Meghan Markle makes 'massive' return to acting – nine years after last role

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is rumoured to be returning to her acting roots and will star alongside Hollywood legends, Lily Collins and Brie Larson

Meghan Markle is returning to acting. The Duchess of Sussex's last acting role was in the 2016 Hallmark Channel TV movie, Dater's Handbook, as Cassandra Brand.

The Duchess officially retired from her time on screen eight years ago after she started dating Prince Harry, and their relationship became more serious. She found fame playing paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, between 2011 and 2018, with her final scene being filmed the year before her exit.

But now, sources claim that she's preparing to step back into her former career, alongside the likes of Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Brit Henry and Jack Quaid for the production of Close Personal Friends. Today, the Duchess was reportedly on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles.

Although she's returning to the screens, it's said she will be playing herself in the Amazon MGM Studios film, which focuses on two couples, one of them being famous, and the other not being famous.

A source told The Sun: "This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It is Meghan's way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set."

They added that everybody involved in the production had been sworn to secrecy. Meanwhile, her husband, the Duke of Sussex, is said to be extremely supportive of his wife's return to the screen and has been encouraging her to do "whatever brings her joy."

Earlier this year, the mother-of-two admitted that she occasionally missed her acting career. But while Harry is extremely supportive, he admits that one scene of Meghan's left a lasting mark on his mind. Writing in his memoir, Spare, the Duke said: "I'd witnessed her and a cast mate mauling each other in some sort of office conference room.

"It would take electric shock therapy to get those images out of my head." In the past, Meghan has always been open about her experiences as an actress, admitting she struggled earlier in her career. Despite getting countless auditions, directors rejected her, which she says had an impact on her self-esteem.

Speaking to Vanity Fair in October 2022, the Duchess made a very cryptic comment about a possible return to the industry. She told the outlet: "I left Suits right after the 100th episode, in 2018. I didn't think I'd ever be in the entertainment industry again. But the entire culture has changed; streamers have changed things. The ability to create zeitgeist moments like we had in the '90s — where everyone would tune in at the same time for a show or gather for one moment? — that doesn't happen anymore.

"When I was doing Suits, that character, Rachel Zane, was in your living room with you while you were in your pyjamas eating Chinese takeout. That's how connected the experience felt then. But to create a cultural moment or conversation requires something different today. Podcasting has been really interesting in that way. It might be one of the only remaining forums where people are alone to listen. Where else do you have that opportunity?"

When asked directly if she would consider returning to the screens, she quipped: "No, I'm done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not."

In 2021, just one year after Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior working members of The Royal Family, it was revealed that the Duchess would consider a return for the "right role". She and Prince Harry later signed a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, which included Harry & Meghan, and most recently, With Love, Meghan.

Film-maker Jia Wertz told the Daily Star: "Considering that Meghan Markle had a 15-year career as an actress and has now signed a production deal with Netflix, which is taking her back to the world of Hollywood, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to think she will return to acting for the right role."

She went on to add: "The bold and decisive decisions Markle has made by stepping down as a senior member of the royal family and moving back to Southern California indicates that she knows what she wants, and has stated that she has no plans to return to acting. Fans may see her appear on camera in her new documentary endeavours, though."

The Mirror has approached The Duchess of Sussex's spokesperson for comment.

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