Cate Blanchett Says She's Seriously Considering Quitting Acting

Cate Blanchett may be at the height of her powers, but she's seriously thinking about leaving acting behind. In an honest interview with Radio Times, the two-time Oscar winner explained that she's "giving up" acting, going on to say, "My family roll their eyes every time I say it, but I mean it. I am serious about giving up acting… There are a lot of things I want to do with my life."

Blanchett spoke in an interview while marketing her first big radio play—a production of Wallace Shawn's The Fever, which is about a woman's political and spiritual awakening. In spite of her recent work—such as the stage production of The Seagull at London's Barbican and the film Black Bag with Michael Fassbender—Blanchett appears poised to turn towards new creative and personal directions.

She also spoke about her discomfort with fame and the label “actress,” saying, “I’ve always felt like I’m on the periphery of things. I’ve spent a lifetime getting comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable.” Blanchett added that she finds herself “profoundly dull” and more fascinated by other people, highlighting a deep-rooted humility that has followed her throughout a wildly successful career.

Still, it's not like she's taking it easy just yet. She just finished shooting Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, directed by Jim Jarmusch (set to release in 2025), and is busy with the sci-fi comedy Alpha Gang, in which she is acting and producing. She is also set with The Champions, directed by Ben Stiller, once more via her production house, Dirty Films.

If Blanchett does walk away from acting, it would mark the end of an extraordinary chapter—one that includes Oscars for Blue Jasmine and The Aviator, major wins at Venice for I’m Not There and Tár, and countless unforgettable roles. But knowing her range and curiosity, she’s bound to redefine what a creative life looks like beyond the screen and stage.