Katie Holmes Shines in New Selfie as She Begins San Diego Stage Role

The actress is starring in 'Hedda Gabler' at The Old Globe, marking a new chapter away from her longtime New York home.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Katie Holmes has traded the East Coast for the West Coast, as she takes on the lead role in a production of 'Hedda Gabler' at The Old Globe in San Diego, California. The actress shared a radiant selfie on social media, showcasing her youthful glow, as she settles into her new surroundings and bonds with her co-stars behind the scenes.

Why it matters

Katie Holmes' move to the West Coast for this new stage role marks a significant shift in her career, as she takes on a challenging and acclaimed character in 'Hedda Gabler.' The play, written in 1890, explores themes of female empowerment and control that still resonate today, making Holmes' portrayal all the more compelling.

The details

In the classic Henrik Ibsen play, Holmes plays the lead role of Hedda, a newly married aristocratic woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. Hedda manipulates her former lover, Eilert Løvborg, into relapsing and committing suicide, before ultimately taking her own life. Holmes has been working on the adaptation with playwright Erin Wilson for over a year, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic character.

  • Katie Holmes began starring in 'Hedda Gabler' at The Old Globe in San Diego in March 2026.

The players

Katie Holmes

An American actress best known for her role on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek' and her high-profile marriage to actor Tom Cruise. She is now starring in the lead role of 'Hedda Gabler' at The Old Globe in San Diego.

Erin Wilson

The playwright who has adapted the classic Henrik Ibsen play 'Hedda Gabler' for the current production starring Katie Holmes.

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What they’re saying

“I've always loved this play. And just the opportunity to take on such a well-known role and work with Barry again and also work with Erin, who's done a really strong adaptation. We've been getting together for about a year now, meeting, going through different drafts, and I find it to be really exciting because it's a huge challenge. I think that this character is one that speaks to all women.”

— Katie Holmes (KPBS)

What’s next

Katie Holmes will continue starring in 'Hedda Gabler' at The Old Globe in San Diego through the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

Katie Holmes' move to the West Coast for this new stage role showcases her versatility as an actress and her commitment to taking on complex, challenging characters. Her radiant selfie from the production's rehearsals highlights her youthful energy and enthusiasm for the project, signaling an exciting new chapter in her career.