Elisha Cuthbert is poised to make her return to the screen after taking a significant hiatus from acting, during which she focused on raising her two children. The Canadian actress, known for her roles in various television series and films, takes on the role of Sue Florek in the upcoming Prime Video series, *Every Year After*, based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel of the same name.
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Cuthbert, aged 43, shares that her time away from the industry was intentional, allowing her to fully embrace motherhood. Her break lasted four years, coinciding with the birth of her second child with husband Dion Phaneuf. “I’ve been in this industry since I was 11,” she reflected. “When we had our second child, I realised that it was a good time to prioritise being with my kids without any distractions.”
The actress fondly described how quickly early childhood passes. “Those first four years fly by,” she mused. “They say it happens in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, they’re teenagers.” Cuthbert expressed that stepping back to focus on her family felt like the right decision for her at that stage in her life.
As she prepares to return, Cuthbert feels a deep connection with her character in *Every Year After*. Sue Florek is a mother whose demise sets the stage for the protagonist, Percy (played by Sadie Soverall), to return to Barry’s Bay, the lakeside town of her youth. Sue’s character is described as joyful and maternal, which resonated with Cuthbert. “It all felt really organic and great,” she said, regarding both the character and her return to acting.
The opportunity to work alongside the show’s team felt serendipitous for Cuthbert. She had several conversations with Amy B. Harris, the showrunner, which piqued her interest in the role. “Carley was excited about the idea of me playing Sue,” Cuthbert noted, adding that reading Fortune’s novel further sparked her enthusiasm for the project.
The announcement of her casting in September earlier this year was met with an overwhelming response from fans of the book. “I was surprised by the reaction,” she admitted. “I felt like the announcement garnered more attention than previous projects I’ve worked on.” Cuthbert acknowledged the weight of expectations from devoted readers who have strong opinions about the characters. However, she tempered this pressure with praise for the show’s casting decisions, particularly noting Soverall’s performance as Percy.
The series, *Every Year After*, is set to premiere on Prime Video on 10 June. Cuthbert’s return to the screen marks an exciting chapter not only in her career but also for her family. She expressed joy at the timing of her comeback, feeling recharged and eagerly anticipating the experience of working again after her hiatus.
Reflecting on the journey back to acting, Cuthbert conveyed how meaningful this transition has been for her. “Getting back on set was great because I was ready for it and excited,” she stated. The combination of an engaging story and a character that she connects with deeply seems to have made her return to acting a fulfilling experience.
As audiences prepare for the premiere, they can expect a heartfelt tale that intertwines themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, encapsulated within the journey of Percy as she navigates the complexities of her past. Cuthbert’s role as Sue Florek is likely to bring warmth and depth to the narrative, enhancing the series’ exploration of relationships woven through time.