Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Return to Acting After Eight-Year Break
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made a surprising return to acting after an eight-year hiatus from Hollywood. This move marks what insiders are calling a “massive moment” for the former star of the hit legal dramaSuits. The 44-year-old will appear as herself in a new Hollywood comedy titledClose Personal Friends, alongside notable actors such as Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding.
The film, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, follows the lives of two couples—one famous and the other not. Markle was reportedly spotted on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles, filming scenes for the upcoming production. According to reports, this role represents a significant step for the duchess, who has been busy with various media ventures since stepping down as a senior working royal in 2020.
“This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves,” a source told the outlet. “She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It’s her way of gently putting her toe back in the water.”
The insider added that Prince Harry is “really supportive” of her decision and “wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy.” This support comes as no surprise, given the couple’s shared history in the entertainment industry.
Markle rose to fame as Rachel Zane in the popular legal dramaSuits, where she played a key role for seven years. She retired from acting in 2017 ahead of her engagement to Prince Harry. Prior to her breakthrough, she appeared in films such asHorrible Bosses,Get Him to the Greek, andRemember Me.
Since leaving the royal family, Markle has pursued various media projects with Harry, including Netflix docuseries, podcasts, and lifestyle brands. In a recent appearance on theAspirepodcast with Emma Grede, she admitted that she “sometimes” misses acting and expressed regret over not being able to say a proper farewell to herSuitscolleagues.
“After seven years on the series, we couldn’t have a going-away party,” she said. “I couldn’t say my goodbyes. If my crew’s watching, I miss you guys. I wish I could have said bye.”
Prince Harry previously reflected on Meghan’s acting days in his memoirSpare, joking about watching her in a romantic scene. He wrote: “It would take electric shock therapy to get those images out of my head.”
Markle has also spoken in the past about the struggles of her early career, recalling multiple rejections that “chipped away” at her self-esteem. Before landing her breakthrough role, she briefly worked as a ‘briefcase girl’ on the U.S. version ofDeal or No Deal.
A New Chapter in Her Career
This return to acting is more than just a professional endeavor for Markle—it’s a personal one. It allows her to reconnect with a part of her identity that she had to leave behind when she entered the royal family. While the duchess has found success in other areas, there’s a clear sense of nostalgia and passion for the craft that she once loved.
With the support of her husband and a growing list of opportunities, it seems that Markle is finally ready to embrace this new chapter. Whether this role leads to more work in the future remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a meaningful step in her journey.