Susan Lucci makes a remarkable return to the silver screen in the anticipated film *Outcome*, directed by Jonah Hill. The New York City premiere of the movie took place on April 6, and as she spoke with PEOPLE, Lucci shared how the role helped her navigate a difficult period in her life following the passing of her husband, Helmut Huber.
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The seasoned actress, famous for her long-running role in *All My Children*, had been contemplating her future in the entertainment industry after her husband passed away in March 2022, at the age of 84. Huber’s death followed a stroke, leaving Lucci grappling with profound grief. Reflecting on her emotional turmoil, she admitted, “I frankly never thought I would go in front of a camera again or step on the stage again.”
However, the arrival of a script from Hill, her long-time admiration, reignited her passion for acting. Lucci, now 79, recounted the moment she received the script, saying, “I was very happy to receive a script from Jonah Hill, who I have admired forever.” The emotional timing of the script’s arrival compelled her to reconsider her decision about returning to acting, especially since the writing was “so good.”
Despite her initial hesitation and doubts about whether she could take on the role in *Outcome*, Lucci felt a spark of inspiration after reading it at night. She admitted that she began working on the character eagerly, saying, “Even though I recognised such good writing, I didn’t think I could do it.” Early the next day, she reached out to her publicist, requesting confidentiality, as she intended to read the script again in the daylight, hoping to feel more positive about taking on the role.
Filming took place in Los Angeles in early 2024, and Lucci praised Hill’s expertise as a director. She noted his extraordinary talent, saying, “Jonah’s direction — I knew he was a wonderful actor, but I hadn’t worked with him as a director. And he was as wonderful of a director as he is an actor.” The supportive environment created by Hill and the cast, which includes Keanu Reeves, Matt Bomer, and Cameron Diaz, allowed her to feel comfortable stepping back into acting amidst her grief.
As the actress continues to grapple with her loss, she shared with PEOPLE that she often feels “signs” from her late husband. When asked what she misses most about Huber, Lucci simply stated, “Everything. It’s hard to say one thing. I just miss him, miss his presence, miss sharing things together, like coffee in the morning.”
*Outcome*, co-written with Ezra Woods, features an ensemble cast and makes its debut on Apple TV+ on April 10. The film presents Lucci’s long-awaited return to acting, and the reunion with the craft has not only provided her with a creative outlet but also a pathway to healing after her loss.
As audiences look forward to experiencing Lucci’s performance, the film stands to be not just a personal milestone for the actress, but also a significant moment in her journey of recovery. The influence of her beloved husband, although deeply missed, remains a poignant part of her narrative yet again, intertwining memories with her newfound artistic ventures.