Actor Josh Hutcherson recently shared a memorable anecdote about his great-grandmother, Helen Fightmaster, visiting him on the set of his series Future Man on a day when an “orgy scene” was being filmed. Her unflappable reaction and a history of progressive attitudes underscore a truly unique and supportive family dynamic that fans find both hilarious and endearing.
In Hollywood, family support is often touted, but few stories are as delightfully unconventional as that of Josh Hutcherson and his great-grandmother. The star, known for his roles in The Hunger Games and Bridge to Terabithia, recently captivated audiences by recounting a truly outrageous on-set visit from his great-grandmother, proving that his family truly “can hang.”
During a conversation with Variety at the premiere of his new HBO series, I Love LA, Hutcherson reflected on his great-grandmother witnessing an intimate scene. “My great-grandma was on set the day on Future Man that we were shooting an orgy. My family can hang,” he shared, highlighting his family’s open-minded nature.
The Day Great-Grandma Met the Orgy Scene
The memorable incident occurred during the filming of Hulu’s sci-fi comedy series, Future Man. Hutcherson had invited his great-grandmother to visit the set, unaware that the schedule for her visit would coincide with a particularly racy group sex sequence. Despite the potentially awkward timing, his great-grandmother’s presence was non-negotiable.
“I didn’t realize the day she was coming also lined up with the orgy shoot,” Hutcherson explained, adding, “She was coming no matter what. She was going to be there. She’s a very supportive great-grandma.” He also clarified that the scene itself was intended for comedy, not eroticism, and that he was “fully, well, not fully clothed.”
Perhaps the most remarkable detail was his great-grandmother’s reaction. Far from being shocked or uncomfortable, she simply observed the surreal spectacle with a dry wit, telling her grandson, “You know, it’s fiction. Very interesting, your job, Joshua.” This laid-back response perfectly encapsulates the supportive and progressive spirit Hutcherson often attributes to her.
Helen Fightmaster: A Legacy of Liberalism and Laughs
This isn’t the first time Hutcherson has publicly praised his great-grandmother, Helen Fightmaster, for her unique outlook. Her reputation for a progressive mentality, even from a “more conservative area,” predates this recent anecdote.
In a memorable 2017 appearance on Entertainment Weekly reported, Hutcherson previously shared a hilarious story about Fightmaster on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He revealed that she consistently dominates their family’s annual ugly Christmas sweater competition by knitting her own garments. These aren’t just any sweaters; they feature “scantily clad male figures in calendar-esque poses.”
Hutcherson vividly painted a picture of his great-grandmother crafting these unique pieces: “I want you to picture this woman sitting next to a fireplace, with a glass of bourbon, knitting the crotch, watching Murder, She Wrote.” This imagery further solidified her status as an icon within the family and among fans who appreciate her carefree and humorous approach to life.
A Consistent Character: The Same Chill Great-Grandma?
While the articles don’t explicitly confirm that the Helen Fightmaster from the Jimmy Kimmel Live story is the exact same great-grandmother who visited the Future Man set, the strong similarities in temperament and progressive views make it highly probable. Hutcherson himself noted her general “liberal, progressive kind of mentality.”
It’s clear that Hutcherson is blessed with at least one, if not more, “extremely chill great-grandmas” who offer unwavering and humorously non-judgmental support for his acting career, no matter how “interesting” the scenes get. Her consistent embrace of the unconventional provides a refreshing perspective on family dynamics in the entertainment industry.
