“Twister,” which pushed the boundaries of visual effects, brought the chaos of nature to life on the big screen.With a stellar joint cast, like Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Alan Ruck, the film became a defining moment for its stars.Nearly three decades later, the cast has experienced triumphs in their acting careers, tragedies, personal battles, and the loss of a beloved star.Advertisement
The 1996 action thriller “Twister” took audiences by storm—literally. Following a group of daring storm chasers as they confronted deadly tornadoes in the Midwest, the film broke new ground with its stunning visual effects, making viewers feel as if they were right in the eye of the tempest.
Featuring a standout cast that included Philip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Jami Gertz, Lois Smith, and Alan Ruck, “Twister” quickly became a beloved classic in the disaster movie genre. Now, nearly three decades later, lets catch up with the cast and see where they are today.
Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt in the action-thriller “Twister,” on May 16, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman starred as Dustin Davis in the film. He has since appeared in other incredible movies such as “A Most Wanted Man,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” and “A Late Quartet.”
Philip Seymour Hoffman at the premiere of “A Most Wanted Man” during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 19, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The actor, who was born on July 23, 1967, had three children, Willa, Tallulah, and Cooper Hoffman. He shared his kids with his former partner Mimi ODonnell, whom he separated from in 2013.
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Mimi ODonnell at The 78th Annual Academy Awards – Governors Ball, on March 7, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Hoffman cherished growing older while celebrating special days like Christmas and Thanksgiving with his children. He once noted that spending summertime with his kids, whom he loved intensely, was always incredible.
Philip Seymour Hoffman with his two kids and girlfriend Mimi ODonnell sighted walking in the West Village in New York on July 1, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Hoffman strived to live an alcohol-free life since obtaining his sobriety at the age of 22. The actor checked himself into rehab for alcohol and drug addiction, recalling that his situation was pretty bad.
“And I know, deep down, I still look at the idea of drinking with the same ferocity that I did back then. Its still pretty tangible,” he narrated.
Philip Seymour Hoffman at event, New York, 1990s. | Source: Getty Images
Hoffman admitted that moderation was never something he was interested in when it came to alcohol and drugs. He emphasized that even after all the years, it wasnt just a passing phase.
Therefore, sobriety became a crucial part of who he was, and he remained committed to it despite the time that had passed.
Philip Seymour Hoffman at the premiere of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in New York City, on November 20, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, after two decades of sobriety, Hoffman relapsed. ODonnell noted that his relapse couldnt be attributed to one thing. Just like most men in their 40s, the actor found himself losing his sexual currency.
He also saw his friends marriages ending due to infidelity. During this time, Hoffman lost his longtime therapist to cancer and had a falling out with his Alcoholics Anonymous friends.
Philip Seymour Hoffman at the premiere of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The actor also hated the loss of anonymity that came with his career. So, all these factors contributed to his relapse. ODonnell recalled Hoffman asking her, “Ive been thinking I want to try to have a drink again. What do you think?”
Mimi ODonnell kisses Philip Seymour Hoffman at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 7, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
ODonnell opposed the idea, as sobriety had been central to Hoffmans life, but the actor still relapsed. At first, Hoffman would have an occasional drink, and it didnt seem alarming.
However, when drugs became involved, ODonnell confronted him, and he admitted to using prescription opioids. He assured her it was a one-time occurrence.
Mimi ODonnell and Philip Seymour Hoffman during the opening night of “The Violet Hour” on Broadway in New York City, on November 6, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Although this scared him into temporary restraint, it wasnt long before he began using heroin as well. Despite multiple stints in rehab, Hoffman struggled to maintain sobriety. ODonnell began to fear for his life each time he left the house, eventually realizing that she couldnt save him.
She made the difficult decision to have Hoffman move into an apartment nearby, distancing him from the family while still keeping him close.
Philip Seymour Hoffman seen riding his bicycle in New York City, on July 11, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
ODonnell shared that in January 2014, Hoffman began to withdraw while he was in Atlanta filming “The Hunger Games.” Despite her efforts to reach out, he became increasingly distant.
