Ben Foster Details Moving to Nashville After Laura Prepon Divorce

Ben Foster is starting a new chapter after his split from Laura Prepon.

The actor from *X-Men: The Last Stand*-who has an 8-year-old daughter named Ella and a 5-year-old son whose name hasn’t been made public-has announced he’s moved to Tennessee. He shares his children with the actress known for *Orange Is the New Black*.

Jodie Foster explained that she lived in Los Angeles and New York City for roughly 12 years each. Her parents, who are very close with her children, recently moved near Nashville. After reflecting during the pandemic, she realized she no longer needed to live on either the East or West Coast, as stated in a September 10th interview with the Hollywood Reporter.

Foster shared what he appreciates about living in Nashville. He’s an avid horse rider and enjoys the city’s vibrant live music scene, particularly country music. He feels Nashville offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to the East and West Coasts, making it a good fit for him, and he’s truly enjoying his time there.

Following a divorce settlement with his wife, Prepon, and an agreement to sell their Nashville house purchased in 2024, the 44-year-old recently shared his thoughts, according to Us Weekly.

As part of their divorce agreement, the couple – who had a prenuptial agreement – will share custody of their children. The children will primarily live with Prepon, and both parents will split the costs of school and related expenses. Foster will also pay Prepon $5,500 each month in child support, according to court documents.

The actor, known for his work in *Motor City*, initially filed for divorce from Prepon in September 2024, ending their six-year marriage. He later added to the court documents in March, claiming his ex-wife had acted inappropriately and treated him with such cruelty that it made their living situation unsafe.

Prepon refuted the claims against her and, in a legal response, alleged that Foster had subjected her to “cruel and inhuman treatment” and struggled with ongoing alcohol abuse, according to *In Touch* magazine, which obtained the court filings.

TopMob News reached out to a rep for Foster for comment at the time and did not hear back.

I’ve noticed a real trend lately – it’s not just David Foster! So many celebrities are ditching Los Angeles and New York. I’ve been following the news, and it’s fascinating to see who’s left Hollywood behind. Here’s a look at some of the other stars who’ve made the move.

I was a longtime fan of *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, so it was really sad to see it end in 2022 after 19 seasons. The reports about a difficult workplace were heartbreaking, and it led to a lot of changes behind the scenes. It was tough to watch everything unfold. Then, after a bit of a break, I was thrilled to see Ellen return with her Netflix special, *For Your Approval*, in September 2024. But honestly, I was shocked when she announced she’d be leaving Hollywood completely. It felt like the end of an era for someone I’d enjoyed watching for so many years.

During her recent stand-up tour, Ellen DeGeneres announced to her audience that she’s retiring from comedy after her upcoming Netflix special, according to SFGate. She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. Ellen confirmed to Richard Bacon in July 2025 that they relocated in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.

Tyra Banks, the host of *America’s Next Top Model*, decided to move to Australia partly to focus on her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She explained on *Today with Jenna & Friends* that her business had initially focused on providing ice cream for places like airplanes and cruises, and a large production facility for her recipes was located in Australia. She enjoyed her visits there so much that she kept returning.

She also realized Australia was a promising market for her product, noting that Australia, along with America and New Zealand, are the countries that consume the most ice cream.

Tyra ultimately moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, saying that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.

Eva Longoria, known for her role on *Desperate Housewives*, has moved from Los Angeles and now divides her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago. She explained to *Marie Claire* that while she spent her adult life in Los Angeles, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated her decision to leave. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors, though she emphasized she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified to *The View: Behind the Table* podcast that her move wasn’t politically motivated by the election, but rather due to work opportunities that took her to Catalonia and Mexico for extended filming periods. She’s been living abroad for years now, and doesn’t appreciate the politicization of her decision.

Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with her acting career, recently appearing in *Only Murders in the Building* and *Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip*.

Actor Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain with his family. He shared on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* in November 2024 that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is enthusiastic about the opportunity for their young sons, Alexander and James, to thrive in a bilingual environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his former partner, Carey Lowell. The family seems to be adjusting well to the change. In a January 2025 interview with *Elle España*, Gere stated that they are happier than ever and are really enjoying this new chapter in their lives.

Singer Christina Milian and her family have settled in Paris. She’s been with her French husband, Matt Pokora, for seven or eight years, and for the past three or four years, they split their time between the U.S. and France. They recently made the move to Paris permanent so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage to The-Dream), and sons Isaiah and Kenna (with Matt) – could attend school there.

Milian feels it’s a wonderful opportunity for her kids, who are now happily studying in French schools. She describes a balanced lifestyle, enjoying an active day with her family and working ahead of schedule at night. She told TopMob that her kids are thriving and she’s enjoying a healthy routine in Paris.

Honestly, I’m so over the constant speculation about why I left Los Angeles! It’s been frustrating to see my work overshadowed by all the paparazzi attention I got when I was younger. I really wish that part of my life hadn’t blown up the way it did. It felt like the media needed a story, and if there wasn’t one, they’d *create* one, instead of letting my work speak for itself. That’s a big reason why I needed to step away. I ended up moving abroad – starting in London, then Dubai, and even opening some beach clubs in Greece – but it wasn’t just about escaping the spotlight, it was about reclaiming control and focusing on what truly mattered to me.

