Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan Bio: Meet Helen Hunt’s Daughter

Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, an American teen actor and celebrity child, was born on May 13, 2004, and is most known for being the daughter of Matthew Carnahan, a film director, and writer, and Helen Hunt, an actress and Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner.

Carnahan was raised in the entertainment industry, having been born to famous parents. Even though her parents kept her out of the spotlight, Makena Lei comes across as a modest and admirable teen from what little we know about her. Makena Lei might succeed in the future by being well-known like her mother. Let’s look at what is known about Helen Hunt’s lone child for the time being.

Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan was born on 13 May 2004, in Los Angeles, United States of America. She is currently 19 years old. Her parents are producer, film director, and writer, Matthew Carnahan, and award-winning Hollywood actress Helen Hunt.

Helen Hunt is widely known for her roles in Mad About You, Twister, Surfer, As Good As It Gets, and many more. Makena Lei is Helen Hunt’s ‘miracle baby’ because not only did Helen give birth to Makena at 40 years old, but Makena was born after Helen had experienced difficulties in becoming pregnant. Helen was already considering adoption when baby Makena came along.

Makena’s childhood was mostly kept out of the limelight. However, since she is a celebrity child, she was no doubt surrounded by things from the movie industry in which her parents were active participants. Makena went to the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre, where she took acting classes and she is currently in college – New York University.

In a Kelly and Ryan interview in 2018, Helen Hunt mentioned that Makena hasn’t seen any of her movies (except for The Miracle Season (2018), which Makena starred in). This shows how her parents brought her up; they never forced her to be part of their professional life. Like most typical teenagers, Makena must have had a ‘normal’ childhood.

Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan’s Parents Had Her Outside Wedlock Before Their Separation

Makena’s parents Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan began their relationship in 2001. It isn’t clear how the pair met as they have chosen to not talk about it, but Helen had just divorced her first husband Hank Azaria just months before getting together with Matthew Carnahan. Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan never got married, although they were in a relationship for sixteen years. Makena was born three years after her parents started dating. And through the years, the couple has worked on some projects together.

According to friends, Helen and Matthew Carnahan presented themselves as a ‘happily married’ couple such that they were even jealous of their beautiful relationship. Unfortunately, behind closed doors, things were not as rosy as they were painted to be. The couple had their issues, chiefly because Helen didn’t trust Matthew Carnahan. She has always been suspicious that Matthew stepped out of the relationship; something Matthew has always denied.

According to accounts, Matthew left their house multiple times, but Helen kept bringing him back. Their young daughter Makena is the cause. Makena’s parents may not have wanted her to see their divorce during this important period of her life. The unhappy couple was forced to remain together for several years until their official breakup in 2017. Although the divorce was reportedly acrimonious, the parties are now getting along well.

She Shares a Close Relationship With Her Mother

When it comes to her relationship with Matthew Carnahan, Helen might have her trust issues but with Makena, Helen trusts Matthew to pull his weight. So both are co-parenting Makena. Helen is extremely fond of her daughter and loves spending time with her, after all, Makena is her miracle baby.

Although Makena is not active on any social media platform, her mom’s Instagram account has pictures of the mother-and-daughter duo spending time together. Helen once summarised spending time with her daughter Makena as “the greatest pleasure I’ve ever known.” Makena even approves of her mom’s boyfriend, Steven Tepper.

Helen Hunt’s Daughter Once Tattooed Her Mom’s Face On Her Arms

In January 2016, Makena, along with a close friend, got a henna tattoo of her mom’s face on their arms. Helen was touched by the gesture as she took to Twitter to express her happiness at Makena’s thoughtful action. Although it was temporary, it was quite meaningful for an 11-year-old.

Helen describes Makena as level-headed, kind-hearted, and a teenager with a work ethic. These attributes will no doubt help her greatly if she ever chooses to embrace acting fully. Till then, we will keep an eye out for her.

Makena Also Spends Time Bonding with Her Father

Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan has a close and lovely relationship with her father. Although her parents are no longer together, she still spends time with both of them. According to a DailyMail article in May 2020, Helen was seen dropping off Makena at her dad’s. Her dad was also pictured with his arm around his daughter as the two walked up to the house. Makena is her dad’s little girl and Matthew Carnahan appears to be a good father. He and Helen are doing a great job in their co-parenting duties.

Is Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan an Actress?

Since her parents work in the movie industry, it is only natural that Makena will have an affinity for acting. Consequently, she got her first role in a movie, courtesy of her mom. Her debut Ride (2014) was directed by her mother.

Makena took a supporting part as a small girl on an aircraft beside Helen Hunt, who also served as the film’s lead actress. Makena performed the role of Ruby in the 2018 film The Miracle Season, which also featured her. This movie also included her mother.

Makena has undoubtedly participated in numerous theatre productions. Helen revealed in an interview that she watched her daughter’s Romeo and Juliet school play via Zoom. Makena has excellent acting abilities since she has the necessary talent, education, and, of course, a seasoned mentor.