The two had already shifted financial responsibilities to ODonnell as they understood that the actor struggled with responsibility when using. Plans were in place for another rehab stay when filming ended, but ODonnell knew the path ahead would be tough.
Philip Seymour Hoffman with his Coppa Volpi Award for Best Actor during The 69th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on September 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Things took a turn quickly. After Hoffman returned from Atlanta, ODonnell warned a few people to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately, he relapsed, and just three days later, on February 2, 2014, he died at the age of 46.
The actor was found dead in his apartment after emergency services were called. The police confirmed a drug overdose as the likely cause.
Hoffmans death deeply devastated ODonnell, particularly because she knew how committed he had once been to sobriety. She recalled how he had made it clear that drug use was a deal breaker in their relationship.
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Mimi ODonnell during the premiere of “Along Came Polly” at Manns Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on January 12, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
After Hoffmans death, ODonnell reflected on their time together, pondering whether the actor had an intuition about his fate. Though he never explicitly voiced it, he seemed to live with an awareness that time was precious.
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Mimi ODonnell at the 81st Academy Awards at The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 22, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
He prioritized what mattered most to him and invested his love accordingly. ODonnell often believed they had plenty of time, but Hoffman lived as though every moment counted. She is now grateful for the trips he insisted they take, realizing that their short time together felt like a lifetime in many ways.
Philip Seymour Hoffman in 1999 | Philip Seymour Hoffman in 2014 | Source: Getty Images
AdvertisementHelen Hunt
Helen Hunt, born on June 15, 1963, portrayed Jo Harding in “Twister.” Her acting journey began at age eight, studying under her father, Gordon Hunt, a respected director and acting coach.
Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt in the action-thriller “Twister,” on May 16, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
She made her professional debut just a year later and has since maintained a steady career across film, theater, and television. Aside from acting, she is also a director, having directed “Then She Found Me” in 2007.
Helen Hunt at the screening of “Then She Found Me” hosted by The Cinema Society & Mulberry in New York City on April 21, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
As for her personal life, Hunt has been married once. She and her ex-husband Hank Azaria, a comedian and actor, tied the knot in 1999 and got divorced in 2000.
Helen Hunt and Hank Azaria on the red carpet of The 70th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 23, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Hunt also became a mother to her daughter, Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan on May 13, 2004. She shares her daughter with her ex-boyfriend Matthew Carnahan. Hunt and Carnahan had been together since 2001 and broke up 16 years later in 2017.
Matthew Carnahan and Helen Hunt seen at Showtimes Emmy Eve 2015 in Los Angeles, California, on September 19, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Helen Hunt prioritized her private life over becoming a movie star. She explained, “It has allowed me to have a life that I am really in as a parent or a friend. You know, thats a big priority for me.”
People noticed Hunts low profile after appearing in “Pay It Forward” and “What Women Want” in 2000. However, she wasn’t bothered by the curiosity about her disappearance.
Helen Hunt at the premiere of “What Women Want” at the Village Theater in Los Angeles, California, on December 13, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
She dismissed these comments, saying, “I wrote and directed two movies and starred in them and had a baby. So yeah, I dont know what to say when people say: What happened? Thats a lot. You know, for me, thats plenty.”
Hunts focus had been on the deep love and care she has for her child rather than on others perceptions of the value of motherhood. She indicated that she hadnt been concerned with external opinions while fully immersed in her role as a mother.
Hunts daughter is now 20 years old and is a singer in her band called “Thea,” which released the album “July” in 2023. The actress described the releases as “sad, beautiful songs.” She added that her daughter putting those lyrics into a song was “mind-blowing.”
Along with happiness, tragedy has been part of the actresss life. In 2019, Hunt made headlines when she was involved in a frightening road accident. The vehicle the actress was driving in was struck by another car at Tremaine Avenue in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles.
Hunt was riding in the back of the SUV when it was struck by the other car, flipping the SUV onto its side. One person was transported to the hospital but the Oscar winner, who suffered no serious injuries, recovered at home.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, brighter moments soon followed. In 2020, Hunts romantic life took a delightful turn when it was reported that she was dating Steven Tepper, a former attorney. A source shared that Tepper even spent Thanksgiving with Hunts family, adding a spark to her personal life.