Honestly, I used to worry *so* much about whether I’d ever find love, if that feeling would ever actually happen for me. It felt impossible! But then I realized I needed to focus on myself, and once I did, everything just… clicked. Suddenly, I was getting the opportunities *I* truly wanted, things I could finally say ‘yes’ to without a second thought. And it worked! I *did* find love with Bader Shammas, and we got married in 2022, then welcomed our amazing little boy, Luai, last year. We’re living in Dubai now, but I’m still totally involved in movies – I’ve been working on projects like *Our Little Secret*, *Irish Wish*, and even a sequel, *Freakier Friday*! It’s the best of both worlds.

As someone who’s observed a lot of career shifts, I completely understand Josh’s decision to step away from the Hollywood scene. He realized it wasn’t just a location, but a whole mindset. He shared with me that being constantly surrounded by talk of movies and the industry just wasn’t fulfilling for him – he wanted a life with more depth. He longed for a community of people involved in all sorts of different things, something to challenge him and broaden his horizons – he called it the ‘spice of life,’ and I couldn’t agree more! That’s why he, his wife Tamsin Egerton, and their four children made the move to the beautiful Hampshire countryside in England. He’s found that while life might *seem* slower, it’s actually filled with what truly matters. And despite the change of pace, he’s still incredibly busy creatively, with roles in films like *Verity*, *Fight or Flight*, and *Trap*. It just goes to show you can redefine success and find fulfillment on your own terms.

If you don’t follow Jesse on social media, you might be surprised to learn he no longer lives in Los Angeles. He told CBS News Sunday Morning in February 2025 that he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the entertainment industry. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t particularly interested in movies, which helps keep him grounded and prevents him from constantly worrying about his status in Hollywood.

Eliza Dushku, known for roles in shows like *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and the movie *Bring It On*, announced in September 2024 that she’s now a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist and is continuing her education in the field of mental health.

She explained to *Boston Magazine* that she was able to change her life’s path to focus on her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced, the peace she’d found, and her renewed passion, as she now clearly understood this was her true calling and purpose.

The actress best known for playing Wilma Flintstone shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay, and is working to become an Irish citizen because of her family’s heritage. While she mentioned recent political events as a factor in her move, she hasn’t dismissed the possibility of returning to her home country someday.

In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and life back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country, and she and her family will think about returning to America when it’s safe and everyone there has equal rights.

Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in *Ant-Man and the Wasp*, has said she’s stepping away from acting for an unspecified amount of time after two decades in the business.

In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her life’s purpose. She expressed gratitude for her blessings and explained that while choosing a path less traveled – one that doesn’t necessarily prioritize money and fame – can be daunting, it ultimately leads to a much more rewarding life.

However, she’s not ruling out a return to Hollywood completely, saying, “I could see myself going back someday, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”

Since starring in the 2019 Netflix series *V-Wars*, actor Paul Wesley hasn’t taken on another acting role. He’s been focusing on a personal project: working to fight climate change by improving soil health around the world.

Ian Somerhalder took a break from acting about four years ago to focus on his family, grow his businesses, and get his documentaries released. He told TopMob News in November 2023 that these films-Kiss the Ground, released in 2020, and its sequel, Common Ground-highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shares two children with his wife, Nikki Reed.

I’ve been following this actor for a while now, and I was really struck by what he said recently. He envisions his future deeply rooted in ranching and building brands he truly believes in – things like his bourbon and his health company. More than that, it’s about a whole lifestyle focused on regenerative agriculture and taking care of the land, something his whole family is committed to. He explained that’s where he’s always been heading, and that’s why he’s so passionate about these things – it’s not just a phase, it’s who he is and who he’s determined to become.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was listening to Jennette McCurdy’s podcast, *Empty Inside*, from February 2021, and she told Anna Faris something HUGE. She actually stopped acting a few years ago! Can you believe it? She’s completely switched gears and is now pouring all her energy into writing and directing, which is amazing, and of course, still doing the podcast, which I LOVE. I’m so proud of her for following her passions!

Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of her past acting roles, detailing her feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained she feels frustrated with her career and unfulfilled by the parts she played, describing them as cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from age 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious by age 15, feeling her peers didn’t view her work with the same enthusiasm.

Despite past difficulties, she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting. She explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from previous negative experiences. She believes she might be open to it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself, as that could be the only way she’d feel comfortable exploring it.

It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, focus on the charities we care about, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would definitely make leaving Hollywood worthwhile.

As a longtime admirer, I’ve always been fascinated by the parallels between Meghan’s journey and Grace Kelly’s-trading a successful acting career for a royal life. Meghan left behind her home and her popular role on *Suits* to join the Royal Family, but now that she and Harry are forging their own path in Montecito, she’s slowly returning to the entertainment world. I’ve been so excited to see her recent projects, like the *Harry & Meghan* docuseries and her upcoming lifestyle show, *With Love, Meghan*, both on Netflix. She’s also been busy with podcasts and building her brand, As Ever, and it’s wonderful to see her thriving creatively again.

