- Meghan Markle has returned to acting for the first time in eight years, filming a role in the new movie Close Personal Friends.
- An on-set insider exclusively revealed that the Duchess of Sussex appeared “very relaxed and happy” during production.
- The film features a star-studded cast, including Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding.
- This marks her first scripted role since leaving the popular legal drama Suits in 2018 before her marriage to Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle’s Hollywood Comeback
In a move that has surprised many, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made her official return to the world of acting after an eight-year hiatus. She was spotted on the set of the new Amazon MGM Studios film, Close Personal Friends, in Pasadena, California, marking a significant new chapter in her post-royal career. An insider who was present during the filming shared exclusively that Meghan was in high spirits, describing her as “very relaxed and happy.”
A Star-Studded Return to the Big Screen
Meghan joins an impressive ensemble cast for Close Personal Friends, which includes Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding. The film, directed by Jason Orley, follows a couple who befriends a celebrity duo during a trip to Santa Barbara. According to the on-set source, Meghan has a small role in the project.
“Sweet and Down-to-Earth” on Set
Despite the high-profile nature of her return, the insider noted that Meghan was incredibly grounded. “She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth,” the source continued. A studio source quoted by The Sun called the move a “massive moment” for her, suggesting it is Meghan’s way of “gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.” The production has been kept under tight wraps, with those involved sworn to secrecy about her participation.
From Royal Duties to Rolling Cameras
This project is Meghan’s first scripted acting role since she left her starring role as Rachel Zane in the hit series Suits. Her final episode aired in April 2018, shortly before her marriage to Prince Harry. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the couple moved to Santa Barbara, where they now live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In her 2017 engagement interview with the BBC, Meghan addressed her decision to leave her acting career behind, framing it not as a sacrifice but as a transition. “I don’t see it as giving anything up, I just see it as a change,” she said at the time. “It’s a new chapter… I’ve been working on my show for seven years… I have ticked this box and I feel really proud of the work I’ve done there and now it’s time to… work as a team with you.”