The mega-hit blockbuster of 1996, “Twister”, literally blew audiences off their feet with its gripping drama of storm chasers battling with killer tornadoes. Directed by Jan de Bont and with special effects that were cutting-edge at the time, the movie “Twister” set the stage for a new fashion in movies.
The reason the movie became successful wasn’t just due to its intense action sequences, but because of the incredible performance from its cast. Now, nearly three decades later, let’s catch up with the stars of “Twister” and see where their careers have taken them.
Helen Hunt (Dr. Jo Harding)
Since then, Helen Hunt, who played the determined, fearless character Dr. Jo Harding in the film, has kept up with her very prolific career in Hollywood. Following “Twister,” she won wide critical notice for her performance in the romantic comedy “As Good as It Gets” (1997), in which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows, including “Cast Away” in the year 2000. Her work continues to earn her respect and kudos across the board.
Post- “Twister”
Paxton went on to star in a string of commercial successes that included “Titanic” in 1997, “A Simple Plan” in 1998, and “Edge of Tomorrow” in 2014. Bill Paxton was one of those beloved members of the entertainment world who magically pulled off the charismatic storm chaser Bill Harding, until it was suddenly spoiled by his untimely death in 2017. Paxton, whose versatility and talent have left indelible marks in Hollywood, has amazingly remembered peers and fans from around the world.
Cary Elwes as Dr. Jonas Miller
Cary Elwes brought a bit of his bad mojo into “Twister” with his portrayal as the antagonist storm chaser, Dr. Jonas Miller. Known for his amiable flick in 1987’s “The Princess Bride,” prior to “Twister,” Elwes continued to stack up a huge and broad-based collection of films after the tornado film.
Among those are 2004’s “Saw,” 2004’s “Ella Enchanted” and 1993’s “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.”. Elwes has also enjoyed a successful career in television. His television roles include the hit shows “Psych,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Stranger Things.” His ability to work in multiple genres kept him one of the most recognizable faces in both film and television for years afterward.
Jami Gertz (Dr. Melissa Reeves)
Jami Gertz played Bill’s fiancée, Dr. Melissa Reeves, who feels lost in the shuffle amongst all the storm-chasing madness. After “Twister,” Gertz continued on to enjoy several television series, including “Still Standing and “The Neighbors.” She made guest appearances on popular series such as “Entourage” and “Modern Family.” But beyond acting, Gertz has been actively involved in charity work with her husband, Tony Ressler. The two are part-owners of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. This only proves that she has varied interests and contributions outside the film world.
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Dustin ‘Dusty’ Davis)
Though he was mountainously talented, Philip Seymour Hoffman would go on to become one of the most admired actors of his generation for the wide breadth and depth of his work. He reached critical and numerous awards for starring in movies like “Capote” (2005) and won the Best Actor in the Academy Award for Best Actor, “The Master” (2012), and “Doubt” (2008). Tragically, Hoffman himself died in 2014, leaving behind a vast body of powerful and impassioned performances that continue to influence and inform.
Alan Ruck
Alan Ruck was well established before his turn as Robert ‘Rabbit’ Nurick in Twister. He may best be remembered for “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as Cameron Frye in 1986. Beyond “Twister,” Ruck continued to be in demand with features in both film and television. He appeared in a number of movies such as 1994’s “Speed” and “The Happening” in 2008, and TV series including “Spin City,” “Scrubs,” and “The Exorcist.” His longevity in the career shines as a beacon upon the versatility and stamina he has as an actor.
Todd Field—Tim ‘Beltzer’
Lewis From playing Tim ‘Beltzer’ Lewis in “Twister,” Todd Field went on to have a blooming career in filmmaking. After this acting cameo in the tornado thriller, Field wore the director and writer hats on a couple of critically acclaimed efforts, “In the Bedroom” (2001) and “Little Children” (2006), which gave him two Academy Award nods.
Jeremy Davies (Laurence)
Laurence played by Jeremy Davies who worked in Jo’s storm-chasing team. Having defined his style of acting, post “Twister,” Davies kept on accepting odd, challenging roles. He received much critical acclaim for dramas like 1998’s “Saving Private Ryan” and 2002’s “Solaris.”. Davies is also known for the several television roles in series “Lost”, “Justified”, and “American Gods.” His commitment to develop three-dimensional characters has all along made him a great talent in the field.
Lois Smith (Meg Greene)
Lois Smith who played the role of Aunt Meg had a promising career both in film, television, as well as in theater. Post-“Twister,” Smith continued her acting career in such other endeavors as 2002’s “Minority Report” to most recent, “Lady Bird,” 2017.
Her time onstage was equally formidable—awards for “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Trip to Bountiful” speak for themselves. Now, Smith devoted more than just a few decades of life to the craft of acting—her legacy stands as a clear testament to the uniquely talented and well-respected actress that she was.
The “Twister” cast embarked on an amazing ride ever since the 1996 release of the movie. Since then, such an overwhelming ride led everybody, from dominating the silver screen to powerful roles, to a successful career in television, directing, and philanthropic activities, to host and/or many other associated careers, blazing a unique trail in the entertainment industry.
As we sit back and consider great things the cherished thriller from two decades ago has accomplished with them, we see how plain it is that the legacy of “Twister” lives on directly through the enduring talents of its cast.