Latest news with #ElizaDushku
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eliza Dushku Graduates With Master's Degree After Acting Retirement: ‘Deep Calling Realized'
Bring It On actress Eliza Dushku fulfilled a new dream, earning an advanced degree in clinical mental health counseling. 'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement — it feels like a deep calling realized,' Dushku, 44, wrote via Instagram on Friday, June 6. 'True growth, energy, and passion — manifested.' Dushku received a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University late last month. 'After nearly a decade of inner work and building a new life, I'm so grateful for this moment in time,' she captioned her Friday post. 'To my highest self — for taking this wild leap away from everything I knew and making it happen. To my boys + ♥️ — for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream.' Eliza Dushku Reveals She Transitioned From Acting to Revolutionizing Trauma Care in Boston Dushku has been married to Peter Palandjian since 2018, and they share kids Philip, 5, and Bodie, 3. Palandjian, 61, and the couple's kids were on hand for Dushku's graduation ceremony. 'And to my family, friends — new and old — my colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community, I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training,' she wrote. "Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming — through self-discovery, healing, and transformation. The connectedness I feel in holding safe, compassionate space for those who seek the undertaking is such lifeblood now.' She concluded, 'To possibility, hope, and healing, all. Non sibi sed toti 🤍.' Dushku took a step back from acting in 2017, turning to a new career in mental health counseling. In a 2024 profile for Boston Magazine, Dushku revealed that she is certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy. 'I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others,' Dushku told the outlet. 'I would be remiss if I didn't now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have. This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose.' Stars Who Left Hollywood Behind Over the Years: Cameron Diaz, Michael Schoeffling and More According to Dushku, she had previously used psychedelics to help recover from past traumas. 'I found myself feeling so wholly unwell,' she recalled. 'So painfully vulnerable, raw, exposed — terrified and suffering from what was diagnosed as PTSD. I finally surrendered and began to feel a release and a sense of peace and security and calm whooshing through me.' Dushku revealed past struggles with alcoholism and addiction in 2017.
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Buffy's Eliza Dushku reveals milestone in shock new career nearly 10 years after walking away from Hollywood
Eliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 6. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 44, shared a video clip of her receiving her degree on stage and walking off with it. She also shared several photos to her Instagram Stories including one photo posing with her classmates all looking very happy to be done with their studies. 'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement—it feels like a deep calling realized,' her caption began. 'True growth, energy, and passion—manifested. After nearly a decade of inner work and building a new life, I'm so grateful for this moment in time. 'To my highest self—for taking this wild leap away from everything I knew and making it happen. To my boys + ♥️—for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream.' She then went on to thank her 'family, friends—new and old—my colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community.' 'I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training. 'Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming—through self-discovery, healing, and transformation. 'The connectedness I feel in holding safe, compassionate space for those who seek the undertaking is such lifeblood now,' her caption concluded. The post also featured a photo of her young kids' handwritten notes, which read 'Good Job Mommy' and 'I Love You Mom.' Alongside her husband, real estate developer Peter Palandjian, Eliza is funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials on the potential of psychedelics, according to 2024 interview in Boston Magazine. 'I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others. I would be remiss if I didn't now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have,' Dushku said. 'This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose,' she continued at the time. Dushku hasn't been seen on screen since 2017, when she appeared in Netflix's The Saint and played J.P. Nunnelly in CBS's Bull. That year, she stepped away from Hollywood after accusing her Bull co-star Michael Weatherly of sexual harassment. In the wake of the allegations, which Weatherly has denied, Dushku was written out of the show and told that her role as a series regular had been abruptly canceled. Mediation with CBS resulted in the network agreeing to pay Dushku a confidential settlement of $9.5million - roughly the amount she stood to earn if kept on the show for four seasons. Weatherly apologized for his behavior toward Dushku in a statement to the Times, saying: 'During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script. 