Inside the life of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star years after Hollywood fame

Life After Buffy

December 7, 2025: Eliza Dushku, best known for her breakout role as Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has taken a very different path since stepping away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Once a fixture in cult-classic television and film, Dushku has shifted her focus toward family, advocacy, and personal growth—choosing a quieter but deeply intentional chapter of life.

From Cult Favorite to Leading Roles

Dushku rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with her portrayal of Faith, a rebellious and complex Slayer who quickly became a fan favorite. That role led to continued success in genre television with Angel, followed by leading roles in Tru Calling and Dollhouse. Her work during that era cemented her reputation as a fearless performer unafraid to take on dark, layered characters.

She also appeared in films during that period, further establishing herself as one of the most recognizable faces of early-2000s pop culture television.

Stepping Back From Acting

In recent years, Dushku has largely stepped away from acting. Rather than pursuing constant roles, she made a conscious decision to prioritize her personal life and well-being. While she has not formally retired, she has spoken openly about feeling fulfilled outside the demands of Hollywood.

HOLR has the latest news on how many former TV icons are redefining success beyond traditional fame—and Dushku’s journey reflects that shift.

Advocacy and Speaking Out

Dushku made headlines in 2018 after publicly addressing workplace misconduct in the entertainment industry, a moment that aligned with the broader #MeToo movement. Her willingness to speak out was widely praised and positioned her as a vocal advocate for safer, more accountable work environments.

Since then, Dushku has continued supporting advocacy efforts, particularly those centered on empowerment, accountability, and mental health—using her platform with intention rather than frequency.

A Focus on Education and Wellness

Away from the screen, Dushku has pursued interests centered on psychology, healing, and wellness. She has spoken about her passion for understanding trauma and helping others, a direction that represents a meaningful evolution from her acting career.

While she keeps these pursuits largely private, it’s clear that her focus has shifted toward learning, self-development, and service rather than public recognition.

Family Life Comes First

Dushku is now married to businessman Peter Palandjian, and the couple shares children together. She has embraced motherhood fully, frequently describing family life as her greatest priority. Living primarily away from Hollywood, she has chosen stability and privacy over constant visibility.

Fans occasionally catch glimpses of her life through rare interviews or social media moments, but Dushku remains intentionally selective about what she shares publicly.

Maintaining a Low Profile

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Dushku has resisted the pull of reboots, conventions, and constant nostalgia-driven appearances. While she remains deeply appreciated by Buffy fans, she has not relied on that fame to stay in the public eye.

HOLR notes that this distance has only increased respect for her, as fans admire her ability to step away on her own terms.

Will She Ever Return to Acting?

The question of whether Eliza Dushku will return to acting remains open. She has never ruled it out entirely, but she has made it clear that any future role would need to align with her values and life priorities. Rather than chasing opportunities, she is content letting them come naturally—if at all.

Where She Stands Today

Today, Eliza Dushku represents a rare Hollywood story—someone who reached early fame, explored success, and then chose a different definition of fulfillment. While her time as Faith still resonates with audiences decades later, her current chapter is defined by intention, growth, and personal peace.