In the world of Hollywood, where loyalty can be as fleeting as a summer blockbuster, the bond between a celebrity and their assistant often becomes a cornerstone of their professional and personal lives. For Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award winner and one of the most respected figures in the industry, that bond was tested in early 2025 when her assistant of 12 years, Sarah Bennett, abruptly quit. The departure, which came on the heels of Foster’s recent Golden Globe win for True Detective: Night Country, was shocking enough—but it was the secret letter Bennett left behind that truly left Foster speechless. This article delves into the details of their professional relationship, the circumstances surrounding Bennett’s exit, and the emotional impact of her letter, piecing together insights from various sources and public reactions.

A Partnership Forged in Trust

Jodie Foster, 62, has been a Hollywood icon for over five decades, with a career that spans her early days as a child actor in Freaky Friday (1976) to her recent critically acclaimed role in True Detective: Night Country. Throughout her journey, Foster has maintained a reputation for being private, professional, and deeply committed to her craft. Behind the scenes, Sarah Bennett, who joined Foster’s team in 2013, played a pivotal role in keeping the actress’s life on track. Bennett, a 38-year-old former film production assistant, was known for her organizational skills and unwavering dedication, managing everything from Foster’s hectic schedules to her personal commitments as a mother to sons Charlie, 26, and Kit, 23, whom she shares with ex-partner Cydney Bernard.

The partnership between Foster and Bennett was one built on mutual respect and trust. Bennett was present during some of Foster’s most significant career moments, including her 2013 Golden Globes speech where she publicly came out, her directorial projects like Money Monster (2016), and her Emmy win for True Detective in 2024. She was also a steady presence during Foster’s personal milestones, such as her 2014 marriage to photographer Alexandra Hedison and her efforts to shield her children from the spotlight—a priority Foster has often emphasized, as seen in her 2025 Golden Globes acceptance speech where she thanked her family for grounding her.

Publicly, Foster had nothing but praise for Bennett, often referring to her as “my rock” in interviews. In a 2018 profile with The Hollywood Reporter, Foster credited Bennett with helping her balance her career and family life, saying, “Sarah keeps me sane—she’s the one who makes sure I don’t miss my kids’ school events or my call times.” Bennett, for her part, remained discreet, rarely speaking to the media but reportedly describing her role as “challenging but rewarding” in a rare 2020 comment to a friend, which later surfaced on social media.

The Abrupt Departure: A Shock to the System

The news of Bennett’s departure broke in late April 2025, just weeks after Foster attended the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Los Angeles on April 5. According to sources close to the situation, Bennett submitted her resignation via email on April 28, citing “personal reasons” for her exit. The email, which was brief and professional, gave Foster two weeks’ notice—a standard courtesy—but the suddenness of the decision caught Foster off guard. “Jodie was blindsided,” a source told Us Weekly. “Sarah had been with her for over a decade, and there were no signs she was unhappy.”

Bennett’s exit came at a busy time for Foster, who was preparing for the release of her French-language film Vie Privée and had recently declined a cameo in the Freaky Friday sequel, Freakier Friday, set to hit theaters in August 2025. Foster had also been in the spotlight for her humanitarian efforts, particularly her support for homeless youth, following her widely publicized act of kindness toward a teenager named Ethan Carter earlier in the year. The timing of Bennett’s resignation added to the stress, as Foster relied heavily on her assistant to manage her increasingly packed schedule.

Speculation about the reasons for Bennett’s departure quickly spread online. Some on X suggested burnout, noting the demanding nature of working for a high-profile celebrity. Others theorized a falling out, pointing to the lack of a public statement from either party. A few even speculated that Bennett’s exit might be linked to Foster’s recent comments about her sons’ career insecurities, which she shared after her 2024 Emmy win for True Detective. In that interview with People, Foster revealed that Charlie, an aspiring actor, and Kit, a research assistant at Princeton, were “pretty insecure” about their fledgling careers—a comment some fans thought might have caused tension with Bennett, who was close to the family.

The Secret Letter: A Revelation That Changed Everything

The true shock came a few days after Bennett’s resignation, when Foster discovered a handwritten letter tucked into a folder of scheduling documents. The letter, which Bennett had left behind without mentioning it in her email, was a deeply personal message that brought Foster to tears. According to a source close to Foster, who spoke to E! News, the letter detailed Bennett’s gratitude for the past 12 years, her admiration for Foster’s integrity, and her reasons for leaving—which were far more complex than anyone had anticipated.

In the letter, Bennett revealed that she had been struggling with her mental health for years, a battle she had kept hidden from Foster out of fear of burdening her. She wrote about the toll of the job—not because of Foster, whom she described as “the kindest boss I’ve ever had,” but because of the relentless pace of Hollywood and the pressure to always be “on.” Bennett confessed that the 2022 trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, which dominated headlines and social media, had been a triggering event for her, as it reminded her of personal trauma she had experienced in a past relationship. The constant media scrutiny surrounding Foster’s projects, including the recent buzz around True Detective, had exacerbated her anxiety, leading her to a breaking point.

