Richard Linklater’s acclaimed film about a child’s growth in Texas. Filmed over 12 years from 2002 to 2014, it debuted when Coltrane was 18, receiving high praise for its storytelling and performances.

Despite the film’s success, Coltrane has moved “pretty far away from film” and lives “in the middle of nowhere.” “I’ve acted in a couple of short films,” Coltrane shared with Variety. One of these is ‘El Fantasma,’ shot in Mexico City, where he portrays Lee Harvey Oswald. He also participated in ‘So, Who Was It This Time?’ filmed in El Paso. Coltrane expressed appreciation for his integration into El Paso’s independent film scene.

Although he starred in “Shoplifters of the World Unite,” Coltrane is currently more engaged elsewhere. He is involved in manual labor, volunteering as a firefighter, and working toward an EMT license. Yet, interactions during the “Boyhood” 12-Year Reunion Q&A at Austin Film Society rekindled his memories of set life and collaboration.

Coltrane thrives on projects with passionate directors, emphasizing the value of aligning with an artist’s vision. Cast in “Boyhood” at six, he played the son of characters portrayed by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. Coltrane reflected on his lack of formal acting training, noting his education came from collaboration with Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke.

Regarding his child star experience, Coltrane mentioned relief at avoiding the heightened pressures many peers faced, including interacting with “Harry Potter” actors. “Being a child actor is always a strange thing,” he noted. He expressed gratitude for the timing of his celebrity experience, allowing him to learn and act without the intense childhood scrutiny others endured.

Patricia Arquette, meanwhile, earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Olivia Evans in “Boyhood.” Coltrane’s path after “Boyhood” demonstrates a unique transition from childhood stardom to adulthood, navigating its challenges with insight and awareness.