Jan de Bont’s disaster flick “Twister” is one of the most memorable movies of the 1990s.
The movie follows a group of storm chasers in Oklahoma, as they attempt to deploy a new tornado research device (“Dorothy”) during a severe outbreak that ultimately leads to the formation of a mile-wide “F5” (the most intense kind of tornado based on the damage it inflicts).
It stars Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as an estranged former married couple — both tornado enthusiasts — along with a talented supporting cast.
Per The Numbers, it grossed around $500 million worldwide, after costing around $88 million to make. While it has a moderate Rotten Tomatoes rating of 68%, it’s looked back upon fondly.
Such is its legacy, “Twister” spawned a standalone 2024 sequel entitled “Twisters,” as well as a Universal Studios theme park attraction, popular themed Sega pinball machines, a tie-in book, and various other merchandise.
Released on May 10, 1996, “Twister” will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be interesting to see the cast then, compared to how they look now? Let’s do that right now…
Helen Hunt (Jo Harding)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Helen Hunt in “Twister.”
Academy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt played Dr. Jo Harding in “Twister.” Jo is a passionate and tornado-obsessed meteorologist who leads a ragtag storm-chasing team. She is driven by a childhood trauma involving a deadly F5 tornado and is estranged from her ex-husband.
Age when “Twister” released: 32.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), Kiss of Death (1995).
GettyAge now: 62.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: As Good as It Gets (1997), Cast Away (2000), The Sessions (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Bill Paxton (Bill Harding)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Bill Paxton in “Twister” (top right).
Versatile character actor, filmmaker, and musician Bill Paxton played Bill Harding in “Twister.” Bill is Jo’s charismatic ex-husband and a former storm chaser turned television weatherman. He returns to the storm-chasing fold one last time to help deploy Dorothy.
Age when “Twister” released: 40.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), Predator 2 (1990).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 61.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: Mighty Joe Young (1998), Thunderbirds (2004), Nightcrawler (2014).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jami Gertz (Melissa Reeves)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jami Gertz in “Twister.”
Actress and businesswoman Jami Gertz played Dr. Melissa Reeves in “Twister.” Melissa is Bill’s new fiancée and a therapist who is completely out of her comfort zone in the chaotic, high-risk world of storm chasing. She provides the movie’s “fish out of water” perspective.
Age when “Twister” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: Sixteen Candles (1984), Crossroads (1986), Quicksilver (1986).
GettyAge now: 60.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: Seven Girlfriends (1999), Keeping Up with the Steins (2006), I Want You Back (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Cary Elwes (Jonas Miller)
GettyEnglish actor Cary Elwes played Dr. Jonas Miller in “Twister.” Jonas is an arrogant and corporate-funded rival storm chaser who stole Bill’s Dorothy idea and built his own version. He acts as the movie’s primary antagonist, prioritizing fame and funding over safety and integrity.
Age when “Twister” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: The Princess Bride (1987), Hot Shots! (1991), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993).
GettyAge now: 63.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: Liar Liar (1997), Saw (2004), Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lois Smith (Aunt Meg)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Lois Smith in “Twister.”
Veteran actress Lois Smith played Aunt Meg Greene in “Twister.” Meg is Jo’s warm, tough aunt who provides a grounding, maternal presence, and a safe haven for the team amid the movie’s tornado-fueled chaos.
Age when “Twister” released: 65.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: Fatal Attraction (1987), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Falling Down (1993).
Above is a 2025 social media post with a recent picture of Lois Smith.
Age now: 95.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: Minority Report (2002), The Nice Guys (2016), Lady Bird (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Dusty Davies)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Philip Seymour Hoffman (wearing the cap) in “Twister.”
Brilliant Academy Award-winning character actor Philip Seymour Hoffman played Dusty Davies in “Twister.” Dusty is an eccentric and enthusiastic member of Jo’s storm-chasing crew, known for his colorful personality and memorable dialogue.
Age when “Twister” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “Twister”: Scent of a Woman (1992), Money for Nothing (1993), Hard Eight (1996).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2014 aged 46.
Selected movie credits after “Twister”: Boogie Nights (1997), Capote (2005), Charlie Wilson’s War (2007).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s undoubtedly great to see some of “Twister’s” cast still doing so well, but equally sad that not all of them are still around.
May Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman rest in eternal peace.
