You probably remember her as Lilly Rush. That blonde, determined detective with the messy ponytail and the uncanny ability to solve "unsolvable" murders while looking like she hadn't slept in three days. For seven seasons of Cold Case, Kathryn Morris was a permanent fixture in our living rooms. Then, the show ended in 2010, and she seemingly vanished into thin air. Honestly, it’s one of those Hollywood disappearances that actually has a deep, life-altering reason behind it.
If you’ve been wondering what is Kathryn Morris doing now, the answer is a mix of a major career pivot, a massive personal mission, and a slow-but-steady return to the screen.
The Real Reason for the Long Break
Basically, life hit Kathryn with a bombshell that changed everything. In 2013, she gave birth to twin boys, Rocco and Jameson. About 18 months later, they were diagnosed with autism. For a high-profile actress used to a 14-hour-a-day filming schedule, this was a "stop everything" moment. She didn't just step back; she went "rogue," as she puts it.
She spent a huge chunk of the last decade navigating the abyss of early intervention, special diets (she’s a self-described "trial-by-fire" paleo-ish home cook now), and advocating for her sons. She describes herself during this time as a "part-time doctor, fake reiki master, and behavior therapist with no credentials."
The Birth of The Savants
Kathryn didn't stay quiet forever. In late 2021, she launched The Savants, an initiative that is less about "curing" autism and more about revolutionizing how the world views neurodiversity. It’s kinda her main gig these days. She’s moved from being just a TV detective to being a real-life advocate, acting as an Ambassador for The Autism Community in Action (TACA).
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You've probably noticed she isn't all over the typical Hollywood red carpets unless it’s for a cause. She’s been busy building a "lifestyle brand for the neurodiverse," focusing on everything from sensory-friendly fashion to non-toxic products. It’s a space where she’s trying to move the conversation away from clinical labels and toward what she calls "islands of genius."
Is She Still Acting in 2026?
Short answer: Yes. But she’s being picky.
The "Lilly Rush" era of doing 22 episodes a year is likely over, but she’s been popping up in some really interesting places. Recently, fans caught her in the Los Angeles premiere of the indie film From Embers in late 2024. She also took on a gritty role as Nikki Sixx’s mother in the Netflix biopic The Dirt, which reminded everyone that she can play way more than just a stoic cop.
What Really Happened With the Cold Case Revival?
There’s been a ton of chatter about a Cold Case reboot. It's the big question for anyone looking into what she's up to. Recently, there were reports that CBS was looking at a revival set in the Southwest. While the original creator, Meredith Stiehm, has been involved in talks, Kathryn’s participation has been the subject of heavy speculation.
Honestly, it’s complicated. Shows like Cold Case have a massive legacy, and Kathryn has expressed a lot of love for the fans who "miss seeing her on their screens every week." But with her focus on The Savants and her sons, any return to the character of Lilly Rush would have to fit into a very different life than the one she had in 2003.
Breaking Down Her Recent Projects
- The Savants x Multiple: She’s been co-moderating fireside chats about autism-focused tech and innovation, working with founders like Dan Feshbach to push for parent-led change in the industry.
- Independent Film: She’s been linked to projects like the rom-com Confections of a Discarded Woman, showing a lighter side that's a far cry from the morgue scenes of her past.
- Advocacy Speaking: You’ll find her at events like Advertising Week New York, where she talks about moving awareness into actual action for families living on the spectrum.
The Legacy of a "Real" Character
One reason people still care so much about Kathryn Morris is that she fought for Lilly Rush to be "real." She famously refused to have a "500-dollar hair-color job" for the role, insisting that her roots should show and her outfits shouldn't always match. That authenticity is exactly what she’s bringing to her current work in the neurodiversity space. She isn't polishing the edges of her life for Instagram; she’s talking about the "stress in a bathrobe" moments of parenting.
So, if you're looking for her on social media, don't expect a lot of "A-list" glamour. She’s more likely to be posting about "tagless, non-toxic" items or sharing a "love letter" to other autism parents.
What to Watch Next
If you want to catch up on her more recent work while waiting for a potential Cold Case return, look for:
- The Dirt on Netflix (a transformative, darker performance).
- Reverie (a short-lived but cool sci-fi series she did for NBC).
- Colony (where she played a "power couple" role alongside Adrian Pasdar).
Your Next Steps
If you’ve followed Kathryn because of her work or because you’re also navigating the world of neurodiversity, here is how to stay updated:
- Check out The Savants: If you’re looking for resources or just want to see her latest "manifesto" on autism, her website is the central hub for her current life.
- Monitor CBS Announcements: Keep an eye on trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter specifically for "Cold Case Southwest" updates, as that's where any official return to Lilly Rush will be confirmed.
- Watch her "A Love Story" video: It's a raw, 18-minute deep dive she released where she explains her transition from Hollywood star to "Autism Mama." It’s probably the most honest look at her life you’ll find.