
You may know her as Spencer Hastings—the overachieving, perfectionist teen on Pretty Little Liars—but Troian Bellisario has officially left Rosewood. Since the beloved mystery thriller series based on Sara Shepard's novels went off the air two years ago, Bellisario has been pursuing new film and TV ventures, including her latest, Where'd You Go Bernadette (in theaters August 16). That's not to say she expects you to forget about Spencer—"If people are going to see me as Spencer, they’re going to see me as Spencer; I can’t change that," she says—but she does want to give PLL fans the opportunity to see her in a new light. [Editor's note: Yes, that was absolutely a John Mayer reference (opens in new tab).]
For instance, as a bohemian artist hunting for life beyond Earth in last year's Clara (opens in new tab), a romantic science film in which she appeared alongside her real-life husband Patrick J. Adams (Meghan Markle's former Suits co-star (opens in new tab)), whom Bellisario has been married to since 2016 and shares a daughter with. Where'd You Go, Bernadette, based on Maria Semple's 2012 novel of the same name, may not have nabbed her as much screen time as Pretty Little Liars fans would have hoped for, but it did give Bellisario the opportunity to live out her childhood fantasy of becoming a marine biologist. Oh, and working with Cate Blanchett. "It was like too many dreams being fulfilled at once," she laughs.
In the film, Bellisario plays Becky, a researcher in Antartica who collects soil and ice core samples and who helps Bernadette Fox (Blanchett) rediscover her passion for architecture—but that's only part of it. The movie centers on Bernadette's struggle with agoraphobia—an anxiety disorder people experience when they feel their environment is unsafe and inescapable—and her family's attempt to spark the creativity she lost years ago. Semple's humor is, of course, sprinkled throughout the film (with Kristen Wiig as a co-star how could it not be?), and at the end of the day it's a movie about finding joy again. If you pay attention, Bellisario's character plays a pivotal role in that discovery, radiating the pride she receives through her own environmental work.
Similar to Blanchett's character, Bellisario has struggled with anxiety (opens in new tab), and she understands the importance of portraying mental health realistically on screen. "If you’re struggling, one of the most difficult things is feeling as though you’re wrong or that you shouldn’t be feeling this way or that you shouldn’t talk about it," she says. "I think the most helpful thing for me was speaking out about my anxiety and depression and engaging with mental health professionals. And letting people that I love know that I was struggling."
The most helpful thing for me was speaking out about my anxiety and depression...letting people that I love know that I was struggling.
Unfortunately, no penguins were spotted during the making of the film (the movie was shot in Greenland, though it's set in Antarctica). Despite the disappointment, Bellisario did enjoy a coincidental parallel to her Pretty Little Liars days. Both Where'd You Go, Bernadette and PLL are book adaptations, and Bellisario loved the idea of getting to know the characters on the page first. "When I got the role of Spencer, I had all of these books that I could go and read, spending hours in Spencer’s mind because it was all there, all of this backstory," she explains. "And Where’d You Go, Bernadette is such a fun novel. When I got the role, I bought the book and got lost [in it]. It was a total blast to read."
Bellisario (center) in Pretty Little Liars.
As for what's next for Bellisario? She's keeping that a secret...for now, and focusing on one project at a time. "I still get a lot of [Pretty Little Liars fans] asking me, Oh, are you guys going to go back and film another season?" she says. "Right now, I just feel really grateful to be a part of this incredible cast and crew. I hope everyone enjoys the movie."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Amanda Bynes Has Been Placed on a 72-Hour Psychiatric Hold After Calling 911 for Help
The news comes after the actress canceled an appearance at '90s Con this past weekend.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
I Tested the Oura Ring Fitness Tracker Jennifer Aniston Loves—It Knew I Was Getting Sick Before I Did
Learn more about yourself by simply slipping on a ring.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Pearls Are Back for 2023—But These Aren't Your Grandmother's Pearls
Classic, contemporary, and everything in between.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Documentaries About Black History to Educate Yourself With
Take your allyship a step further.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
The 75 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts