Elisha Cuthbert returns to acting after years away and shares what made her come back

Elisha Cuthbert is opening up about the decision that led her to step away from acting for several years and focus on her family.

The 43-year-old actress, best known for playing Kim Bauer on the hit series 24, took a break from Hollywood to spend more time with her children before returning to the screen in the new coming-of-age series Every Year After.

During an appearance on the Today show, Cuthbert explained that becoming a mother changed the way she viewed her career and personal priorities.

“I realised I worked all four years through our first child. And it was hard to separate that mom from the working person I was,” she said.

The actress, who shares two children with her husband, retired NHL player Dion Phaneuf, said she decided to slow down after welcoming their second child because she wanted to fully experience those years.

“When we had our second [kid], I just felt like I didn't want to waste any second of it and I didn't want to be on set,” she explained.

Cuthbert said she has no regrets about stepping away from acting, adding that the time allowed her to create meaningful memories with her family.

“I just felt like I needed to be at home with the kids, and I enjoyed every minute,” she said.

“They're in school now full time. I feel like I have the space and the energy and the heart to kind of leave them and do it.”

The actress admitted she was excited to return when the opportunity for Every Year After came along, even though she had not previously read author Carley Fortune’s books before joining the project.

After reading the novel that inspired the series, Cuthbert said she quickly became a fan.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m a superfan now,’” she shared.

While Cuthbert has returned to acting, she previously reflected on her time working on 24 and admitted she is unsure if she would have the energy to take on a similar role again.

The actress described the series as a rewarding but demanding experience, noting that the intense filming schedule and action-heavy scenes made it challenging.

“It was a whirlwind,” she said, adding that the show’s success was “overwhelming and thrilling and exciting.”

Although she has fond memories of the series, Cuthbert acknowledged that the production schedule was extremely demanding.

“It was a well-oiled machine, but it still was a gruelling schedule,” she said. “I don't know if I'd have the energy to partake in that again.”