Alexis Bledel Exits 'The Handmaid's Tale'

LOS ANGELES – Alexis Bledel will not return for “The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 5, according to Variety.

Bledel, who has played Emily/Ofglen on the Hulu drama since its first season in 2017, said in a statement Friday: “After much thought, I felt I had to step away from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ at this time. I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support.”

During the show’s four-year run, Bledel received four Emmy nominations with one win for her performance in the Bruce Miller’s TV adaptation of the Margaret Atwood novel.

Bledel is best known for her lead role as Rory Gilmore opposite Lauren Graham’s Lorelai Gilmore on the CW’s “Gilmore Girls” and the revival “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” She is also known for her parts in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” franchise and for AMC’s period drama “Mad Men.”