5 Surprising Facts About Daryl Hannah's Age And The Groundbreaking Legacy Of 'Splash' At 40

The romantic comedy Splash, which launched the careers of both Daryl Hannah and Tom Hanks, remains one of the most beloved "fish-out-of-water" stories in cinematic history. Fans often revisit the 1984 classic, and one of the most common questions that resurfaces, especially with the film's 40th anniversary in 2024, is about the age of the actress who played the captivating mermaid, Madison.

The answer is that Daryl Hannah was 23 years old when Splash was released, a fact that is only a small part of the fascinating story behind her breakthrough role. This article dives deep into her journey, from her early career anxieties to her current life as a celebrated activist and director, revealing the fresh, updated context and little-known facts surrounding the film and its star.

Daryl Hannah: A Complete Biography and Profile

Daryl Hannah's career is marked by a unique blend of ethereal beauty, versatile acting, and fierce dedication to environmental causes. Her life is a compelling narrative that extends far beyond the iconic mermaid tail of Madison. Here is a brief biography:

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• Full Name: Daryl Christine Hannah
• Date of Birth: December 3, 1960
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Age During Splash (1984): 23 years old.
• Film Debut: She made her film debut at age 17 in the supernatural horror film The Fury (1978).
• Breakthrough Role: Pris Stratton in Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner (1982).
• Iconic Roles: Madison in Splash (1984), Roxanne Kowalski in Roxanne (1987), Elle Driver in the Kill Bill franchise (2003, 2004), and Angelica Turing in the Netflix series Sense8 (2015–2018).
• Notable Relationships: She had high-profile relationships with Jackson Browne and John F. Kennedy Jr.
• Current Spouse: Musician and environmentalist Neil Young (married in 2018).
• Other Ventures: A dedicated environmental activist, a director, and a writer.

The 23-Year-Old Star Who Made Disney History

When Splash hit theaters on March 9, 1984, Daryl Hannah was instantly catapulted into international stardom. The film itself was historic, marking the very first release from The Walt Disney Company's new, more adult-oriented film label, Touchstone Pictures.

The Anxiety Behind the Iconic Mermaid Tail

Despite the film's lighthearted romantic comedy tone, Hannah recently revealed on the film's 40th anniversary that she was "incredibly anxious" about the role, particularly the scenes involving nudity.

The role of Madison, a mermaid who loses her tail on land, required several scenes where Hannah's character was nude or partially clothed. The actress, who was 23 at the time, expressed significant discomfort with the requirement, especially as the film was being released under a Disney banner, albeit the new Touchstone Pictures label.

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Director Ron Howard had to work closely with Hannah to ensure she felt comfortable, using creative camera angles and body doubles to minimize her exposure. This behind-the-scenes detail adds a layer of complexity to the seemingly effortless performance that charmed millions.

Working with Tom Hanks and John Candy

Splash is often cited as the film that cemented Tom Hanks's path to superstardom as the lovable Allen Bauer. However, Daryl Hannah also shared the screen with the legendary John Candy, who played Allen's hilarious brother, Freddie Bauer.

Hannah has spoken fondly of her time with Candy, describing him as "a great man" and "so lovely" in a recent interview, underscoring the friendly, collaborative atmosphere on the set. The chemistry between the three leads—Hanks, Hannah, and Candy—was a major factor in the movie's massive box office success.

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From Hollywood Star to Global Green Activist

While the role of Madison the mermaid is inextricably linked to water, Daryl Hannah’s life post-Splash has been dedicated to protecting the environment—a commitment that gives her career a strong, topical connection to her most famous character.

A Passion for Sustainable Living

Hannah is not just a celebrity advocate; she is a hands-on environmental activist. She has been arrested multiple times for protesting against projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, demonstrating her fierce dedication to climate change awareness.

Her focus is largely on promoting renewable energy sources and sustainable living. She is a founder of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance (SBA), an organization that encourages the use of clean, plant-based fuels instead of fossil fuels. This deep-seated passion for ecological issues has become the defining characteristic of her life outside of acting.

Marriage to Neil Young: A Shared Green Mission

In 2018, Daryl Hannah married legendary musician Neil Young in a quiet, private ceremony. The couple's relationship is deeply rooted in their shared commitment to environmental activism.

Young, himself a passionate advocate for the planet, has often collaborated with Hannah on environmental projects. Their union is a powerful partnership that uses their combined platform to raise awareness about global warming, sustainable farming, and the importance of conservation, solidifying Hannah's modern identity as a leading voice in the green movement.

The Enduring Legacy of Madison the Mermaid

The character of Madison was so influential that the name, which was reportedly created by Hannah herself on the spot during filming, saw a massive spike in popularity for baby girls in the years following the film's release. This is a testament to the cultural impact of a 23-year-old actress's performance.

From the technical marvel of her custom-made, fully functional mermaid tail—a complex piece of movie magic—to the film's groundbreaking status for Disney, Splash remains a powerful milestone. Daryl Hannah's youthful performance as the curious, innocent, and beautiful Madison continues to resonate, even as the actress herself has evolved into a respected director, writer, and a tireless environmental warrior.

Today, as the film celebrates its 40th anniversary, the story of the young star who played the mermaid is more relevant than ever, serving as a reminder that a breakthrough role is often just the beginning of a much larger, more impactful life story.