Elisha Cuthbert, the 43-year-old actress who captivated audiences as a teen in “24” and became a cult icon in “The Girl Next Door,” is back on screen and brutally honest about her younger self, roasting her past performances with self-deprecating humor during a candid interview with ET.
In a revealing “Then & Now” segment, Cuthbert watched clips from her early career with visible cringes and laughter, calling her 19-year-old self “so green and so new” while reflecting on her first role in the groundbreaking series “24.” She admitted feeling nervous revisiting the footage, noting the stark contrast between the confidence she projected and her actual inexperience.
The actress, who now stars in the new Prime Video 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 series “Every Year After,” described her return to acting after a four-year hiatus as a deeply personal milestone. She took time off to focus on raising her two children with husband Dean Lombardi, a former NHL hockey pro, and says she now feels ready to balance motherhood and her career.
Cuthbert’s journey through the ET vault included memories of “Love Actually,” where she shot scenes in just two days, and “The Girl Next Door,” which she fought hard to land despite being typecast as a damsel in distress. She expressed pride in the film’s evolution into a cult classic, noting its resurgence on TikTok and Instagram.
The actress also revisited her physically grueling role in “House of Wax,” where she endured being dragged through animal carcasses, having her lips glued shut, and losing a finger on screen. She laughed at the footage, saying, “I look beat up. Is she okay?” while recalling the four-month shoot in Australia.
Cuthbert credited her time on the comedy series “Happy Endings” as “three years of absolute bliss,” despite initial fears about her comedic abilities. She expressed openness to a reboot, joking that the cast, now in their 40s, would be even funnier because they “probably haven’t grown up at all.”
Fans continue to approach her about “The Girl Next Door,” which she says is enjoying a “little moment” on social media. She appreciates the fan edits and often comments on them, acknowledging the film’s enduring appeal despite its initial box office disappointment.
Reflecting on her role in “24,” Cuthbert praised Kiefer Sutherland as an “amazing mentor” and acknowledged ongoing rumors about a revival. She said she remains “always down and game” for a reboot, though no concrete plans have been announced.
The actress, now living in Canada, described her new series “Every Year After” as a “binge-worthy summer obsession” that allows her to play a mother, a role she says feels natural after raising her own kids. She noted the show’s romantic themes and young adult 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 elements resonate with current trends.
Cuthbert’s children, an eight-year-old daughter and a younger son, are beginning to understand her career. She said her daughter is “intrigued” but changes her mind daily about whether to follow in her mother’s footsteps or become a scientist.
Her husband’s hockey career also factors into family life, with Cuthbert noting that her daughter leans toward acting while her son prefers baseball. She admitted she doesn’t know if her kids think she’s “cool,” but she tries to be the “cool mom.”
The actress said the greatest joy in her life right now is the ability to juggle work and family after her extended break. She expressed gratitude for being able to return to acting while her children are in school full-time, calling it a “great” balance.
Cuthbert’s candid reflections on her past roles and her excitement for the future highlight a career that has spanned decades, from teen star to seasoned actress. Her return to television marks a new chapter, one she approaches with humor and humility.
