“FBI”’s Missy Peregrym on Work, Motherhood and Perimenopause: ‘I’m Still Trying to Find That Balance’ (Exclusive)

Missy Peregrym returns to CBS’s police procedural drama, FBI, for its highly anticipated ninth season. Premiering tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the show has seen Peregrym portray Special Agent Maggie Bell since it first aired. As she navigates the demands of her career alongside motherhood, the actress reflects on the challenges and triumphs of balancing work and family responsibilities.

At 44, Peregrym acknowledges the difficulties that come with being a working mother. Since the birth of her son, Otis, and daughter, Mela, the actress has found herself in a constant struggle between her professional obligations and her desire to be present for her children. “As soon as you have a baby, you’re in protective mode,” she explains. “It’s pretty tough to go to work. There were many times I cried, reminding myself that they are being cared for, thanks to my husband, Tom Oakley.”

Peregrym is candid about the pressure she feels to adhere to societal notions of ideal motherhood. Having grown up with a stay-at-home mother, she’s often self-critical about her own choices. “I grew up in a home where my mum was home, and so immediately I have a judgment on myself,” she admits. However, she is gradually learning to let go of unrealistic expectations. “I don’t live in the same world as my parents did. It’s about having more grace for myself,” she notes.

A turning point for Peregrym came after her daughter experienced a serious health scare, landing her in the hospital. This challenging period heightened her anxiety and left her feeling emotionally drained. Following this, the actress began noticing significant fluctuations in her mood and struggled with sleep. “I was like, ‘I don’t recognise myself anymore,’” she recalls, describing how even fictional stories would bring her to tears.

After seeking medical advice, hormone testing revealed that Peregrym was entering perimenopause. Coping with the emotional and physical changes associated with this life stage has had its complexities, especially while caring for young children and maintaining a demanding career. She candidly shares, “Getting home from work, my kids are yelling at me, and my husband’s tired…I’m trying to just take a breath in those moments.”

To address her symptoms, Peregrym began hormone replacement therapy three months ago. She describes the experience as transformative, saying it “just takes the dips away” and allows her to maintain a more stable emotional state. “When my estrogen just decides to give up, I’m not tanking emotionally,” she adds optimistically about her journey through this significant life phase.

Another measure she has taken to improve her mental well-being involves disengaging from social media. “I realised that even positive content can feel overwhelming,” she explains. “As soon as work is finished, I delete Instagram from my phone. It made my life really present.” This shift has allowed her to focus on cherished moments with her children, such as building Lego structures with Otis or sharing bedtime stories with Mela.

For Peregrym, these bedtime rituals have become a valuable time for connection. “That’s when the kids open up,” she says, indicating how these quiet moments allow them to process their day. “It’s the most precious thing to me, and I feel really blessed that I mostly get home for nighttimes.”

A self-identified “type-A perfectionist,” Peregrym is learning to embrace the imperfections of life. “It’s about being present and accepting that there’s going to be moments of joy and moments of pain and difficulty,” she reflects. “If we acknowledge both sides of things, that tension goes away and makes it easier to be alive.”

As she prepares for the launch of the new season of FBI, Peregrym’s reflections on the complexities of balancing work and family resonate with many. She continues to navigate her career and motherhood, finding strength in her experiences and striving for a fulfilling life, both on and off the screen.