Why Elisha Cuthbert Hit Pause On Hollywood For Family Time

Elisha Cuthbert's Hollywood Hiatus: A Family Decision

Elisha Cuthbert, the charismatic star of "The Girl Next Door," has finally peeled back the curtain on why she hit the brakes on her flourishing Hollywood career. At the peak of her fame, Cuthbert took a step back, choosing instead to dedicate her time to her family. Now, at 43, she's making her grand return with a lead role in the Prime Video series "Every Year After," which debuted on June 10, marking her first major project since 2022.

Cuthbert, hailing from Canada, shares two children with her husband, ex-NHL star Dion Phaneuf. She recently opened up on the "Today" show about the moment she realized her priorities had shifted. "I realized I worked all four years through our first child, and it was really hard," she shared with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones.

“When our second was on the way, I knew I didn’t want to miss a moment, and being on set just wasn't an option,” she explained. "I needed to be at home with the kids, and I enjoyed every minute.”

A New Chapter and A Return to Acting

With her two children now attending school full-time, Cuthbert feels it's the perfect time to jump back into acting. "They're in school now full time," she said, "I feel like I have the space and the energy and the heart to kind of leave them and do it." Her new series, "Every Year After," has given her the opportunity to dive back into her passion, portraying a mother caught up in the throes of love and family drama.

In the series, she plays Sue, the mother of Charlie and Sam, and finds her character falling in love with Percy, portrayed by Sadie Soverall. The series is adapted from Carley Fortune’s hit novel "Every Summer After," and Cuthbert admits she's now a full-fledged fan of Fortune's work.

A Glimpse into Elisha's Luxurious Abodes

While Cuthbert's hiatus might have taken her away from the public eye, it certainly didn't keep her from making headlines. Her iconic Los Angeles home, purchased in 2005 shortly after her breakout role, stirred interest when she listed it in 2025. Positioned just above the Sunset Strip, the home boasts luxury features like hardwood flooring, a center-hall foyer, and stunning city views.

Although the property ultimately didn't sell and was taken off the market in May, Cuthbert's love for real estate isn't lost. Much of her downtime is spent on Prince Edward Island in Canada, where she and her husband own a beautiful waterfront estate. It's clear that whether onscreen or off, Cuthbert knows how to make a statement.