Blanchett Hints at Stepping Away from the Spotlight
Two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett has revealed she is considering stepping away from acting. During an interview conducted in her dressing room at London’s Barbican Centre, where she’s currently performing in Chekhov’s The Seagull, Blanchett confessed, “I am serious about giving up acting.” While she admitted her family often dismisses the idea, Blanchett emphasized, “There are a lot of things I want to do with my life.”
A New Chapter Begins with Radio Drama
The Australian star recently made her debut in the radio drama The Fever by Wallace Shawn. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Tiffany and choreographer Steven Hoggett, the 90-minute monologue explores the psychological unraveling of a privileged traveler in a war-torn country. Blanchett described the experience as “urgent and demanding,” calling it “a dialogue with the self that asks some rather uncomfortable questions.”
This foray into audio storytelling underscores Blanchett’s evolving interests. She shared her deep appreciation for the “psychological space of the car,” where many of her most intimate family conversations happen, often accompanied by long-form radio programming. Her own teenage son’s love for Desert Island Discs mirrors Blanchett’s growing attachment to audio formats.
From Galadriel to Hela: A Career of Unrivaled Range
Over the years, Cate Blanchett’s filmography has stretched across genres. From her ethereal portrayal of Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings to the ruthless villain Hela in Thor: Ragnarok, Blanchett has proven her mettle in both blockbusters and arthouse cinema. Her Oscar-winning turn in Blue Jasmine and acclaimed performance in TÁR (2022) as a troubled orchestra conductor cemented her status as one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
Yet, despite her success, Blanchett admits she’s never been entirely comfortable in the spotlight. “I find myself profoundly dull,” she said, noting that she avoids watching or listening to her own performances. “I make more sense in motion,” she added, speaking to her inner restlessness.
Grappling with Fame and Privilege
Blanchett spoke candidly about the conflicting emotions that come with fame. Reflecting on the performative nature of interviews and media appearances, she echoed John Updike’s sentiment that “celebrity is a mask that eats into the face.” Despite being a global icon, she often feels like an outsider, still “getting comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable.”
In The Fever, Blanchett channels these thoughts through her character’s reflections on wealth, privilege, and societal complicity. “There are lots of things that I am ashamed to admit, even to myself,” she said. “But if we act on and confront what we are ashamed about, then we can continue to grow.”
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Blanchett remains grounded and hopeful, largely because of her family. “I have four children,” she said. “There’s no time for hopelessness.” She believes in preserving spaces where empathy and honest conversations can thrive, especially at a time when compassion is often devalued. Referencing a controversial comment by Elon Musk, who dismissed empathy as a weakness, Blanchett warned, “We are in deep trouble.”
Though she acknowledges that her work—like The Fever—might not change the world, she values its potential to spark introspection. “If one person has an epiphany? Amazing,” she said. “Sometimes these things come at 3 am, two weeks later. And you just keep going back to it.”
🎙️Cate Blanchett to star in The Fever – her first major radio drama – a new commission for @BBCRadio4 and @BBCSounds
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) March 20, 2025
Coming soon!
Read more➡️https://t.co/yVsWoqu7DH pic.twitter.com/CGUDfARLWS
Still an Actress—For Now
While she’s serious about moving on, Blanchett remains open to whatever the future holds. Whether behind a microphone or in front of a camera, she continues to challenge herself and her audience. And though she may describe herself as “more unbearable in life than in the rehearsal room,” it’s clear Cate Blanchett is not done asking the hard questions—of herself or of the world.