It’s been nearly three decades since the release of “True Lies,” the 1994 action-comedy film directed by James Cameron. The movie, which premiered on July 15, 1994, starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as a secret agent living a double life and Jamie Lee Curtis as his unsuspecting wife. The film was a box-office hit and has since become a classic. Let’s take a look at what the cast of “True Lies” has been up to since the film’s release.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played the lead role of Harry Tasker, was already a well-established action star by the time “True Lies” came out. Following the film, Schwarzenegger continued to build his career with roles in movies like “Jingle All the Way,” “Batman & Robin,” and “The 6th Day.” In 2003, he made a significant career shift by becoming the Governor of California, earning the nickname “The Governator.” After leaving office in 2011, Schwarzenegger returned to acting and has since lent his voice to projects like Stan Lee’s “Superhero Kindergarten.” He married Maria Shriver in 1986, and the couple had four children before separating in 2011. Their divorce was finalized in 2021. Despite the challenges, Schwarzenegger has maintained a close relationship with his family.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who played Helen Tasker, was already a household name thanks to her role in the “Halloween” series. After “True Lies,” Curtis continued to enjoy a successful career with roles in films like “Freaky Friday,” “Christmas with the Kranks,” and “Knives Out.” She also appeared in TV series such as “Scream Queens” and “New Girl.” In 2022, Curtis won her first Oscar for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Curtis has been married to Christopher Guest since 1984, and the couple has two adopted daughters, Ruby and Annie.
Tom Arnold, who played Harry’s partner Albert “Gib” Gibson, had one of his first major film roles in “True Lies.” Following the film, Arnold appeared in movies like “Nine Months,” “The Stupids,” and “Carpool.” He also made guest appearances on TV shows like “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “ER.” More recently, Arnold has tried his hand at Christmas movies and made a cameo in the CBS series “True Lies,” based on the original film. Arnold shares two children with his ex-wife Ashley Groussman.
Bill Paxton, who played the sleazy car salesman Simon, had already made a name for himself with roles in “Weird Science,” “Aliens,” and “The Terminator.” After “True Lies,” Paxton continued to appear in blockbuster films like “Apollo 13,” “Twister,” and “Titanic.” He also starred in the TV series “Big Love” and received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role in “Hatfields and McCoys.” Paxton passed away in 2017 at the age of 61, leaving behind his wife Louise Newbury and their two children, James and Lydia.
Eliza Dushku, who played Harry and Helen’s daughter Dana, was just 12 years old when she appeared in “True Lies.” She went on to star in iconic projects like “Bring It On” and had a recurring role on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Dushku also starred in “Tru Calling” and “Dollhouse.” In recent years, she has focused on producing and studying holistic psychology. Dushku married real estate CEO Peter Palandjian in 2018, and the couple has two children. In 2018, Dushku alleged that she was molested by a stunt coordinator during the filming of “True Lies,” a claim that was denied by the accused.
Tia Carrere, who played the villainous Juno, had already appeared in “Wayne’s World” and “General Hospital” before “True Lies.” After the film, she starred in the TV series “Relic Hunter” and voiced Nani in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch.” Carrere has continued to work in both TV and film, appearing in shows like “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “Never Have I Ever.” She will return to the “Lilo & Stitch” franchise in the upcoming live-action remake, playing a new character. Carrere shares a daughter with her ex-husband Simon Wakelin.
Art Malik, who played the terrorist leader Salim Abu Aziz, had been working in the industry since the 1970s. After “True Lies,” he appeared in films like “A Kid in King Arthur’s Court” and “The Wolfman.” Malik also had roles in TV series like “Holby City” and “Homeland.” More recently, he appeared in the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.”
Grant Heslov, who played Faisil, went on to become an Oscar-winning producer. He has appeared in films like “The Birdcage” and “Good Night, and Good Luck.” Heslov has also produced several successful films, including “Argo,” which won an Oscar for Best Picture. He shares two daughters with his wife Lysa.
Marshall Manesh, who played Jamal Khaled, continued to work in both film and TV after “True Lies.” He appeared in “The Big Lebowski” and had recurring roles on shows like “How I Met Your Mother.” Most recently, Manesh has appeared in shorts and an episode of Apple TV’s “Little America.”
“True Lies” remains a beloved film, and its cast has continued to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry. As we look back on the movie nearly 30 years later, it’s clear that the stars of “True Lies” have left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
Source: People, IMDb, Variety