'When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized. 'After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.' Dushku first rose to fame in 1998 when she was cast as Faith, the rebellious Slayer, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her standout role as Faith, which she portrayed until 2003, earned her a devoted fanbase and solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood. Dushku also starred in the hit cheerleading film Bring It On (2000), which became a cult classic. In her personal life, Eliza married Peter in 2018, and the couple has since welcomed two children. The family has since made a home in Boston, Eliza's birthplace, where they are enjoying life away from Hollywood.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eliza Dushku Graduates with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: ‘Feels Like a Deep Calling Realized'
Eliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University on June 6 The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum plans to treat patients in psychedelic therapy after it helped her process her trauma 'Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming—through self-discovery, healing, and transformation,' Dushku wrote in an Instagram captionEliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., on Friday, June 6. Dushku, 44, shared a video of herself walking across the stage to collect her diploma on Instagram. She also shared photos of herself in her cap and gown alongside her husband Peter Palandjian and classmates, as well as another video of her two sons running up to congratulate her. 'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement—it feels like a deep calling realized. True growth, energy, and passion—manifested," she wrote in the caption of the post, which also featured a photo of her young kids' handwritten notes, which read "Good Job Mommy" and "I Love You Mom."The post continued, "After nearly a decade of inner work and building a new life, I'm so grateful for this moment in time. To my highest self—for taking this wild leap away from everything I knew and making it happen 🙌. To my boys + ♥️—for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream 🙏." She went on to elaborat on the support she received from her community regarding her education journey: "And to my family, friends—new and old—my colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community, I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training."Dushku continued, "Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming—through self-discovery, healing, and transformation. The connectedness I feel in holding safe, compassionate space for those who seek the undertaking is such lifeblood now. To possibility. hope, and healing, all." She concluded the emotional milestone post with a Latin phrase, "Non sibi sed toti 🤍," which translates to "not for themselves, but for all," in reference to her career change and future goals of helping patients through their trauma. Dushku previously opened up in a 2024 interview with Boston Magazine about her desire to retire from acting in favor of pursuing a career in psychedelic therapy. Dushku, along with husband Palandjian, a former professional tennis player and Intercontinental Real Estate Corp. CEO, told Boston Magazine at the time that they are also funding research and clinical trials into the potential uses of psychedelics. "I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others. I would be remiss if I didn't now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have," Dushku said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose," she continued at the time. The former actress most notably starred as Faith, a fellow vampire slayer who joined forces with Buffy Sommers to defeat the supernatural forces lurking below the fictional idyllic California town of Sunnydale in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A factor in her decision to leave Hollywood was her experience of being sexually molested by one of Hollywood's leading stunt coordinators when she was only 12 years old. In her interview with Boston, she revealed feeling "feeling so wholly unwell" from the past traumas of the assault while using psychedelics, which ultimately helped her process the past. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to . Read the original article on People
News.com.au
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Video reveals big noughties star's ‘new life'
Actress Eliza Dushku has quit Hollywood - and she just marked a milestone in setting up her next career.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Cast of 90s cult classic Bring It On now from surrogacy to tragedy
