'TVD' star Claire Holt shares reason behind acting hiatus

Claire Holt has opened up about the personal decision that led her to step away from acting.

In a recent interview with E! News, the actress, who last appeared on screen as Rebekah Mikaelson in The Originals spin-off Legacies in 2022, explained that she chose to take a career break so she could be fully present for her children.

Reflecting on her earlier mindset, Holt admitted she spent years trying to fit into what she believed the industry wanted. 

"I spent a lot of time trying to fit into the mold of something that I thought was hireable, desirable, or what I should have been," she shared.

The Vampire Diaries alum also noted that her priorities shifted significantly after becoming a mother to sons, James, Ford, and daughter Elle. 

She shares these kids with her husband, Andrew Joblon.

"I had this sort of one-track goal of getting where I wanted to go in my entertainment career, my acting career," Holt explained. 

"When I had kids, I realized I wanted to be as present as I could in their lives."

While Holt acknowledged that stepping away from acting has left her feeling less "intellectually and creatively fulfilled," she said motherhood has brought a deeper sense of clarity and self-awareness. 

"The beauty of motherhood is that you become really aware of who you are," she added.

The actress concluded by emphasizing how her outlook has evolved, saying, "I'm not willing to sacrifice my mental health or happiness anymore for things, so that’s a beautiful thing that's come from motherhood, it's a really strong sense of yourself."