Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is the daughter of Helen Hunt, an Emmy and Golden Globe Awards winner and actress, and Matthew Carnahan, a film director and writer. Born on the 13th of May, 2004, Makena is a 19 year-old American teen actress.
Born to celebrity parents, Carnahan has been immersed in the entertainment scene from a young age. Although her parents kept her away from the limelight, the little we know about Makena Lei showed her to be a very modest and admirable teenager. Perhaps in the future, Makena Lei might make a name for herself just like her mom. For now, let’s look at what we know about Helen Hunt’s only child.
Summary of Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan’s Biography
- Full name: Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: 13 May 2004
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Makena Lei’s Age: 19 years old
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Nationality: American
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Education: New York University
- Occupation: Actress
- Marital Status: Single
- Makena Lei’s Parents: Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan
- Siblings: Emmett Carnahan
- Makena Lei’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 2 inches (and still growing considering her age)
- Makena Lei’s Height in Centimetres: 157 cm
- Makena Lei’s Weight: 58kg
- Hair Colour: Ginger
- Eye Colour: Green
- Distinct feature: Freckles
- Famous for: Being the daughter of Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan
- Hobbies: Painting, Poetry
How Old is Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan?
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is 19 years old as of 2024. She was born on 13 May 2004 in Los Angeles, United States of America. 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. In fact, Helen was already considering adoption when baby Makena came along.
Education and Qualification
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan went to the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre, where she took acting classes, and she is currently in college – at New York University. 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.
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.
Who are Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan’s Parents?
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan’s Parents are Helen Hunt and Matthew Carnahan. Her mother is an award-winning actress, while her father is a writer and filmmaker. Makena’s parents began their relationship in 2001. It isn’t clear how the pair met as they have chosen not to 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.
In fact, sources said that Matthew had moved out of their home on several occasions, but Helen kept taking him back. The reason is their young daughter, Makena. Perhaps Makena’s parents didn’t want her to experience their divorce at the formative stage of her life. Thus, the unhappy couple had to stay together for years until 2017, when they officially broke up. Although the separation was said to be a messy one, or so it seems, both are now on amicable terms.
She Shares a Close Relationship With Her Mother
When it comes to her relationship with Matthew Carnahan, Helen might have trust issues, but with Makena, Helen definitely 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.
Makena 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 obviously 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 obviously her dad’s little girl, and Matthew Carnahan appears to be a good father. He and Helen are apparently 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.
Helen Hunt was also the movie’s lead cast, and Makena played the minor role of a young girl on a plane. In 2018, Makena also featured in another movie, The Miracle Season, where she played the character of Ruby. Her mom was also featured in this movie.
Makena has no doubt been involved in a lot of stage plays. In an interview, Helen mentioned watching her daughter’s School Play of Romeo and Juliet via Zoom. Makena’s acting skill is definitely commendable as she has the skill and training and, of course, a seasoned mentor.
FAQs about Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan
Who is Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan?
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is the daughter of Helen Hunt, an Emmy and Golden Globe Awards winner and actress, and Matthew Carnahan, a film director and writer.
Where is Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan From?
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is from Los Angeles, California. Her mom is also from California.
How Old Was Helen Hunt When She Had Her Daughter?
Helena Hunt was 40 years old when she had her daughter. She was experiencing difficulties conceiving at the time and was already considering adoption when Makena arrived.
How Tall is Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan?
Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan is 5 feet 4 inches or 163 cm tall.