Meghan Markle 'relaxed and happy' to be mixing with Hollywood stars after returning to acting

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 06/11/2025

- 08:47

The film's production commenced in London during September before relocating to California for additional filming

Meghan Markle was relaxed and happy during her comeback to acting after an eight-year hiatus after accepting a minor part in an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios production.

An industry insider revealed on Wednesday that the Duchess of Sussex appeared on the Pasadena, California set of "Close Personal Friends", which features Lily Collins and Brie Larson in leading roles.


The source observed that the former actress "seemed very relaxed and happy" during filming.

They told People magazine that Meghan "introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth."

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle was relaxed and happy during her comeback to acting after an eight-year hiatus after accepting a minor part in an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios production.

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GETTY

A studio insider described the development to The Sun as a "massive moment" for the duchess.

They characterised it as "Meghan's way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set."

The production team has reportedly been instructed to maintain confidentiality regarding her participation, with the source noting that "everyone involved is super-excited."

The film, which also features Jack Quaid and Henry Golding, was first announced in August and is being helmed by director Jason Orley.

The storyline follows a couple who encounter a celebrity pair whilst holidaying in Santa Barbara, California.

Meghan Markle

An insider told People magazine that Meghan "introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth."

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GETTY

Production commenced in London during September before relocating to California for additional filming.

The location holds particular significance for the duchess, who has resided in Santa Barbara since 2020.

She and Prince Harry settled there after stepping back from their official royal duties in Britain.

The couple live in their California home with their two children, Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, aged four.

This marks Meghan's first scripted performance since departing the legal drama "Suits" in 2018, the year she wed the Duke of Sussex.

Meghan Markle

This marks Meghan's first scripted performance since departing the legal drama "Suits" in 2018, the year she wed the Duke of Sussex.

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GETTY

Meghan ceased filming "Suits" after her engagement to Prince Harry was announced in 2017, with her last episode broadcasting in April 2018.

Throughout her tenure on the USA Network programme, she portrayed paralegal-turned-lawyer Rachel Zane across seven series.

Since departing the legal drama, her on-screen appearances have been limited to documentary projects and unscripted programming, including her recent Netflix venture "With Love, Meghan".

During her 2017 BBC engagement interview, Meghan addressed her decision to step away from her acting career.

Meghan said: "I don't see it as giving anything up, I just see it as a change."

She elaborated: "It's a new chapter. Right. And also keep in mind I've been working on my show for seven years."

"So we're very very fortunate to be able to have that sort of longevity on a series and for me, once we hit the 100-episode marker I thought, you know what, I have ticked this box and I feel really proud of the work I've done there."