It’s hard to believe it’s already been 16 years since Hitch hit theaters! This romantic comedy, led by the charismatic Will Smith, became a box office sensation upon its release on February 11, 2005. It grossed over $370 million worldwide, captivating audiences with its blend of humor and romance.
In Hitch, Will Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, the go-to guy for those seeking love. The film takes a twist as Hitch himself finds love while helping a down-on-his-luck accountant charm a high-profile celebrity. With an outstanding cast that includes talented actors, let’s take a look back at their journey from then to now!
Will Smith
Will Smith, now 52, portrayed the titular character in Hitch. As the ultimate date doctor and love guru, he captured the hearts of many. Following Hitch, he starred in the critically acclaimed film, The Pursuit of Happyness, where he earned an Oscar nomination for his performance alongside his son, Jaden Smith.
Will has continued to shine in various roles, including his portrayal of Deadshot in Suicide Squad and the Genie in the live-action remake of Aladdin. He reprised his role as Mike Lowrey in Bad Boys for Life and participated in the much-anticipated reunion of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 2020.
Will remains happily married to Jada Pinkett Smith, with whom he shares two children, Jaden and Willow. He also has a son, Trey Smith, from a previous marriage.
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes, who played Sara, the love interest of Hitch, is currently 46 years old. Following her role in Hitch, she starred in several notable films, including Ghost Rider and The Other Guys. In 2012, she began dating actor Ryan Gosling, whom she met while filming The Place Beyond the Pines.
After a successful career in film, Eva decided to take a break from acting. She has since focused on her fashion line, Eva by Eva Mendes, in collaboration with New York & Co. Together with Ryan, she has two daughters, Esmeralda, 6, and Amada, 4.
Kevin James
Kevin James, now 55, starred as Albert, the hopeless romantic whom Hitch helps to win over his dream girl. At the time of shooting Hitch, Kevin was already famous for his role in the long-running series The King of Queens, which garnered him an Emmy nomination.
Post-Hitch, he continued to excel in comedy films, such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Grown Ups. He made a return to television with the series Kevin Can Wait in 2016. His upcoming role is in the Netflix comedy series The Crew, set to release on February 15.
Kevin has been married to Steffiana de la Cruz since 2004, and together they have four children, further showcasing his commitment to both family and career.
