Helen Hunt, recognized for her award-winning performances, switched her emphasis away from the bright lights of Hollywood and toward the joys of parenthood when she welcomed her daughter, Makena Lei. Explore the actress’s maternity journey and get to know her daughter, Makena Lei.
Helen Hunt is well-known for her extraordinary career as an actor, but to one precious daughter, she is just Mom. After having her daughter later in life, the Hollywood actress fell so in love with her that she stepped away from her successful acting career to focus on raising her child.
Her kid is now a gifted and imaginative young girl. Learn about the actress’s gorgeous redheaded daughter, whom fans dubbed Helen’s twin owing to her remarkable likeness to her renowned mother.
Helen gave birth to her first and only child, a girl called Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, in May 2004, during her 16-year relationship with producer Matthew Carnahan.
Matthew, who already had a boy from a previous relationship, and Helen focused their family on the joys and tribulations of parenting Makena. Despite their relationship’s ups and downs, the couple stayed dedicated to their kid.
Makena was born in Los Angeles at the height of her actress mother’s success, which marked a watershed event in the Hollywood star’s life.
Helen accepted parenthood with wide arms at 40, despite the fact that it meant leaving the spotlight she had commanded for decades. After tremendous success, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her part in “As Good as It Gets,” she altered her emphasis.
Helen reflected on her decision, saying, “I fell in love.” I have a daughter. It was difficult to find a role as exciting as seeing her grow up.”
She continued to wonder, “Why go off and pretend to be someone’s mother, or pretend to be someone’s wife, when I finally had the chance to have that experience in my real life?”
After her smash blockbusters “What Women Want” and “Cast Away” in 2000, the actress’s filmography became more selective throughout these years.
She did, however, remain close to the business, writing, directing, and starring in two films while simultaneously caring for Makena. “That is a lot. “That’s plenty for me,” the actress replied.
When asked about the change, Helen replied, “I’ve been so in deep, deep love and care for this human being that I’ve really not been paying attention to what people think about it.”
When the actress truly went back in front of the camera, she focused on projects that spoke to her. This includes “Then She Found Me,” a 2007 picture in which her character, April, yearned for children—a plotline that was subsequently added because the actress believed it was significant.
“I figured April must have a strong desire for something. It needs to be something we can see her pursue. And I’d always wanted a kid, so it only made sense that she would desire one.” People have asked if it’s my story, and on the surface it is,” Helen explained.
The actress also picked films that allowed her to preserve her family life, such as “Soul Surfer,” a 2011 film she made on Oahu, Hawaii, with her daughter at her side. “They asked, ‘Do you want to travel to Oahu, bring your daughter, and surf in a movie?’ ‘Okay!’ I said.” Helen made a joke.
However, the news that she and Matthew were divorcing in 2017 drastically changed her family life. The pair, who had never married, apparently encountered recurring difficulties in their relationship.
A source close to the actress, who was married to actor Hank Azaria for 17 months in the 1990s, stated, “They had a rocky relationship with many offs and ons over the years.” They stayed together so long because of their daughter.”
Helen’s daughter has a name full of significance and family history. Helen’s friend’s dream inspired her initial name, Makena, which also happens to be the name of a beautiful beach on Maui in Hawaii. Her middle name, Lei, commemorates her grandpa, Gordon Hunt, a television director.
In May 2024, Helen came to Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, tenderly saying, “Happy Birthday @makenalei.” I am so glad to be walking beside you as you live this moral life. I adore you forever and ever. Mama.”
Makena graduated from high school in June 2022, marking a significant life milestone. Her mother celebrated the occasion by posting a lovely photo on Instagram.
The actress exuded excitement as she stood behind her daughter, who donned a hunter-green graduation gown for the event. “The graduate. Helen captioned the photo with “❤️.”
Makena has already begun to follow in her mother’s creative footsteps, with a promising entertainment career. She has a few acting credits, including roles in the 2019 production of “Mad About You.”
She also had minor appearances in “The Miracle Season” (2018) and “Ride” (2014), where she costarred alongside her mother.
Makena has honed her musical skills in addition to her acting career. During high school, she founded the musical duet Thea with her classmate Rhea Garten.
On July 28, 2022, the couple released their debut EP, “July,” which was another outstanding success for the young artist. Recently, the redhead used Instagram to publish photos of herself performing.
In addition to her exceptional skill, Makena has drawn notice for her stunning likeness to her mother. One Instagram user remarked, “Just a mini you ❤️,” on the mother-daughter duo’s photo.
“Gorgeous, strong resemblance,” another person commented on Helen’s post regarding Makena’s graduation. Another user said, “It’s hard to think she’s so grown up! Congratulations, Helen, you must be very proud!”
In 2023, Helen tweeted a flashback photo of herself and her daughter, and one user commented, “She looks just like you.” However, a more recent photo of the actress and her kid showed how much Makena had grown. “Twins!” one individual said. Another said, “Beautiful daughter.”
Makena Lei has matured into a brilliant and creative young woman, following in her mother Helen Hunt’s footsteps but carving her own path.
