Emmett Carnahan Is a Budding Actor – Helen Hunt Showed Parental Pride When She Spoke of Him

Following his background in theatre, Helen Hunt's former partner's son, Emmett Carnahan, followed the actress's lead and pursued a career in acting. The actress had been in Emmett Carnahan's life since he was 4 and kept in contact with him when her nearly twenty-year relationship with his father ended.

Helen Hunt has made a name for herself as an award-winning actress. However, away from the camera, she was also a loving mother to her daughter and Emmett Carnahan, who she referred to as her "stepson" for sixteen years.

Carnahan was a little boy when the famous actress came into his life, and even after her relationship with his father ended, Helen Hunt revealed that she could not love her Carnahan more.

Emmett Carnahan Followed in His Former Stepmom's Footsteps into Acting

After feeling lost in high school for not fitting in with the basketball team or the theatre kids, Emmett eventually found his calling in acting. And this led him to join The Young Actors Studio. "The Young Actor's Studio was my refuge, outlet, and fulfillment [...]," Emmett said.

Emmett's budding acting career has since seen him feature in multiple projects, including the Emmy-winning series "House of Lies," co-starring Kristen Bell and Ben Schwartz.

Emmett has also continued to dabble in theatre and is a member of the Bluebird Theatre Company. In 2019, he landed a role in the theatre group's portrayal of William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," and in 2022, Emmett was the music theme composer for the play "What He Made Me."

And during an interview, Helen was the picture of a proud parental figure when she revealed that Emmett was also a "math genius" in high school. Helen shared:

"He just got a letter from Barack Obama for getting a perfect report card, and he's on track to go to a brilliant university [...]."

Helen Hunt Had Her Stepson and Daughter in Mind When Picking Her Roles

During her long-standing career, Helen has become a household name for her acting talents. However, during an interview, the actress revealed that she has been more mindful of her daughter and stepson regarding her career and has become selective about the roles she accepts.

In 2012, Helen starred in "The Sessions" and although she saw it as a "sex education tool," the idea of her partner's son, Emmett Carnahan, seeing her without clothing on didn't sit comfortably. "I have a stepson, and it would be bizarre for him to see me naked," the actress added.

Emmett Carnahan's Father and Stepmother Went Their Separate Ways after Nearly Two Decades Together

In August 2017, the news broke that Emmett's father, Matthew Carnahan, and his former stepmother were going their separate ways after sixteen years of dating. The ex-couple met in 2001, and although they had never married, they shared a daughter.

"They had a rocky relationship, and many offs and ons over the years. They stayed together as long as they did because of their daughter. They've split up before, but this time seems to be different," a source close to the actress revealed.

Helen Hunt and Emmett Carnahan Still Kept in Contact Following Her Split from His Father

Shortly after her August 2017 split from Emmett's father, Helen Hunt proved that the separation did not take a toll on her relationship with Emmett, as in December 2017, the actress took to Instagram to share a snap of her and Emmett with his "spectacular cast."

And in August 2018, the "Twister" star celebrated her stepson's birthday and captioned the post in part, "I couldn't love you more 💕." A few months later, Helen documented her and her "beloved" stepson's experience at a play.

Emmett's Instagram account was private at the time of writing. However, his famous father often shares glimpses of his close bond with his son. In September 2021, in honor of Nation Son Day, Matthew sweetly revealed that he had won the "son lottery" with Emmett.

The director also took to Instagram to celebrate Emmett's 25th birthday on August 15, 2022. And in September 2022, Emmett's dad wrote to him, "Emmett, you are without bias the smartest and wisest and most talented person I know. Thanks for choosing me to be your dad."