Helen Hunt, known for her award-winning performances, shifted her focus from the bright lights of Hollywood to the joys of motherhood when she welcomed her daughter, Makena Lei. Take a closer look at the actress’s journey through motherhood and meet her mini-me.
Helen Hunt at the Emmy Awards Show on September 8, 1996, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now a talented and creative young woman, get to know the actress’s striking redheaded daughter, who social media users called Helen’s twin due to her uncanny resemblance to her famous mother.
Helen Hunt at the 2021 Gotham Awards on November 29, 2021, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
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. While their relationship faced ups and downs, the pair remained committed to their daughter.
Born in Los Angeles, Makena arrived at a time when her actress mother was at the peak of her career, marking a pivotal moment in the Hollywood star’s life.
Helen Hunt spotted with her daughter on October 30, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her decision, Helen shared, “I fell in love. I had a daughter. It was hard to find a part that was as interesting as watching her grow up.”
She further questioned, “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?”
Helen Hunt during the AFI Fest 2006 Black Tie Opening Night Gala and US premiere of “Bobby” in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
During these years, the actress’s filmography became more selective following her blockbuster hits like “What Women Want” and “Cast Away” in 2000.
However, she didn’t stray too far away from the silver screen as she wrote, directed, and starred in two films while also devoting herself to raising Makena. “That’s a lot. You know, for me, that’s plenty,” the actress said.
Helen Hunt at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2007. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about the transition, Helen added, “I’ve been so in deep, deep love and care of this human being that I’ve gotten to mother that I really haven’t been paying attention to what people think about that.”
Helen Hunt at the “Then She Found Me” premiere during The 32nd Annual Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
Helen Hunt speaking during a Q&A following the screening of “Then She Found Me” on April 14, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I thought, April has to want something really badly. It has to be something we can watch her go after. And I always wanted a baby very badly, so it just seemed right that she should want a baby. People have asked if it’s my story, and on the surface it is,” Helen said.
Helen Hunt at the premiere of “Then She Found Me” on April 21, 2008, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
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 as reports emerged that she and Matthew were going their separate ways. The couple, who had never married, reportedly faced ongoing challenges in their relationship.
Helen Hunt at Saint John’s Health Center Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Gala on October 21, 2017, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Helen’s daughter carries a name rich with meaning and family history. Her first name, Makena, was inspired by a dream one of Helen’s friends had and was also inspired by the name of a beautiful beach in Maui, Hawaii. Her middle name, Lei, honors her grandfather, Gordon Hunt, a television director.
In June 2022, Makena celebrated a major life milestone — graduating from high school. Her mom proudly marked the occasion by sharing a heartwarming photo on Instagram.
In the picture, the actress radiated joy as she stood beside her daughter, who wore a hunter-green graduation gown for the ceremony. “The Graduate. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” Helen wrote in the caption.
Beyond 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.
Together, the pair released their debut EP, “July,” on July 28, 2022, marking another impressive achievement for the young artist. Recently, the redhead also took to Instagram to share snaps of herself performing.
“Gorgeous strong resemblance,” another person shared in reaction to Helen’s post about Makena’s graduation. Another person typed, “So hard to believe she is so grown up! Congratulations Helen you all must be so proud!”
Helen Hunt and Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan at the Opening Night performance afterparty for “Working – A Musical” on June 26, 2019, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
In 2023, Helen shared a throwback snap of her and her daughter, and one person wrote, “She looks just like you🥰.” However, a more recent pic of the actress and her daughter captured just how much Makena has grown. “Twins!” one person commented. Another shared, “Beautiful daughter.”
