Tommy Lee Jones Attended Local Lowdown Premiere
The Austin resident appeared at AFS Cinema ahead of the show's second season release on October 14.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Television
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Tommy Lee Jones, the 80-year-old actor and Austin local, attended the season two premiere of the series The Lowdown at AFS Cinema. He joins the show's cast alongside Ethan Hawke for the upcoming installment created by Sterlin Harjo.
Why it matters
The appearance marks a rare return to television for the Academy Award winner, who has primarily focused on film roles since his last non-film television performance in 1989. The series, which is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, arrives on FX and Hulu next week.
Tommy Lee Jones, 80, made his appearance at the AFS Cinema ahead of the season two debut on October 14. This marks a return to a non-film television role for the actor, whose prior performance in the medium dates back to 1989.
The players
Tommy Lee Jones
An 80-year-old actor and Austin resident who stars as Lee Raybon Senior in the series.
Ethan Hawke
An actor who co-stars alongside Tommy Lee Jones in the second season of the show.
Sterlin Harjo
The creator of the series The Lowdown.
The details
The premiere event featured Tommy Lee Jones posing for photos with the creator Sterlin Harjo and other cast members. He portrays the character Lee Raybon Senior in the series, which is distributed through FX and Hulu. This season two rollout follows the show's initial premiere in September 2025.
Timeline
1989: Last non-film TV performance in Lonesome Dove.
December 2023: Attended the premiere of Finestkind.
September 2025: The first season of The Lowdown premiered.
October 7, 2026: Attended The Lowdown season 2 premiere in Austin.
October 14, 2026: Season 2 premieres on FX and Hulu at 9 p.m. ET.
The Texas Context
The actor's presence at the local screening follows his tradition of participating in regional industry events, similar to his attendance at the premiere of Finestkind in December 2023. This appearance highlights a shift back to television for the actor after decades of focusing on film projects.
Austinites interested in the series can catch the season two premiere on FX and Hulu starting at 9 p.m. ET on October 14. Fans of the production may note the specific casting of the Austin local in the series set in Tulsa.
The takeaway
The return of a major local actor to a recurring television role is a rare sight to watch as the industry evolves. Keep an eye on local theater listings for similar upcoming industry events and screenings in Austin.
Further reading
For more on the latest shows filming or screening in our area, visit Television.
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