Bring It On was released 25 years ago and starred Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Gabrielle Union, and Jesse Bradford - but what has the cast been up to since then? In the early noughties, cheerleading was a popular theme in films. One such film was Bring It On - a teen comedy filled with high kicks, backflips and squad rivalries, stolen routines and cheer justice. The film was praised for its tackling of subjects like systemic inequality, cultural appropriation, and feminism - themes not commonly addressed in teen films of that era. But what became of its stars once the championships and on-set high school days were over? From Oscar nominations and Spider-Man fame, to real-life tragedy and life-altering allegations, here's what happened to the cast of Bring It On, 25 years on, reports the Mirror US. Here's what happened to the cast of Bring It On since the film's release: Kirsten Dunst as Torrance Shipman By the time she led the Rancho Carne Toros to nationals, Kirsten Dunst was already a darling of Hollywood. A former child star with a Golden Globe nomination to her name, she brought charm and emotional depth to captain Torrance, who tries to guide her team towards a scandal-free victory after discovering their routines were stolen. Kirsten then leapt from teen comedy queen to blockbuster stardom with her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy opposite Tobey Maguire. Between 2004 and 2006, she starred in Wimbledon, Elizabethtown and Marie Antoinette, before delivering a Cannes-winning performance in Melancholia (2011). Her career then took a turn towards television, with lauded roles in Fargo and On Becoming a God in Central Florida. In 2021, she shared the screen with her husband Jesse Plemons in The Power of the Dog, which earned her an Oscar nomination. She returned to the limelight in 2024 with a starring role in Alex Garland's dystopian thriller Civil War, where critics praised her commanding performance. Away from the camera, Kirsten's personal life has had its share of highs and lows. She was romantically involved with Jake Gyllenhaal in the early 2000s, and was briefly engaged to Garrett Hedlund before settling down with Plemons, with whom she has two sons. The couple tied the knot in Jamaica in 2022. Eliza Dushku as Missy Pantone Before portraying the cool and edgy outsider Missy Pantone - the gymnast transfer who reluctantly joins the Toros - Dushku was already recognised for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and roles opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert De Niro. After her cheerleading days, she led Tru Calling and reunited with Buffy creator Joss Whedon for Dollhouse. She later voiced She-Hulk in Marvel's Agents of S.M.A.S. H. and directed the 2015 documentary Dear Albania, exploring her cultural roots alongside her brother Nate. However, her stint on the CBS drama Bull ended abruptly when she alleged sexual harassment by co-star Michael Weatherly - a case that resulted in a significant settlement and a public reckoning in the TV industry. Since then, Eliza has stepped back from acting, focusing on academia and mental health. After returning to Boston and studying sociology and holistic psychology, she graduated in 2020. By 2024, she had become a certified therapist, specialising in psychedelic-assisted therapy for trauma. She remains politically active and campaigned for Bernie Sanders in 2016. Gabrielle Union as Isis As the captain of East Compton Clovers, Isis, Gabrielle Union stole hearts even as the Toros' rival. Since her breakthrough, Gabrielle has been enjoying a prolific film and TV career, with credits ranging from Bad Boys II, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Think Like a Man to the BET hit Being Mary Jane and crime drama L.A.'s Finest. She also became a successful author, penning two memoirs and two children's books, while her activism around women's health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and racial justice earned her and husband Dwyane Wade the NAACP Image Award President's Award. She was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2020. Gabrielle married Dwyane in 2014 and became stepmother to his three children. In 2018, they welcomed daughter Kaavia James via surrogate. Jesse Bradford as Cliff Pantone Missy's alternative-music-loving brother Cliff, played by Jesse Bradford, was the surprise romantic lead of Bring It On - a grunge sweetheart with a mixtape, a sense of humour, and a low-key cheerleading obsession. Jesse Bradford followed the film with back-to-back starring turns in Clockstoppers and Swimfan (both 2002), then landed a key role in Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers in 2006. Over the forthcoming decade, he featured in series such as Guys With Kids, Shooter, and Sequestered, and made a return to the cinema in films like The Year of Spectacular Men (2017) and Merry Kiss Cam (2022). A film graduate from Columbia University, Jesse is now happily married to Andrea Leal. Their