Sjećate se dječaka iz "Boyhooda"? Povukao se iz Hollywooda i potpuno promijenio život

Ellar Coltrane, the young actor best known for his role in the groundbreaking film Boyhood, has largely stepped away from Hollywood and embraced a vastly different life. The 31-year-old, who played the title character in the film that was shot over 12 years, now works physical labor jobs, volunteers as a firefighter, and is studying to become a paramedic technician. His decision to retreat from public life has drawn attention, particularly after his recent appearance in Austin, Texas, where he attended a special screening of Boyhood marking its 12th anniversary, organized by the Austin Film Society on July 18. Coltrane’s path since Boyhood has been marked by a gradual withdrawal from the entertainment industry. After the success of the film, which was directed by Richard Linklater, he continued acting in several independent films, including Summer Night and The Get Together. However, in recent years, he has almost completely distanced himself from the film world. In a recent interview with Variety, he described his current lifestyle as one of quiet simplicity, stating, “I live in the middle of nothing and I’ve pretty much distanced myself from film.” He explained that he now focuses on manual work, volunteer firefighting, and his studies in emergency medical services. Despite his departure from mainstream filmmaking, Coltrane has not entirely severed ties with the industry. He has connected with the independent film scene in El Paso, where he found renewed inspiration for creating movies. Speaking about the experience, he said, “It’s really beautiful. The energy there and the projects my friends are working on inspire me.” He noted that the atmosphere in El Paso reminded him of Austin more than two decades ago. While he has mostly left acting behind, he admitted that certain aspects of the profession still call to him, particularly the time spent on set and collaboration with other artists. Large Hollywood productions do not interest him, but he would welcome opportunities to participate in smaller, independent films. Coltrane has never completed formal acting training, and he prefers working with directors whose projects hold personal significance. “I work well with directors who are deeply committed to their projects,” he explained. “When I collaborate closely with someone and we try together to find the best way to convey their vision, I believe I can deliver excellent work.” At the same time, he does not see himself as a performer on large Hollywood sets. “Just showing up on a massive set with millions of producers and doing the job as a hired actor, it simply doesn’t feel right to me.” Coltrane also reflected on the pressures of growing up under the spotlight. He recalled a specific moment during the filming of Boyhood when, as a teenager, he felt anxious and uncertain, appearing on set under the influence of marijuana. “That scene turned out terrible,” he admitted. “Of course, it didn’t make it into the final film. I’ve never repeated it.” Boyhood, which premiered in 2014, is widely regarded as one of the most unique cinematic achievements of its era. Shot continuously from 2002 to 2013 with the same cast, the film follows Coltrane’s transformation from child to young adult, with supporting roles by Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater. The film received widespread critical acclaim and earned Arquette an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.