Directed and produced by the legendary James Cameron, True Lies follows the life of Harry Tasker, a top-secret agent working for the US government and balancing his double life as a spy with his seemingly mundane family life. The movie weaves together explosive action sequences with laugh-out-loud comedy, creating an exciting blockbuster that resonated strongly with audiences.
Cameron's reputation for delivering high-octane spectacles, coupled with the charisma of the cast, propelled True Lies to become a box-office hit and a beloved classic of the '90s. Its success lay not only in its adrenaline-pumping thrills but also in its ability to inject humor and heart into the action genre, and it remains fresh 30 years after it first hit theaters.
Here's a look at what the True Lies cast is up to today.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker
Harry Tasker, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a suave and skilled secret agent leading a double life. He juggles his high-stakes missions with his role as a husband and father, often with comical results.
Reflecting on his role in True Lies, the star said, “Everywhere I go, people ask me when I’m going to do another big action-comedy like True Lies.” He also called it, “one of my favorite movies that I’ve done.”
Prior to True Lies Schwarzenegger's storied career in Hollywood included roles in action classics such as The Terminator series, Predator (1987) and Total Recall (1990).
Following True Lies, Schwarzenegger continued to dominate the action scene with films like Eraser (1996) and The Sixth Day (2000). He also ventured into politics, famously serving as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
He was married to writer and activist Maria Shriver and together they had four children. Then in 2011, Schwarzenegger revealed that he had fathered another child, son Joseph Baena, with his longtime housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena. Shriver filed for divorce that same year after 25 years of marriage.
Now 76, Schwarzenegger has multiple projects in the works and starred in the 2023 Netflix comedy series FUBAR, which was recently renewed for a second season.
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Jamie Lee Curtis as Helen Tasker in True Lies
Helen Tasker, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is Harry's wife, who is unaware of his true profession. She leads a seemingly ordinary life until she becomes entangled in Harry's spy escapades, discovering hidden talents and strength along the way.
Curtis did her own stunts in True Lies, saying “All of that was real. The speed was real, because you can’t do it slowly, you have to do it at speed. I am tethered to the limousine through a safety belt that is then tethered to a carabiner that is then tethered to a strap which is secured onto a piece of steel in the car.”
Prior to True Lies, Curtis gained prominence in the horror genre with her role in Halloween (1978) and its sequels. She also showcased her versatility in comedies like Trading Places (1983) and A Fish Called Wanda (1988).
After True Lies, Curtis continued starred in comedies like Freaky Friday (2003) and Christmas with the Kranks (2004). More recently, she won an Oscar for her role in the acclaimed 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Curtis, who is the daughter of Hollywood legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, has also written multiple children's books and a graphic novel.
Now 65, she has been married to actor and director Christopher Guest since 1984 and they have two children. She's rumored to be coming back for an upcoming sequel to Freaky Friday.
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Tom Arnold as Albert "Gib" Gibson
Gib, played by Tom Arnold, is Harry's loyal and bumbling partner, providing comedic relief amidst the chaos of their missions. Despite his quirks, Gib proves to be a valuable ally in Harry's adventures.
Looking back at True Lies and his extensive film career since, the actor joked, “I can't believe Arnold and I haven't done another movie since I'm his best co-star ever and he's done like 18 movies with Sly: his nemesis!”
Prior to True Lies, Arnold rose to prominence as a comedian and actor, gaining attention for his work on Roseanne (1989-1993).
After True Lies, Arnold continued to appear in both movies and TV shows including The Stupids (1996), Exit Wounds (2001) and Cradle 2 the Grave (2003). In 2023, he made a guest appearance in the TV adaptation of True Lives on CBS.
On the personal front, Arnold has been married four times, including to actress and comedian Roseanne Barr.
Now 65, Arnold has over 200 credits to his name, and has been working steadily in low-budget and indie movies in recent years.
Bill Paxton as Simon in True Lies
Simon is a used-car salesman who becomes entangled in Harry's mission, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and confrontations. Bill Paxton brings his trademark charm to the role.
Prior to True Lies, Paxton was in other James Cameron movies, including The Terminator (1984) and Aliens (1986).
Of his relationship with Cameron, Paxton said, “He brought me into his circle — he's a very private man in many ways — but he accepted me as a peer very early on. We've been good friends. We're actually the same age, although I've always thought of him as kind of an older brother. He ended up tossing me a bone, as it were, to do a cameo in The Terminator. A few years after that I got the tremendous role of Hudson in Aliens."
After True Lies Paxton played an astronaut in Apollo 13 (1995) and a storm chaser in Twister (1996). He reunited with Cameron when he played a scientist who salvaged the wreck of the ocean liner in Titanic (1997).
On the small screen, Paxton was known for his role as Bill Henrickson, the patriarch of a polygamist family in Utah, in the HBO Series Big Love, which ran from 2006 to 2011.
In his personal life, he was married to Louise Newbury and together they had two children. Tragically, he passed away in 2017 due to complications from surgery. He was just 61, and his final credit was starring in the series Training Day that same year.
Tia Carrere as Juno Skinner
Juno Skinner is a seductive art dealer who becomes embroiled in Harry's mission. Tia Carrere infuses the character with charm and cunning, serving as a formidable adversary.
Prior to True Lies, Carrere gained recognition for her role in Wayne's World (1992), showcasing her talent as both an actress and singer. She was also part of the cast of the soap opera General Hospital from 1985 to 1987.
Following True Lies, Carrere starred in the series Relic Hunter (1999-2002) and provided the voice of Nani in the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch (2002). She's made appearances in various TV shows in recent years and will next be seen in the upcoming live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch.
Now 57, Carrere is also an accomplished musician and has released multiple albums of music inspired by her Hawaiian roots.
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Eliza Dushku as Dana Tasker in True Lies
Dana Tasker is Harry and Helen's teenage daughter, who unwittingly gets caught up in her father's espionage antics. Eliza Dushku brings spunk and sass to the role.
Prior to True Lies, Dushku had just two credits to her name, That Night (1992) and This Boy’s Life (1993).
After True Lies, she landed her most famous role as the tough-girl slayer Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1998-2003). She also starred in the shows Tru Calling (2003-2005) and Dollhouse (2009-2010).
Dushku has been in films like Bring It On (2000), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) and Wrong Turn (2003).
Now 43, she is married to business and former tennis player Peter Palandjian and has two children. She most recently appeared in the 2017 TV movie The Saint and has served as a producer for various projects.
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