Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett has revealed she is genuinely considering stepping away from acting, citing a desire to explore other avenues in life. The 55-year-old screen and stage icon, best known for her roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Elizabeth, made the admission during a candid interview with Radio Times ahead of her debut in BBC Radio 4’s upcoming drama The Fever.
“My family roll their eyes every time I say it, but I mean it,” Blanchett said. “I am serious about giving up acting. There are a lot of things I want to do with my life.”
The Australian-born star, who has enjoyed a decades-long career and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation, added that she has never fully come to terms with the trappings of celebrity.
“When you go on a talk show, or even here now, and then you see soundbites of things you’ve said, pulled out and italicised, they sound really loud,” she said. “I’m not that person.”
Blanchett explained that she has always felt slightly out of step with the public perception of fame. “I make more sense in motion – it’s been a long time to remotely get comfortable with the idea of being photographed,” she added.
“I’ve always felt like I’m on the periphery of things, so I’m always surprised when I belong anywhere. I go with curiosity into whatever environment I’m in, not expecting to be accepted or welcomed. I’ve spent a lifetime getting comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable.”
The actress’s comments come at a time when she is once again stretching her creative wings, this time in the world of audio drama. Blanchett stars in The Fever, a gripping new BBC Radio 4 adaptation of the play by Wallace Shawn, set to air this spring.
Despite contemplating retirement from acting, Blanchett remains a force in the industry. Her most recent film, Black Bag (2025), saw her take on a lead role in a political spy thriller, further cementing her reputation for tackling complex and powerful female characters.
Throughout her career, Blanchett has won two Academy Awards – Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator (2005), and Best Actress for Blue Jasmine (2013). She has also taken on memorable roles in blockbusters like Ocean’s 8 and Thor: Ragnarok, as well as critically acclaimed performances in films like Carol and Tár.
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Alongside her film work, Blanchett has always maintained strong ties to the theatre. From 2008 to 2013, she co-directed the Sydney Theatre Company with her husband, playwright and director Andrew Upton. During their tenure, the couple helped reinvigorate the company, bringing Australian theatre to an international audience. Upton continued in the role until 2015.
Blanchett’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998) was her breakout role, and she quickly followed it with appearances as the ethereal Galadriel in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, endearing her to fantasy fans worldwide.
Despite her immense success, Blanchett’s words suggest she is now seeking a new chapter, one that may lie beyond the camera lens.
The full interview with Cate Blanchett is available in the Easter edition of Radio Times, on sale from Saturday. Fans can also catch her latest work, The Fever, on BBC Radio 4 later this month.
