Actress Anna Paquin Uses Cane at Film Premiere, Cites Undisclosed Illness

The 41-year-old actress has been managing undisclosed health challenges for the past two years.
Actress Anna Paquin Uses Cane at Film Premiere, Cites Undisclosed Illness
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer attend "A Bit of Light" New York Screening at Crosby Street Hotel in New York City, on April 3, 2024. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Jessamyn Dodd
4/5/2024
Updated:
4/5/2024
Actress Anna Paquin, 41, has been managing undisclosed health challenges for the past two years. These challenges have impacted her mobility, requiring the use of a cane. On April 3rd, Ms. Paquin joined her husband, Stephen Moyer, for the New York City premiere of their latest collaboration, the independent film “A Bit of Light.”

In an interview with People Magazine, Ms. Paquin acknowledged the adjustments she’s faced. “It hasn’t been easy,” she stated, referring to the impact on her daily life, including speech impediments. A source close to the actress expressed optimism for a full recovery.

Reflecting on her early success in “The Piano,” she remarked, “My first love was independent filmmaking. That’s how I entered the film industry.” She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role at age 11, making her the second youngest person to win in her category.

Beyond her health concerns, Ms. Paquin finds support in her husband who directed her in “A Bit of Light,” and their creative partnership extends beyond the film. When discussing his directing skills, Paquin offered warm praise: “He’s my favorite person to play with.”

The two met on the set of the  HBO series “True Blood.” Ms. Paquin garnered a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series for her portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse in the vampire drama.

In “A Bit of Light,” she portrays Ella, a mother battling alcoholism who strives to regain custody of her children. While the character’s specific struggles may not directly mirror Ms. Paquin’s own experiences, she connects with the complexities of motherhood. She offered a thoughtful observation: “Not everyone has the motherhood journey they envisioned.” She added, “We all have flaws and imperfections,” reflecting on the universal challenges of parenthood.

The film’s exploration of familial patterns and coping mechanisms in the face of trauma resonates with Ms. Paquin. She stated, “It’s very relatable,” acknowledging the diverse ways individuals navigate their inner struggles.

“A Bit of Light” premieres in theaters on April 5th.