Alexis Bledel reveals emotional impact of playing Emily in dystopian drama before series finale.
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The Role That Called Her
Alexis Bledel jumped at the chance to play Emily in “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
When the script landed in her hands, she instantly connected with the character.
Bruce Miller somehow knew she had Ofglen inside her, waiting to emerge on screen.
From Professor to Prisoner
Emily’s transformation from biology professor to Gilead captive shocked viewers worldwide.
Her character endured horrific trauma while her name changed repeatedly – Ofglen, Ofsteven, Ofroy, and finally Ofjoseph.
These name shifts highlighted her loss of identity in the dystopian nightmare.
Emmy-Worthy Performance
The Gilmore Girls alum brought such depth to Emily that she snagged an Emmy in 2017.
Her portrayal of a woman stripped of autonomy resonated deeply with audiences.
Bledel revealed the emotional toll of imagining her character’s powerlessness and bodily violation.
Behind the Character
Before filming began, Bledel and Miller crafted Emily’s pre-Gilead backstory together.
Her academic background as a cellular biology professor shaped her worldview throughout the series.
These character foundations gave Bledel rich material to work with on screen.
Life in the Colonies
Emily’s exile to the radioactive Colonies marked a turning point in her journey.
Bledel cherished filming these flashback scenes that revealed her character’s past.
The actress understood that for Emily, the Colonies represented a final chapter with little hope for survival.
Saying Goodbye to Gilead
Like her character, Bledel’s time on the show eventually came to an end.
After four intense seasons, she stepped away from the role that had challenged and fulfilled her.
The show explained her absence by having Emily return to Gilead to continue fighting.
Gratitude for the Journey
When announcing her departure, Bledel expressed deep appreciation for the experience.
She thanked Miller for writing such truthful scenes that resonated with viewers.
Her gratitude extended to Hulu, MGM, and the entire cast and crew who supported her work.
Life After Handmaid’s
Following her exit from the show and her divorce from Mad Men’s Vincent Kartheiser, Bledel took a break from acting.
Meanwhile, the series continued without her, now reaching its conclusion after six gripping seasons.