Helen Hunt and Steven Tepper at a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on April 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
“Shes really into him and hopes it works out, thats why shes not going public with it just yet,” a source shared. Tepper is also a private person and Hunt didnt want to engulf his life with her celebrity status.
Helen Hunt in 1983 | Helen Hunt in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Jami Gertz, born on October 28, 1965, is an actress and producer. She played Melissa Reeves in “Twister,” and is also known for other movies such as “The Lost Boys” and “Still Standing.”
Jami Gertz attends the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baileys “Barnums Kaleidoscape” Circus in Century City, California, on April 30, 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Gertz is a mother of four. She and her husband, Antony Ressler, got married on June 16, 1989, and share four kids, Oliver Jordan, Nicholas Simon, Abigail, and Theo Ressler.
Jami Gertz, Tony Ressler with their children, Theo, Oliver, and Nick at the premiere of “Keeping up with the Steins” in West Hollywood, California, on May 8, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
When she was cast in “Twister,” Gertz had two kids, a 3-year-old and a 6-week-old. She was grateful for her mother who came to help her during this period. As the film was shot in Oklahoma, she rented a home in Ponca City.
The filming ended up being delayed due to the Oklahoma bombing but Gertz was grateful to witness how the crew and other amazing people helped in the recovery efforts.
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler at the local premiere of “Twister” at the Mann Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on May 13, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Gertz recalled being surprised by the great reception the film received. She noted that they went to great lengths to recreate storm effects. They would stand behind jet engines and deal with hail machines that caused injuries.
Bill Paxton in the action-thriller “Twister,” on May 16, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
She also remembered spending a lot of time in cars while filming, often chasing down roads. “It was a tough movie to make. It was not an easy movie to make, and I think that my role in it was to be the voice of the audience, in a way,” she recounted.
Gertz said her role was to portray a character whose fear of storms made the dangers they faced believable and relatable to the audience. This highlighted the intense and sometimes irrational passion that drives people to chase storms.
Jami Gertz arrives from New York City at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on December 1, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
The actress has also admitted that she got married and had kids very early, so her life took a different turn than other actresses she worked with.
Gertz met her husband at 21 when she was shooting “The Lost Boys” with Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Haim. Most people believe she married Ressler when he was rich, which isnt the case.
Jami Gertz is grabbed by Jason Patric in a scene from the film “The Lost Boys,” in 1987. | Source: Getty Images
“I made more money, way more money, than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation. I married him because I fell in love with him,” she revealed.
Ressler, who was 27, was working as a banker at that time. He didnt know any of Gertzs working credit as much as he knew she was an actress.
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler attend the “Speed 2: Cruise Control” premiere in Century City, on June 9, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Ressler was a Jewish boy from Long Island while Gertz was raised in a Jewish-working class family from Glenview, Illinois. The two were smitten with each other and Gertz joked that Ressler couldnt stop talking about the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jami Gertz and Tony Ressler attending a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles, California, on January 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Today, Ressler is known for acquiring distressed companies, such as Serta Simmons and Neiman Marcus, at reduced prices, and revitalizing their fortunes.
Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.1 billion, making him exceptionally wealthy. He and Gertz have resided in a seven-bedroom estate in the affluent Beverly Hills neighborhood since the 1990s, where they raised their four kids.
Tony Ressler, owner of the Atlanta Hawks, before a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on October 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Gertz has also tried the entrepreneurship route. In 2010, facing a decline in acting opportunities, she founded “Lime Orchard Productions” to explore work behind the camera.
Jami Gertz as seen in Los Angeles, California, on August 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
She noted that as roles became harder to secure with age, she decided to invest in her own projects. The company had one notable success with Chris Weitzs “A Better Life” in 2011, which earned an Oscar nomination for Demian Bichir.
Jami Gertz at the premiere gala screening of “A Better Life” during the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, on June 21, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
However, subsequent projects never materialized. Gertz acknowledged that despite investing millions, she did not achieve further success with the venture and ultimately lost her investment.
