Meghan Markle is returning to Hollywood after 8 years

Meghan Markle is reportedly stepping back into the acting world, nearly eight years after walking away from Hollywood. 

According to The Sun, the Duchess of Sussex has joined the cast of Close Personal Friends, an upcoming film starring Jack Quaid, Lily Collins and Brie Larson. 

She is said to be playing herself in the project, which follows two couples, one famous and the other not, and was spotted on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles.

A production insider described the move as a meaningful moment for Markle, sharing that “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves.” 

The source said she has received many offers, but this opportunity felt like the right fit and allows her to ease back into life on set. They added that everyone involved is excited and has agreed to keep her appearance quiet.

Prince Harry reacts to wife Meghan Markle's Hollywood return

Her husband, Prince Harry, is fully behind the decision as well. The insider noted that “Prince Harry is, of course, really supportive and quite simply wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy.”

When did Meghan Markle quit Hollywood

Markle stepped away from acting in 2017 after her engagement to Prince Harry. At the time, she said it felt like the start of “a new chapter” and that she was proud of the work she had done. 

Leaving Suits after seven years, she shared that she was ready to move forward as a team with Harry. 

USA Network later issued a statement praising her dedication to the series and wishing her the very best.

Her final episode aired during the Season 7 finale in April 2018, one month before the couple’s royal wedding. 

In 2020, Meghan and Harry stepped down as working members of the royal family and later moved to Southern California, where they now live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Before her time on Suits, Meghan appeared in movies such as Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. 

Meghan Markle 'missed' acting 

She recently shared in a podcast conversation that she “sometimes” missed acting, a hint that returning to Hollywood might someday feel right.

Now, with filming underway on Close Personal Friends, it seems she is officially trying out the industry again. As one source put it, this role is her way of “gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”