After more than seven years away from acting, Meghan Markle is stepping back in front of the camera and fans are buzzing. As confirmed by Variety, the Duchess of Sussex will make a small cameo appearance in the upcoming feature film “Close Personal Friends.”
The comedy is already generating major hype, with a star-studded cast including Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, Brie Larson, and Henry Golding. Currently shooting in Los Angeles, the film also features appearances by Melissa Villaseñor (SNL), Natasia Demetriou, Anna Konkle, Patti Harrison, Jack Shalloo, and Dustin Demri-Burns.
Directed by Jason Orley and written by Isaac Aptaker, the story centers around a “regular” couple who, while vacationing in Santa Barbara, befriends a celebrity couple. As their worlds collide, boundaries blur leading to awkward, comedic chaos.
Orley, Aptaker, and Elizabeth Berger are producing the project, with the trio previously collaborating on the Amazon rom-com I Want You Back.
Before becoming royalty, Meghan Markle was best known for her seven-season run on USA’s “Suits”, as well as roles in “Horrible Bosses” and “Remember Me.” She gave up acting in 2018 upon marrying Prince Harry, saying, “I’ve ticked this box… now it’s time to work with as a team.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Harry have been building their media footprint through Archewell Productions, with a multi-year Netflix deal. Meghan has been behind docuseries like “Live to Lead”, “Polo”, and her own lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” which premiered its second season this summer.
Though it’s just a cameo, Meghan’s appearance in “Close Personal Friends” signals a symbolic return to Hollywood this time on her own terms. As the film unfolds in the backdrop of Santa Barbara, the real-life setting of Meghan and Harry’s California home, it’s a fitting stage for a quiet, comedic re-entry.
