Actress Alexis Bledel, recognized for her work in Gilmore Girls and The Handmaid’s Tale, has now explained why she left the Hulu drama after playing Emily Malek/Ofglen from 2017 to 2021. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Bledel admitted that the intense emotional burden of the role was the primary reason for her departure from the show.
As a devoted admirer, the mere thought of Emily being subjected to something so harrowing – captured, powerless, with no control over her own body – was heartrendingly distressing for me. Eventually, after careful deliberation, I felt compelled to distance myself from The Handmaid’s Tale at this juncture, as I shared in a statement with E! News back in May 2022.
Here’s Why Alexis Bledel Walked Away
In Margaret Atwood’s novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, Emily initially leads a life as a university instructor and mother. However, she is subsequently apprehended due to her involvement in a same-sex relationship, which is considered illegal within the fictional, religious regime of Gilead.
In the series, she’s compelled to assume the role of a Handmaid, given the name ‘Ofglen,’ and experiences some of the show’s most agonizing moments. Her character undergoes procedures like genital mutilation, is banished to the Colonies, and eventually seeks retribution against Commander Waterford.
Initially, the role found a strong pull on Bledel, as she recounted, “Upon being offered the part, I delved into the pilot script and instantly agreed. It seemed that director Bruce Miller instinctively recognized my potential to portray Ofglen.
Alexis Bledel isn’t alone in experiencing the emotional burden of The Handmaid’s Tale; Samira Wiley, who portrays Moira, also found it tough to maintain her immersion within the world of Gilead. In an interview with Parade during the Season 6 premiere in April, Wiley revealed that she had completed her work on the show and was ready to move past the emotional turmoil it brought about.
She revealed that she resorted to learning strategies such as meditation and mindfulness in order to psychologically disengage from the highly engaging plotlines. Similarly, Wiley frequently recommends that viewers who become engrossed in watching the series prioritize their mental well-being.
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2025-05-26 15:22