Helen Hunt achieved Oscar success for her role in ‘As Good as It Gets’ and enjoyed a thriving career with hits like ‘Cast Away.’ However, her journey included personal challenges, including a turbulent marriage and a serious car accident. Embracing motherhood, she stepped back from acting but remains active in smaller projects. Hunt supports her daughter Makena’s artistic pursuits, while navigating life’s ups and downs, showcasing resilience and dedication.
Helen Hunt’s Journey to Oscar Glory and Personal Triumphs
Just a year after her stunning performance in ‘Twister’, Helen Hunt clinched the Oscar for Best Actress in 1997 for her role in the beloved romantic comedy ‘As Good as It Gets’. This moment marked the pinnacle of her Hollywood journey, leading to blockbuster successes like ‘Cast Away’ and ‘What Women Want’. However, following this incredible period, her career entered a quieter phase.
Motherhood and Personal Struggles
In 2004, at the age of 40, Hunt welcomed her first child, transitioning into motherhood. While she embraced this new role, her acting career took a step back. After enjoying fulfilling years raising her daughter, turbulent times emerged. Fortunately, the now 61-year-old star has rediscovered her joy.
Hunt has navigated a rollercoaster of life experiences, including a turbulent separation from her daughter’s father. Her marriage to actor Hank Azaria ended in 2000 after just a year, and since then, she has remained single, including after a long-term relationship with producer Matthew Carnahan. The couple began dating in 2001 and share a daughter, Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, who is now 20. After 16 years together, their relationship came to a close, reportedly amid chaotic circumstances.
Sources indicated that Hunt suspected infidelity, leading to trust issues that ultimately ended their relationship. Although her friends were taken aback, she has chosen to keep the details private.
In October 2019, Hunt faced yet another challenge when she was involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles. Her SUV collided with another vehicle, resulting in a dramatic rollover. Though she was shaken, she was released from the hospital within hours after confirming she sustained no major injuries.
Despite these challenges, Hunt continued to act in projects such as ‘How It Ends’ and ‘Solar’. Although she hasn’t achieved the same level of recognition in recent years, she remains passionate about smaller productions. She often shares joyful moments from the set on social media, enjoying life with her partner, Jeffrey Nordling, and friends. The couple frequently attends Los Angeles Dodgers games together.
Hunt maintains a close bond with her daughter Makena, even with her studying at Northwestern University in Illinois, where she is also pursuing a music career. As the frontwoman of the band ‘Widemouth’, Makena released the EP ‘Well’ last November, a project her mother proudly shared on Instagram.
Makena has expressed interest in acting, featuring in small roles, including a cameo in the reboot of ‘Mad About You’ alongside her mother. Helen has always encouraged her daughter’s artistic pursuits, stating in a 2011 interview: “If my daughter were interested in acting, I would find ways for her to perform in a theater related to her school or an improv event for kids.” Through every challenge, Helen Hunt serves as a strong role model, demonstrating that life’s hurdles can be overcome.