daughter Maggie arrived in 2021, just a day after his birthday. Natina Reed as Jenelope The fiery Jenelope from East Compton Clovers was brought to life by Natina Reed - a multi-talented artist who was best known at the time as one-third of the RandB trio Blaque. Their 1999 hit 'Bring It All to Me' reached No. 4 in the Billboard Hot 100, and the group's appearance in Bring It On marked a crossover pop culture moment. Her later years were overshadowed by legal issues, including arrests for drink driving and driving without a licence. One 2010 arrest report – which included charges of prostitution and drug possession - was publicly disputed by her management, who claimed the mugshots were doctored by someone who had hacked her social media. Natina was once engaged to rapper Kurupt and is the mother of his son. After Blaque disbanded in the early 2000s, Natina stepped back from the limelight, with plans for a group comeback in 2012. However, tragedy struck on 26 October that year, just days before her 32nd birthday, when she was fatally hit by a car while crossing the street near Lilburn, Georgia. Lindsay Sloane as Big Red Big Red, the red-haired, domineering former captain who had been copying the Clovers' routines for years, was only in a few scenes. Lindsay Sloane, who played Big Red, became a familiar face in comedies after Bring It On, often playing the neurotic best friend or providing comic relief. She starred as Valerie, Sabrina's sweet but slightly clueless best friend, in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and later appeared in The Odd Couple, Weeds, Horrible Bosses and She's Out of My League. Offscreen, she leads a quiet family life. In 2004, she married agent Dar Rollins and they have two daughters. Lindsay maintains a low profile, occasionally appearing in independent comedies or sitcom guest spots. Nicole Bilderback as Whitney Nicole Bilderback portrayed Whitney, one half of the mean girl cheer duo alongside Courtney. Nicole, already a teen movie regular with credits in Clueless, Can't Hardly Wait and Dawson's Creek, went on to appear in Dark Angel, Boston Legal, and Heroes, and has worked steadily in TV for over two decades. Moreover, she starred in the 2022 thriller The Ninth Order, playing a detective investigating a string of mysterious deaths. Offscreen, she's discussed the challenges of being an Asian-American actress in Hollywood, advocating for better representation and more nuanced roles. Clare Kramer as Courtney Paired with Nicole Bilderback as the other half of the high-maintenance cheer duo Courtney, Clare Kramer is best known outside of Bring It On for her role as Glory in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she played a hell-god with a penchant for high fashion and violence. Since then, she's worked in film and television. Clare has also launched a successful second act as a podcast host and convention organiser. She co-founded GeekNation, a hub for pop culture content, and has hosted red carpet events and fan QandAs for major franchises. She's married to producer Brian Keathley, and they share four children. Nathan West as Jan In Bring It On, Nathan West played Jan, the spirited male cheerleader who was goofy, likable, and full of energy. Post-Bring It On, Nathan appeared in a handful of films including Miracle (2004), but his offscreen story may be better known than his onscreen credits. He married actress Chyler Leigh (Lexie Grey in Grey's Anatomy) in 2002, after they met filming Not Another Teen Movie. The two have three children and formed the band WestLeigh. They have been performing music together, in addition to publicly advocating for mental health and sobriety. Nathan has remained mostly behind the scenes in recent years, focusing on family and songwriting. Bianca Kajlich as Carver Bianca portrayed Carver, a character who became crucial to the film when her dramatic mid-air injury in the opening act kick-started the plot and paved the way for Missy to join the team. After Bring It On, Bianca established a strong TV career, featuring in Rules of Engagement, Undateable, and Bosch: Legacy. She also made appearances in Halloween: Resurrection and Vanished. In 2024, she landed a recurring role on The Lincoln Lawyer, making a return to prime-time drama. She was previously wedded to football star Landon Donovan and later tied the knot with radio personality Michael Catherwood, with whom she has a daughter. Huntley Ritter as Les Huntley played the sensitive, possibly gay cheerleader whose confidence and charisma made him a standout in the Toros line-up. Huntley continued acting briefly in the early 2000s (The Wedding Planner, We Are Marshall) but soon transitioned into business. He set up a branding and digital content company centred around sports, faith and outdoor lifestyles. Moreover, in 2021, he launched a wellness brand inspired by his passion for hunting and environmental conservation. By 2024, he was working as a motivational speaker and brand strategist. He's been married since 2007 and is a father to three children.