Jami Gertz attending the Hawks Means Business Chat event in partnership with “What Men Want” in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Gertz also moved to Atlanta, which made it hard to keep up with Hollywood opportunities. She appeared in an episode of Hulus now-canceled “Difficult People” in 2017 and is now less focused on her acting career.
Nick Ressler, Jami Gertz, and Oliver Ressler attending the screening of “Magic City: An American Fantasy,” in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The movie star feels that it is a natural time to take a break from acting. “Its hard to even say it out loud because I love what I do. Its given me so many beautiful things in my life, taught me so many things about myself and the world around me,” the actress admitted.
Jami Gertz in 2000 | Jami Gertz in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Lois Smith starred as Aunt Meg in “Twister.” The actress went on to feature in “Lady Bird,” “The Nice Guys,” and “Minority Report.” Smith, born on November 3, 1930, was married to Wesley Dale Smith from 1948 to 1970. They share a daughter, Moon Elizabeth Smith.
Lois Smith films on location for “The Unforgivable Secret” in East Hampton, New York, on October 31, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Smith and her ex-husband knew each other in high school as they shared the same English teacher. “She was enormously important to us and other group of friends,” said the actress.
The actress and her former beau got married when she was barely 18 and both went to the University of Washington. Smith didnt finish college but her ex-husband got a scholarship to Harvard to do graduate work. In 1952, Smith got her first job working in theater.
Lois Smith attends IFPs 20th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani, Wall Street in New York City, on November 29, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
Smith and her ex-husband welcomed their daughter on February 8, 1958. They gave her the middle name Elizabeth after the high school English teacher. Smith is now a grandmother of three. Her daughter, who is a midwife, gave birth to two kids and adopted one from China.
Lois Smith and Moon Elizabeth Smith at the premiere of “A Century of Women” at the Hudson Theater in New York City, on May 23, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
When Smith was a single mother, she became choosier with the projects she worked on. “Well, for quite a while I was a single mother with a growing child, and I thought, I cant really take long trips, and I also dont want to. Its a good excuse,” she divulged.
Lois Smith at the opening night party for “John” at Signature Theatre Companys Pershing Square Signature Center in New York City, on August 11, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Smith also ventured into plays when she liked the people she worked with and the material was good. However, she noted that in terms of earning a living, the bread and butter was better in film and television than in theatre.
“But had I been a more famous movie person, I might have had better parts. I think I had some lovely parts. I’m not complaining about them. But I never felt I was a movie star,” added Smith.
Lois Smith attending the opening night of “The Assembled Parties” at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City, on April 17, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Smith has always felt that her level of fame has been just right. She appreciated when people expressed that her work has had a positive impact. However, she believed that being pursued by photographers would not be an enjoyable way to live.
Lois Smith posing for a photo at the Tony Award Nominations in New York City in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Smith acknowledged that increased fame could lead to more and better opportunities, which she valued. However, she admitted that she never desired the constant attention that comes with being featured in gossip columns.
This recognition made her realize she had set boundaries regarding the extent of her public visibility. The movie star found the prospect of being constantly in the spotlight unappealing.
Lois Smith speaking on stage during an event hosted by SAG-AFTRA Foundation for her film, “Marjorie Prime” at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center in New York City, on August 14, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, Smith expressed her gratitude for continuing to work. She noted that she was challenging the conventional belief that older actors face fewer and less interesting roles.
At 87, she joined Twitter, now X, to promote a movie, “Marjorie Prime,” which she was working on. The film didnt have adequate money to spend on ads and huge releases.
Lois Smith visiting Build Series to discuss “Marjorie Prime” at Build Studio in New York City, on August 15, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
“It was released in many cities. They did decide to do a campaign. I did a campaign for the movie and myself which I never did before. And I trust I’ll never do it again,” she noted.
The actress has found herself receiving more compelling parts. As much as she does not always feel the need to work, she feels fortunate to still be doing what she loves. Smith is particularly enjoying her time in quality theater.
Lois Smith attending the 2017 IFP Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, on November 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
She attributes the rise in good roles to the increasing number of talented women playwrights. The actress acknowledges the growth in women directors and writers since she began her career.
