Helen Hunt, known for her award-winning performances, transitioned from the bright lights of Hollywood to the joys of motherhood when she welcomed her daughter, Makena Lei. Take a look back at the actress’s journey through motherhood and meet her mini-me.
Helen Hunt is well known for her incredible acting career, but for one special little girl, she’s just a mom. After welcoming her daughter at a later age, the Hollywood star fell so in love with her that she took a step back from her thriving acting career to focus on raising her daughter.
Helen Hunt at the Emmy Awards on September 8, 1996, in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
Her daughter is now a talented and creative young woman. Meet the actress’s striking red-headed daughter, who social media users dubbed Helen’s twin because of her uncanny resemblance to her famous mother.
Helen Hunt at the 2021 Gotham Awards on November 29, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Becoming a mother
Helen welcomed her first and only child, a daughter named Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, in May 2004, during her 16-year relationship with producer Matthew Carnahan.
Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan at the premiere of “Empire Falls” on May 9, 2005, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Matthew, who already had a son from a previous relationship, and Helen built their family around the joys and challenges of raising Makena. Though their relationship experienced ups and downs, the couple remained committed to their daughter .
Born in Los Angeles, Makena arrived when her actress mother was at the height of her career , marking a pivotal moment in the Hollywood star’s life.
Helen Hunt seen with her daughter on October 30, 2004, in New York | Source: Getty Images
At 40, Helen embraced motherhood with open arms, even if it meant stepping away from the spotlight she had dominated for decades. After achieving immense success, including a Best Actress Oscar for her role in “As Good as It Gets,” she changed her focus.
Reflecting on her decision, Helen said : “I fell in love. I had a daughter. It was hard to find a role that was as interesting as watching her grow up.”
She further asked herself , “Why go and pretend to be someone’s mother, or pretend to be someone’s wife, when I finally had the opportunity to have that experience in my real life?”
Helen Hunt during the black tie opening night of the 2006 AFI Fest and the US premiere of
During these years, the actress’s filmography became more selective after her box office hits such as “What Women Want” and “Cast Away” in 2000.
She didn’t stray too far from the industry, however, as she wrote, directed and starred in two films, all while raising Makena. “That’s a lot. For me, that’s a lot,” the actress said .
Helen Hunt at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2007 | Source: Getty Images
On the transition, Helen added : “I’ve been so immersed in the love and care of this human being that I’ve become a mother to that I haven’t really paid attention to what people think about it.”
Helen Hunt at the premiere of “Then She Found Me” during the 32nd Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
When the actress fully returned to the camera, she worked on projects that resonated with her. Among them was “Then She Found Me,” a 2007 film in which her character, April, longed to be a mother, a plotline that was later included because the actress felt it was important.
Helen Hunt speaks during a Q&A following a screening of “Then She Found Me” on April 14, 2008 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
“I thought, ‘April has to really want something. It has to be something that we can see her go after. And I’ve always really wanted a child, so it was fine that she wanted to have one. People have asked me if it’s my story, and apparently it is,'” Helen said .
Helen Hunt at the premiere of “Then She Found Me” on April 21, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The actress also chose projects that would allow her to maintain her family life, such as “Soul Surfer,” a 2011 film she shot in Oahu, Hawaii, with her daughter by her side. “They said, ‘Do you want to go to Oahu and bring your daughter and surf in a movie?’ I said, ‘OK!'” Helen joked .
Helen Hunt at the Palm Springs Film Festival Opening Night Reception on January 3, 2008 in Palm Springs, California | Source: Getty Images
However, in 2017, her family life changed when news emerged that she and Matthew were going their separate ways. The couple, who had never been married, were reportedly facing ongoing problems in their relationship.
Helen Hunt at the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation 75th Anniversary Gala on October 21, 2017, in Culver City, California | Source: Getty Images
A source close to the actress, who was married to actor Hank Azaria for 17 months in the 1990s, revealed : “They had a rocky relationship and a lot of back and forth over the years. They stayed together as long as they did for their daughter.”
Meet Makena Lei
Helen’s daughter carries a name rich with meaning and family history. Her first name, Makena, was inspired by a friend’s dream and also by the name of a beautiful beach in Maui, Hawaii. Her middle name, Lei, honors her grandfather, Gordon Hunt, a television director.
In May 2024, Helen wrote on Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s birthday: “Happy birthday @makenalei. I’m so proud to be with you on this righteous life. I love you forever and beyond. Mom.”
In June 2022, Makena celebrated a major milestone in her life: her high school graduation. Her mother proudly celebrated the occasion by sharing an emotional photo on Instagram.
In the photo, the actress radiated joy as she stood next to her daughter, who wore a dark green graduation gown for the ceremony. “The Graduate. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” Helen wrote in the caption.
Makena has already begun to follow in her mother’s artistic footsteps with a budding career in show business. She has a few acting credits , including her appearance in the 2019 revival of “Mad About You.”
She also had small roles in “The Miracle Season” in 2018 and “Ride” in 2014, where she shared the screen with her mother.
In addition to acting, Makena has explored her creative talents as a musician. During high school, she formed a musical duo called Thea with her friend Rhea Garten.
The pair released their debut EP , “July,” on July 28, 2022, another impressive achievement from the young artist. Recently, the redhead has also shared photos of herself performing on Instagram.
In addition to her immense talent, Makena has also drawn attention for her uncanny resemblance to her mother. “A mini you ❤️❤️❤️,” one social media user commented on an Instagram post of the mother-daughter pair.
“Wonderful resemblance,” another person shared in reaction to Helen’s post about Makena’s graduation. Another person wrote : “Hard to believe she’s grown so much! Congratulations Helen, you must be so proud.”
Helen Hunt and Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan at the opening night party for “Working – A Musical” on June 26, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2023, Helen shared a throwback photo of herself and her daughter, with one person writing : “She looks just like you🥰.” However, a more recent photo of the actress and her daughter shows just how much Makena has grown. “Twins!” one person commented . Another shared : “Beautiful daughter.”
From acting roles to musical achievements, Makena Lei has grown into a creative and talented young woman, following in the footsteps of her mother, Helen Hunt , while making her own mark.
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