Helen Hunt: The Surfer Mom Who Stole Hollywood's Heart

When she's not dazzling audiences with her acting prowess, Helen Hunt trades the spotlight for the waves. You'll often find this talented actress at the beach, catching some sun and riding the surf in stunning swimsuits.

From Screen to Surf: Helen's Journey as Cheri Hamilton

Back in 2011, Helen took on the role of Bethany Hamilton's mom, Cheri Hamilton, in the inspiring biographical drama Soul Surfer. Filmed in the breathtaking Hawaiian islands, Helen not only honed her surfing skills but also soaked up the island vibes in between takes. This wasn't the first or last time Helen would bring her love for surfing to the big screen.

Helen's Directing Debut with 'Ride'

Fast forward to 2014, and Helen added another impressive feather to her cap by writing, directing, and starring in Ride, a drama featuring Luke Wilson and Mike White. The idea for the film struck Helen during a trip to Hawaii, a full decade before its release.

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"I was nine months pregnant, and we were on the side of the road looking out at the ocean," Helen recalled in a March 2015 interview with Yahoo Movies. "I saw a mom surfing on the beach. She got out of the water, put her surfboard down, took a bottle of water and poured it on her breast to start nursing. I thought, 'I want to be her.'"

Helen poured a lot of herself into this film, sharing, "There's a lot in this movie that's me." It's clear that Helen's personal experiences and passions deeply influenced her work.

Family Life: Helen as a Mom and Stepmom

In 2004, Helen welcomed her daughter, Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan, with her ex-boyfriend Matthew Carnahan. She also embraced the role of stepmom to his eldest son, Emmett Carnahan, from a previous relationship. Although Helen and Matthew parted ways in 2017 after 16 years together, Helen remains grateful for the family they built and how motherhood has enriched her career.

"When I started writing, my daughter was very young, and I kept hearing these terms — 'soccer mom' or 'surf mom,'" Helen reflected during a May 2015 interview with ESPN. "And I was like, these moms, what? They’re just sitting there? Their job is just to sit there and watch their sons and daughters play?"

She went on to express, "I began to think about how vitally important it might be for the moms to get off the beach and get into the water, or whatever their version of getting into the water is." Helen's perspective highlights the importance of moms finding their own passions and adventures beyond just being spectators in their children's lives.

Helen's Secret to Staying Fit

After the release of Ride, Helen surprised fans when she revealed her unique approach to maintaining her toned bikini body. Unlike many celebrities, Helen doesn't hit the gym or follow strict diets.

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"I don’t go to a gym ever. I don’t diet ever," she confessed to Healthy Living in April 2015. "I used to diet but sometime after the '80s, it made me miserable, but I do like to walk, run, and I do like to surf when I can just to warm it up, and I do enjoy doing yoga when I can get there." Helen's approach to fitness is all about enjoying physical activities that make her feel good, both inside and out.

Keep scrolling to see Helen’s bikini photos and more of her inspiring journey.