TV icon Alexis Bledel confirms unexpected return after disappearing from screens

Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel is returning to the spotlight after taking a break from acting.

Bledel is revisiting the Natalie Babbitt novel Tuck Everlasting two decades after she starred in the film adaptation of the beloved children's classic.

This time around, she'll be narrating the audiobook for the book's 50th anniversary.

READ MORE: Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis arrive at Bondi for the Australian premiere of Freakier Friday

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants actress originally played Winnie Foster in the 2002 film adaptation of the book, starring alongside Jonathan Jackson, Ben Kingsley, Sissy Spacek, Victor Garber, Elisabeth Shue and William Hurt.

Bledel, 43, said in a statement to People that it has been an "amazing experience" to revisit the world and characters.

"Tuck Everlasting holds a special place in my heart, having played Winnie Foster in the film many years ago."

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

She said she was honoured to be narrating "this beloved story".

She added that it's been a "wonderful journey back into a tale that challenges us to think about what it truly means to live a meaningful life."

"It's a timeless piece that continues to inspire, and I'm thrilled to bring this magical narrative to life for a new generation of listeners."

Bledel can be heard reading the first paragraph of the book in a clip posted to YouTube.

"I am narrating the 50th Anniversary edition of Tuck Everlasting," she says in the video.

"I can't wait for you to hear it."

The children's classic follows the story of a young girl named Winnie Foster who, while in the woods, stumbles upon the Tuck family and learns they have become immortal after drinking from a magical spring.

READ MORE: All about Working Class Man Jimmy Barnes and his eight children

She befriends the family and learns about the pros and cons of eternal life, as she tries to decide what to do with the newfound knowledge of eternity.

The audiobook will be released in September.

It's a rare public role for Bledel, who took a step back from the public eye after her shock departure from acclaimed TV series The Handmaid's Tale, which won her the Emmy award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama series in 2017.

She announced she was leaving the show in May 2022 saying: "After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid's Tale at this time," she said in a statement to EW.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne's cause of death revealed after his funeral

"I am forever grateful to [showrunner] Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support."

She never clarified why she left, and she has not taken another acting role since her departure from the show.

Bledel's public appearances are rare.

READ MORE: Influencer breaks spine attempting viral stiletto challenge

One of her more recent appearances was to show support for her Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants costar America Ferrera, at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation panel event for the Barbie movie in December 2023.

She also attended Elton John's AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party in 2024.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

------------------------------------

Title: TV icon Alexis Bledel confirms unexpected return after disappearing from screens
Sourced From: celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/alexis-bledel-actress-makes-unexpected-return-after-disappearing-for-tuck-everlasting-audiobook/fc69c927-7368-4f99-963f-9357149dccbb
Published Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:08:00 GMT