10 fun and interesting Helen Hunt facts

1. Helen Hunt's Short UCLA Stay Led to Success

After graduating high school, Helen Hunt decided to take a chance and attend UCLA for a month. However, it didn't take long for her to realize that her true calling was elsewhere, and she soon left the university to pursue her dreams. Despite her brief stay, Hunt's time at UCLA was an important step in her journey to becoming one of the most successful actresses of her generation.

Also → Nicolas Cage and Helen Hunt: The Odd Couple

2. Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser Earn $1,000,000 Per Episode

In 1999, Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser, her co-star in the hit TV show "Mad About You", made history by becoming the first actors to be paid $1,000,000 per episode. This was an unprecedented amount of money for a television show at the time, and it set a new standard for actors' salaries.

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3. Helen Hunt's "As Good as It Gets": A Classic

Helen Hunt's 1997 film "As Good as It Gets" is one of her most acclaimed works, and she was able to secure the role after it had been previously rejected by Holly Hunter. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Hunt an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It also earned two Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

Also → Mads Mikkelsen: From Coco to The Hunt.

4. Two actresses achieve a rare feat

In 1973, Liza Minnelli became the first actress to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe in the same year, and Helen Hunt followed suit in 1998. This remarkable feat has only been accomplished by two actresses in the history of the awards, making Hunt's achievement all the more impressive.

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5. Helen Hunt in "Peggy Sue Got Married"

Helen Hunt starred as the daughter of Kathleen Turner and Nicholas Cage in the 1986 classic, "Peggy Sue Got Married". Despite being nine years younger than Turner and one year older than Cage, Hunt was able to convincingly portray the daughter of the two veteran actors. Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Also → Kathleen Turner Honored with "Woman of the Year Award"

6. Helen Hunt Shares Thanksgiving Tradition With Friend Anthony Edwards

No matter what life throws at her, Helen Hunt will never miss out on celebrating Thanksgiving with her long-time friend, Anthony Edwards. Every year, the two of them come together to share a meal and give thanks for all that they have. It's a tradition that Helen holds dear, and one that she looks forward to every year.

Also → Holly Hunter: A Star from an Early Age

7. Helen Hunt and Hank Azaria both guest starred in 'Friends' in 1994

Helen Hunt and her ex-husband, Hank Azaria, both had guest-starring roles in the hit TV show "Friends" in 1994, although they appeared in separate episodes. Hunt played the role of Jamie Buchman in the episode "The One with the Dozen Lasagnas", while Azaria played the role of David in the episode "The One with the Evil Orthodontist". Both actors received critical acclaim for their performances, with Hunt being nominated for an Emmy Award for her role.

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8. Helen Hunt's Daughter Named After a Close Friend's Dream

Helen Hunt's daughter, Mokena Lei, was named after a close friend's dream. The name has a special meaning, as it translates to "many flowers of heaven". This was a meaningful choice for Hunt and her partner, as it symbolizes the beauty and joy that Mokena brings to their lives.

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9. Helen Hunt as Private Eye: Inspired by Parker

Helen Hunt was determined to make her mark in the entertainment industry, so she asked renowned novelist Robert B. Parker to create a female private detective role specifically for her. Parker obliged, and the result was the beloved character of Sunny Randall, who featured in several of his novels.

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10. Two Movies Released Simultaneously

In 2000, Helen Hunt starred in four movies, two of which were released at the end-of-the-year holiday season. These two films, "Cast Away" and "What Women Want", were both box office successes, grossing over $150 million each. This was a remarkable feat for Hunt, who had never before had two movies released simultaneously.