Holly Hunter’s Baltimore Film Presence Recalled in New Retrospective

BALTIMORE (Azat TV) – Actress Holly Hunter’s significant role in Jodie Foster’s 1995 film, Home for the Holidays, is being brought back into focus by a recent retrospective from Baltimore Magazine. Published in January 2026, the article examines Baltimore’s vibrant period of filmmaking during the 1980s and 1990s, with Foster’s directorial effort, featuring Hunter and Robert Downey Jr., serving as a prime example of Hollywood’s presence in the city.

The film, which saw Hunter in a leading capacity, utilized Baltimore’s distinctive architecture and urban landscape as a backdrop. This particular production, alongside many others of its era, cemented Baltimore’s reputation as a favored location for major film projects, earning it the moniker ‘Hollywood East’ among some enthusiasts.

Holly Hunter’s Role in ‘Home for the Holidays’ Production

Home for the Holidays, a comedic drama centered around a dysfunctional family’s Thanksgiving gathering, featured Holly Hunter as Claudia Larson, a single mother navigating complex family dynamics. Directed by Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster, the film also starred Robert Downey Jr. as Claudia’s brother, Tommy. The decision to film in Baltimore was influenced by the city’s versatile appearance, which could convincingly stand in for various American cities, or portray itself.

According to Jack Gerbes, then the location and project manager of the Maryland Film Office, Jodie Foster personally scouted locations in north Baltimore, admiring the classic American-style homes. Foster specifically chose an exterior in the Homeland neighborhood for the film. Gerbes recounted an anecdote where he and Foster approached a homeowner, who initially rebuffed their inquiries until he recognized Foster, leading to a humorous reversal.

Baltimore’s Golden Era of Filmmaking

The period spanning the 1980s and 1990s was indeed a ‘golden era’ for filmmaking in Baltimore, as highlighted by Baltimore Magazine. During this time, the city regularly hosted Hollywood films and network television shows, making it common to see film sets, trailers, and busy crews. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Al Pacino, Eddie Murphy, Meg Ryan, and Kevin Bacon were often spotted around the city, and local residents frequently worked as extras.

Baltimore’s appeal was multifaceted. It was often used as a stand-in for other cities due to its diverse terrain—mountains, beaches, urban, and rural environments—and a wide variety of architectural styles. Notably, it frequently doubled for Washington, D.C., primarily because it was more cost-effective and convenient, with easier permit acquisition. The city’s then-Mayor, William Donald Schaefer, was a strong proponent of transforming Baltimore into a film hub, actively wooing filmmakers to the region.

Notable Productions and Economic Impact

Beyond Home for the Holidays, numerous other significant films were shot in Baltimore during this period. These included 1979’s …And Justice for All starring Al Pacino, Barry Levinson’s acclaimed Baltimore series (Diner, Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights), and John Waters’ iconic works like Hairspray. Other productions like Accidental Tourist, Major League II, and Runaway Bride also contributed to the city’s bustling film scene.

The influx of film productions generated substantial economic benefits for Maryland. As Barry Levinson, who co-wrote …And Justice for All and directed many Baltimore-centric films, emphasized, film crews brought in significant spending on hotels, food, gasoline, and property rentals, in addition to hiring local talent. This economic activity, coupled with the potential for tourism and boosted civic pride, underscored the value of the film industry to the state.

However, by the mid-2000s, this prolific film work largely tapered off. Factors contributing to the decline included a global shift in film production towards countries with better exchange rates and cheaper labor, as well as increased competition from U.S. states offering more aggressive, uncapped tax incentives compared to Maryland’s $12 million annual cap. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to revive Baltimore’s film industry, with recent projects like Jay Duplass’ 2025 film The Baltimorons showcasing a renewed local spirit and resourcefulness.

The retrospective on Baltimore’s past filmmaking triumphs, exemplified by productions featuring acclaimed actors like Holly Hunter, serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and economic vitality that a thriving film industry can bring to a region, highlighting the ongoing efforts to rekindle that creative energy.