Overview

• Alexis Bledel portrayed Emily Malek on 'The Handmaid's Tale' from 2017 to 2021 before stepping away in 2022, citing the emotional strain of the role.
• Bledel recently shared that the trauma depicted in Emily's storyline, including abuse and oppression, deeply affected her mental well-being.
• Showrunner Bruce Miller confirmed that Bledel's decision to leave was entirely her own and occurred during a personally challenging time.
• Emily's absence in Season 5 was explained by her return to Gilead as a freedom fighter, leaving her fate open-ended within the narrative.
• As the series finale approaches on May 27, Bledel expressed gratitude to the creators and cast for their support and the depth of Emily's character arc.