After starring in over 40 films since she began her career with 1994’s *The Mask*, the actress really needed a rest when she finished filming *Annie* in 2014.

She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted a different lifestyle. After years of intense work and filmmaking, she felt burned out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding – you’re committed for long hours every day, for months, and it leaves no room for anything else in your life.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she followed up her 2013 bestseller, *The Body Book*, with *The Longevity Book* in 2016 – and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Although she told *InStyle* in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seems she might be open to returning to performing at least one more time.

Jamie Foxx explained that they had to really ask and convince Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie *Back in Action*, practically begging her to do it. He said they all adore her, have been eagerly awaiting her return to acting, and believe the film will be amazing.

The actor stated he wouldn’t return to acting after completing his five years on *Empire*. When *Extra* asked Terrence Howard about his plans before the show’s sixth and final season in 2019, he said, “I’m finished with acting. I’m done with pretending.”

Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Oscar-nominated actor announced his intention to retire from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, *The Best Man: The Final Chapters*. He explained to ET that he felt he’d given his all as an actor and now wants to focus on enjoying and watching new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’s done before.

You know, even with everything that’s been said, I’ve been really impressed to see Michael Howard continuing to work! He’s popped up in some great things recently, like the TV series *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* and the Netflix film *Shirley*. And honestly, I hear he has a ton of exciting projects in the pipeline, which is fantastic to see!

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, the 21-year-old actor told EW he was leaving acting. He explained that he’d been working since he was eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

Jack, no longer a young star, felt some of the joy had faded. He explained that turning a hobby into a job changes things. “Before, it was just something fun to do with friends, or a summer pastime,” he said. “I still like it, but making a living from something alters how you feel about it. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just not my career goal.”

After taking six years off, Jack returned to acting in 2020 with a role in the BBC series *Out of Her Mind*. Since then, he’s also been in films like *Rebecca’s Boyfriend* and *In the Land of Saints and Sinners*, and TV shows including *Safe Harbor* and *The Famous Five*.

When Jennifer Aniston, known for her role in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*, married actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they decided to stagger their work schedules. This arrangement allowed them to both be available to care for their children, Owen and Greta, who is now a singer performing as Frankie Cosmos. Kline shared this plan with *Playboy* magazine.

He added that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children when it’s her turn to work. While she briefly appeared in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, *The Anniversary Party*, Cates mainly focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.

During the peak of his success with films like *Ghostbusters* and *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids*, the actor paused his career after the death of his wife from breast cancer in 1991. He wanted to dedicate his time to raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not appearing in a live-action movie since 1997 – he even turned down a small role in the 2016 *Ghostbusters* remake – Rick remains a beloved figure, as shown by the strong reaction to news reports of an assault on him in New York City in 2020. Now, fans have something to celebrate: he’s returning to the screen with Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney reboot, *Shrunk*.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, actress Drew Barrymore suggested she was considering stepping back from acting. She told Vogue that most acting roles require a lot of intimate scenes, and she wasn’t interested in that. She explained that while her relationship was strong, she needed a truly exceptional role to justify taking on potentially difficult material – something worthwhile on the other side of that challenge.

After her son, Martin, joined his sister, Louisanna, in 2014, she firmly decided to step away from acting. She told *Us Weekly* in 2016 that she was now completely focused on being a mom and supporting her husband, Jimmy Kimmel, with his work, while also pursuing painting as a hobby. She explained that her children were the primary reason she left the film industry.

She’d built a successful career with roles in popular shows like *Ally McBeal*, *Nip/Tuck*, *Arrested Development*, and *Scandal*. After all that, the Australian actress started to think she might be ready for a change.

As I was nearing 45, I started thinking about shaking things up. I really wanted a new challenge, something completely different than what I was used to. I had a pretty good idea of what my acting career would look like for the next decade or two, so I made the bold decision to step away and try my hand at building a business instead. It felt like the right time for a big change!

Her company, General Public, which creates art for everyone, was almost complete – she just needed to finish one last piece.

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of *Arrested Development*, and told him I wouldn’t participate in a fifth season because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing me into five episodes.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might consider retiring. Following his sixth Academy Award nomination for the 2017 film *Phantom Thread*, the actor announced through his representative that he was retiring from acting. The statement expressed his gratitude to those he’d worked with and his audiences over the years, and clarified that this was a personal decision, with no further comments to be made.

Just as Daniel Day-Lewis had announced his retirement from acting, a new project drew him back in. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed he would star in *Anemone*, a film he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also be directing.

As someone who’s always been fascinated by personal growth, I’ve been following Bridgit Mendler’s journey with admiration. After taking a break from acting in 2018, she didn’t just step away – she dove headfirst into academics! She first pursued a master’s degree at MIT, then went on to earn her PhD there. And as if that wasn’t enough, she decided to attend Harvard Law School! It’s a fantastic example of someone redefining success on their own terms, and I think it’s really inspiring.

On top of everything else, Bridgit started her own company, Northwood Space, in February 2023. The company is building ground stations to facilitate communication with satellites, and Bridgit is serving as its CEO.

2025-09-15 18:21

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