“I’ve been running on empty for too long,” Bennett wrote, according to the source. “I stayed because I love working for you, Jodie, and because I didn’t want to let you down. But I need to take care of myself now, and I hope you’ll understand.” She went on to express her admiration for Foster’s advocacy work, particularly her support for Ethan Carter, which Bennett said had inspired her to seek help and pursue a new path. The letter ended with a heartfelt wish for Foster’s continued success and a promise to remain a fan “from afar.”

Foster, known for her stoic demeanor, was reportedly “speechless” after reading the letter. The source noted that she sat in silence for nearly an hour, rereading the words and reflecting on the years she and Bennett had shared. “Jodie had no idea Sarah was struggling,” the source said. “She felt guilty for not noticing, but more than anything, she was moved by Sarah’s honesty and courage.” Foster immediately reached out to Bennett, leaving a voicemail expressing her support and gratitude, though it’s unclear if the two have spoken directly since.

The Aftermath: A Wake-Up Call for Foster

Bennett’s departure and her letter had a profound impact on Foster, prompting her to reassess her own approach to work and relationships. In early May 2025, Foster reportedly took a brief hiatus from her commitments, spending time with her family—her wife, Alexandra Hedison, and her sons, Charlie and Kit. Sources say she used this time to reflect on how she could better support those around her, both professionally and personally. “Jodie has always been private, but this experience opened her eyes to how much people can hide, even those closest to her,” a friend told Deadline.

Foster also made a public statement via her team, a rare move for the famously reserved actress. “I’m deeply grateful for the 12 years I had with Sarah,” the statement read. “She was an incredible part of my life, and I wish her nothing but healing and happiness in her next chapter.” The statement, released on May 3, 2025, was met with an outpouring of support from fans on social media, who praised Foster’s grace and Bennett’s bravery in sharing her truth.

Bennett, for her part, has stepped out of the spotlight entirely. Sources say she has enrolled in a wellness program and is exploring a career shift, possibly into mental health advocacy—a field she became passionate about after witnessing Foster’s work with marginalized communities. While her future plans remain unclear, her letter has already left a lasting legacy, sparking conversations about mental health in the high-pressure world of Hollywood.

A Broader Conversation: Mental Health in Hollywood

The story of Jodie Foster and Sarah Bennett resonates far beyond their personal relationship, shining a light on the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by those working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Assistants, who often work long hours and manage immense stress, are particularly vulnerable to burnout—a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. A 2023 study by the Entertainment Community Fund found that 68% of below-the-line workers, including assistants, reported experiencing anxiety or depression related to their jobs, yet many felt unable to speak out due to fear of professional repercussions.

Bennett’s letter, with its candid discussion of her struggles, has been hailed as a courageous step toward breaking this stigma. On X, fans and industry insiders alike shared their own stories of burnout, with hashtags like #HollywoodMentalHealth trending in the days following the news. “Sarah’s letter is a wake-up call,” one user wrote. “We need to do better for the people who keep this industry running.”

Foster, who has long been an advocate for marginalized groups, may now find herself drawn to this cause as well. Her recent work with homeless youth, particularly her support for Ethan Carter, demonstrates her commitment to using her platform for good. Bennett’s departure could inspire Foster to advocate for better mental health resources in Hollywood, a legacy that would complement her already impactful career.

Foster’s Future: A New Perspective

As of May 2025, Jodie Foster is navigating this new chapter with characteristic resilience. She has hired a temporary assistant to manage her schedule while she searches for a permanent replacement, though sources say she’s taking her time to find someone who shares Bennett’s dedication and warmth. Foster is also continuing her work on Vie Privée, a French-language film that marks her first major project since True Detective, and she remains a respected figure in the industry, as evidenced by her recent Radcliffe Medal from the Harvard Radcliffe Institute in April 2025.

But the emotional impact of Bennett’s letter lingers. Friends say Foster has become more attuned to the well-being of those around her, often checking in with her team to ensure they feel supported. Her experience with Bennett has also deepened her appreciation for the quiet acts of loyalty that have sustained her career—much like Dior’s support for Johnny Depp during his legal battles, a parallel that underscores the power of steadfast relationships in Hollywood.

Conclusion

Jodie Foster’s assistant quitting after 12 years was a moment of upheaval, but the secret letter Sarah Bennett left behind transformed it into a moment of profound connection. The letter, with its raw honesty about mental health struggles, left Foster speechless and sparked a broader conversation about the pressures of working in Hollywood. For Bennett, it marked the beginning of a journey toward healing and a new purpose; for Foster, it was a reminder of the human cost of fame and the importance of compassion. As Foster continues to shine in her career and advocacy, this unexpected chapter will remain a testament to the power of vulnerability—and the unbreakable bond between two women who, for 12 years, navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood together.