Alexis Bledel Today: What She’s Up to After Her Acting Hiatus
Alexis Bledel became well-known for her performances in Gilmore Girls, The Handmaid’s Tale, and more, but she has since retreated from the public spotlight.
Bledel began her acting journey after leaving New York University when she secured a role in Gilmore Girls. Portraying Rory Gilmore from 2000 to 2007 propelled Bledel into the limelight, leading her to explore other projects such as the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants film series and TV shows including Mad Men, Us & Them, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
In her personal life, Bledel found love with Vincent Kartheiser, whom she met while working on Mad Men. They married in 2014 and welcomed their first child, a son, one year later. However, Kartheiser filed for divorce in August 2022, which was finalized later that month.
Bledel also surprised many fans when she exited The Handmaid’s Tale that same year after portraying Emily in seasons 1 through 4. Since then, she has maintained a low profile and has not taken on any new projects.
Keep reading for a glimpse into Bledel’s rise to fame — and an update on her life today:
How Did Alexis Get Her Start?
After landing the role of Lauren Graham‘s character’s daughter in Gilmore Girls, Bledel made her big screen debut alongside Jonathan Jackson in Tuck Everlasting. She then took on the role of Lena alongside Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Blake Lively in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and its sequel.
Other noteworthy projects for Bledel include The Good Guy, Post Grad, Violet & Daisy, Jenny’s Wedding, and Crypto. On television, she starred in Mad Men, Us & Them, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
She reprised her role as Rory Gilmore in the 2016 Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
“When [creator Amy Sherman-Palladino] discussed the key elements of what she envisioned — which seemed to flow naturally for her, signaling that it was the right moment and way to tell the story — I was enthusiastic,” Bledel shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2016. “It felt fantastic, and I was eager to start working on it.”
What Were Alexis’ Other Accomplishments?
Bledel portrayed Emily in four seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, earning her four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including a win for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. She also garnered three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series.
Aside from her work in TV and films, Bledel participated in theatrical productions such as Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Regrets, and College Republicans.
What Led to Her Departure From Hollywood?
Before marrying Kartheiser, Bledel dated her Gilmore Girls co-star Milo Ventimiglia for four years until their breakup in 2006. She was also briefly linked to Jared Padalecki and John Paul. In 2012, she began dating Kartheiser, and they tied the knot two years later, welcoming their son shortly after.
In May 2022, Bledel announced her exit from The Handmaid’s Tale.
“After much consideration, I felt the need to step back from The Handmaid’s Tale at this time,” she stated in an interview with Variety. “I am eternally grateful to [executive producer] Bruce Miller for writing such impactful scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast, and crew for their support.”
Three months later, reports surfaced that Bledel and Kartheiser had parted ways after eight years of marriage.
Has Alexis Made an Appearance in Any Projects Since Then?
Bledel’s last appearance in The Handmaid’s Tale was also her most recent credit to date. Creator Miller previously commented on the possibility of Bledel returning for the show’s sixth and final season.
“There are so many people I wish could come back. We’ve been fortunate with our guest stars, both as individuals and for how wonderful they are. I don’t want to spoil anything,” he mentioned to Us in April 2025. “Some characters will return, especially in the spinoff The Testaments. We’re bringing characters from The Handmaid’s Tale into that world as well. I can’t reveal who they are, as it would take away the excitement.”
Miller cleverly avoided confirming Bledel’s character Emily, sharing in jest, “I don’t know who that is. … Just kidding.”
In a rare interview a month later, Bledel reflected on her time in the show, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I was offered the role of Emily, and upon reading the pilot script, I immediately agreed. Bruce [Miller] just had this instinct that I was meant to play Ofglen.”
Bledel returned for the series finale. “The reason it happened was because I was genuinely interested in seeing the character’s journey and what had occurred over time. It was something I had always desired to do, but due to her complex schedule and life, the timing never aligned until the very end,” Miller explained to The Hollywood Reporter in May 2025. “She made incredible efforts to join us, and there were many logistical factors at play rather than just narrative or emotional ones.”
When Was the Last Time Alexis Made a Public Appearance?
In March 2024, Bledel was seen at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California. This marked her first red carpet appearance since 2020 and her first public outing since a virtual appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen a year later.
In December 2024, she issued a statement alongside her The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars Ferrera and Tamblyn in support of Lively, who had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni, who denied the allegations.
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over two decades, we stand by her in solidarity as she confronts the reported effort to undermine her reputation,” the trio shared in a joint statement on Instagram. “During the filming of It Ends with Us, we witnessed her bravery in advocating for a safe work environment for herself and her colleagues, and we are appalled by the evidence of a calculated and malicious effort aimed at discrediting her voice. The exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who has sought safety is deeply upsetting.”
The statement continued: “It is a stark reminder that even women as strong, celebrated, and well-resourced as our friend Blake can face severe repercussions for exercising the right to ask for a safe workplace. We are inspired by her courage to stand up for herself and for others.”
Bledel frequently reunites with her The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars over the years, often sharing moments on social media.
After a hiatus from Hollywood, Bledel agreed to narrate the audiobook for the 50th anniversary edition of Natalie Babbitt‘s novel Tuck Everlasting.
“Revisiting this world has been an incredible experience,” Bledel commented. “Tuck Everlasting holds a special significance for me, having portrayed Winnie Foster in the film many years ago. Narrating this beloved story for its 50th anniversary edition is a delightful journey back into a narrative that compels us to reflect on what it really means to live a meaningful life.”