Lois Smith in 1996 | Lois Smith in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Alan Ruck has made over 100 appearances in films, television, and on stage. Born on July 1, 1956, he starred as Robert Rabbit Nurick in “Twister.” He has also featured in films such as “Class,” “Ferris Buellers Day Off,” and “Star Trek Generations.”
Ruck has two children from his first marriage to Claudia Stefany, his son, Sam, and daughter, Emma. With his second wife, actress Mireille Enos, he has two daughters named Vesper and Larkin.
Alan Ruck and Mireille Enos at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The actor is grateful that he gets to act even in his older years but admits that dealing with rejection in the acting industry can be exhausting. “Well, Im an older guy with kids, so mainly Im just tired. Im really lucky that I get a chance to do it again, but I am really, really tired,” he noted.
Mireille Enos, Vesper Ruck, and Alan Ruck at the Los Angeles premiere of AMC Networks “Lucky Hank” at Beverly Hills in West Hollywood, California, on March 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Before Ruck landed a role in “Succession,” he took a break from his career to care for his kids with Enos. “My wifes career rocketed when she got pregnant with our first kid so I was, like, this is my wifes time. Im Mr Mom,” he shared.
Mireille Enos and Alan Ruck at the Season 4 premiere of HBOs “Succession” at Lincoln Center in New York City, on March 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
When Vesper was seven weeks old, the couple drove from Los Angeles to Vancouver so Enos could film “The Killing.” During that time, he would stay in the trailer with the baby while she would shoot scenes.
Alan Ruck and Mireille Enos attending the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Enos would return to feed Vesper, pump milk, and then hand the baby back to him. This routine continued throughout the first season of the show.
Ruck emphasized that in their arrangement, the breadwinner should focus on their work while the other partner manages family responsibilities.
Mireille Enos and Alan Ruck at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, sometimes things became challenging. Ruck recounted a moment when he had promised his wife he would join her and their baby at a “Mummy and Me” music class.
However, his manager called with an opportunity to audition for an HBO show. When he informed his wife, she began to cry uncontrollably.
Alan Ruck and Mireille Enos attending the world premiere of “Lucky Hank” during the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
With both of them working, the demands of their young children, and his upcoming job in Chicago, balancing commitments became difficult. Despite the chaos, Ruck made sure to honor his promise to attend the music class before leaving.
Alan Ruck at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, Ruck landed the role of Connor Roy in “Succession,” the kind of part hed been waiting to get for over 30 years. But before this success, he went through a health crisis in the early 00s that almost killed him.
Alan Ruck attending the ABC TV Primetime Press Tour at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, on May 16, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Ruck had a blood infection, and he didnt know how he got it or that he had it until he fainted and woke up in the hospital. When he finally woke up, he realized that over a week had passed.
Before this time, the actor had felt that his body was weak. He became delirious and had to lie down in the lobby of a building next to his. People thought he was drunk and just passed him over.
Alan Ruck attending the “Meet The Candidates” luncheon at the home of SAG members Joe Bologna and Renee Taylor in Beverly Hills, California, on July 26, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Someone then woke him up and he struggled to get to his building where his ex-wife thought he had fallen off the wagon. Ruck collapsed and his ex-wife called 911.
The actor was diagnosed with Group G Streptococci at the hospital. He woke up days later, just as people were counting down to the new year. He lost 35 pounds and his kidneys had stopped working.
Alan Ruck attending “An Evening with Gary David Goldberg and Friends” hosted by The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles, California, on February 11, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
It seemed hopeless at first, with doctors doubting hed pull through. But then, against all odds, Rucks condition not only improved physically but his mental state also made a remarkable recovery, leaving the medical team astonished by the unexpected turnaround.
The actor never knew how he got the blood infection. However, he considers himself fortunate to have gotten through this health ordeal.
Alan Ruck in 1996 | Alan Ruck in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Hence, 28 years after “Twister” captivated audiences, the films cast has experienced diverse and impactful journeys. They have gone through personal triumphs to challenging battles.
Their stories show that while the storms in “Twister” may have passed, the actors continue to navigate the winds of life in their own unique ways.
