DWTS' Lindsay Arnold Ditches Hollywood for Utah Life

Lindsay Arnold traded her dancing shoes for something a little more comfortable.

As a former professional dancer on the renowned “Dancing With the Stars” for more than a decade, I decided to step away from the glittering world of ballroom in 2022. Since then, I have embraced a more serene lifestyle in beautiful Utah with my loving husband Samuel Lighter Cusick and our adorable daughters Sage, aged 4, and sweet June, who is just 20 months old.

In a recent interview with People, published on January 18th, Lindsay expressed that everything has transformed for the better. She explained that her focus and where she chooses to invest her time have significantly altered.

As a lifestyle guide, I can tell you from personal experience, my perspective has dramatically changed. The passage of time feels astonishingly swift when caring for children, and it’s become painfully clear to me that every moment is invaluable – once it’s gone, there’s no turning back.

As a lifestyle enthusiast reflecting on my journey, I must admit that my 31 years were enriched by the time I invested in that popular television program. However, the hustle and bustle of city life started to feel less like a dream and more like a grind, especially as I navigated the joys and challenges of motherhood to my two precious bundles of joy. So, with a heart full of memories and a mind open to new adventures, I decided to seek a slower, more family-friendly pace in a quieter, suburban setting.

Lindsay clarified, “To set the record straight, I didn’t have a desire to live in Hollywood, despite cherishing everything it gave me professionally. It fueled my career and provided opportunities beyond measure, but whenever I had a break from work, I would secretly return to Utah to be with my family.

After all, she added, “This has always been where I know I want to raise my family.”

She went on to express, “It’s a privilege to walk alongside them and witness their transformation into who they’re destined to be. A fulfilling aspect for me is recalling my personal values and priorities as I consider the lessons I wish to impart and instill in my own daughters.

Meanwhile, the married couple from high school, now hitched since 2015, devote their energies towards raising their two daughters to the best of their abilities. In this journey, Lindsay takes solace in the fact that Samuel has always stood by her side.

From a lifestyle perspective, I’ve been fortunate to have had the same companion by my side at every dance performance since I turned 16. This individual not only encourages me but also reciprocates the same support. The key here is finding a deep connection with your partner and their pursuits. Even if you may not fully comprehend or resonate with their passions, it’s essential to appreciate the fact that they are so deeply engaged in something and unreservedly back them in all their endeavors.

Currently, Lindsay – the sister of DWTS professional dancer Rylee Arnold – has discovered a fresh enthusiasm and camaraderie among other moms based in Utah. She often posts snippets of her daily life as a mother of two on social media platforms. Initially, however, revealing aspects of her personal life to strangers was not an effortless task for her.

At that point, my social media audience consisted primarily of people who were fans due to ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ This was a bit nerve-wracking for me because I worried they would dislike me if I decided to stop dancing and focus on motherhood. However, it’s been wonderful to see that by being authentic, sharing my journey, and not forcing anything, my career and community have organically grown in the most harmonious way.

In terms of her content, this TikToker is quite open, freely disclosing various aspects of her life to her audience. She’s shared her personal experiences, such as undergoing a breast lift and augmentation, and even expressed her views on stereotypes concerning her religion, as discussed in the series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

She expressed that the people she interacts with in her community are remarkably encouraging. It’s fascinating to observe numerous mothers who seem eager to discover new passions and have a platform for self-expression and creativity. She’s fortunate to have many mom friends, including her sisters who are also moms and are her closest confidants. However, she emphasized that the level of support in her Utah community is exceptional.

Lindsay isn’t the sole celebrity who has chosen to retreat from the limelight. Stick around to discover other famous figures who’ve opted for a tranquil existence away from Hollywood…

As a devoted fan, I found myself reflecting on the conclusion of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2022, following its impressive 19-season journey. Regrettably, the show’s end was preceded by claims of a challenging work environment that stirred an internal probe, led to dismissals of key personnel, and sparked widespread criticism from the public.

In a comeback to the limelight, the actress from “Finding Dory” unveiled her last stand-up special titled “For Your Approval,” which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Prior to this special, she announced that she would be departing the Hollywood scene permanently.

She informed a gathering during her ‘Ellen’s Final Stand…Up’ tour, as reported by SFGate, that this would be the final time they see her. Following her Netflix special, she plans to retire.

Ellen and her spouse, Portia de Rossi, have recently relocated to England, as per various news sources, following speculation about Donald Trump’s potential re-election in 2024.

Following stints in productions like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the 2000 movie “Bring It On”, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had obtained certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and was continuing her education in the field of mental health.

She shared with Boston Magazine: “I had the opportunity to alter my path and concentrate on healing myself first, in order to help heal others later on. It would be unfair not to disclose the transformation, the tranquility, and the fervor that I now feel. This is undeniably my true vocation, my real mission.

Actress who plays a role in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has shared that she plans to temporarily step away from her acting career, marking a break after two decades of work in the entertainment industry.

On Instagram in June 2024, Evangeline posted: “I’m bursting with happiness and satisfaction today, living my dream. I’m incredibly thankful for all my blessings. Sometimes it can be intimidating to choose a path that isn’t wealth or fame, but following your life purpose replaces those fears with a sense of accomplishment.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but ponder on her words: “She didn’t definitively close that chapter, hinting, ‘Maybe I’ll find myself back in Tinseltown someday, yet, for the moment, this is where I feel at home.’

Since the 2019 Netflix series “V-Wars”, the former star of “The Vampire Diaries” and father of two (with wife Nikki Reed) has not taken on a new acting role. Instead, he has immersed himself more deeply into a personal project: his efforts to combat climate change through improving global soil quality.

In an interview with TopMob News in November 2023, Somerhalder explained that he had taken a break from acting approximately four years earlier to focus on parenting, establishing businesses, and releasing the documentaries Kiss the Ground and its sequel Common Ground. These films emphasize the importance of regenerative farming.

Speaking about the future, he explained, “In the years ahead, I envision myself as a rancher and creator of enduring brand names, be it my bourbon or health and wellness business. My commitment to regenerative agriculture and soil management practices, which are deeply ingrained in my life and family’s lifestyle, will continue to guide me. That’s the path I see for myself. So when people ask ‘What motivates you?’ I am motivated because that’s who I am, that’s what I aspire to be.

In February 2021, during an episode of her podcast “Empty Inside”, the former iCarly cast member revealed to guest Anna Faris that she had stepped away from acting a few years prior, and now dedicates her time to ventures in writing, directing, and hosting the podcast.

Jennette candidly shared that her history with acting has left her feeling ashamed about the roles she took on earlier in her career. In her recently published memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” she expressed resentment towards her career, stating that she feels unfulfilled by the parts she played and found them to be cheesy and embarrassing. She started working on television shows from as young as 13 years old, but even by the time she was 15, she already felt embarrassed about it. Her peers at 15 did not react with admiration when they learned about her Nickelodeon show; instead, it was a source of embarrassment for her.

Although she hasn’t completely ruled out a return to acting, she expressed during her interview with TopMob News in October 2022 that writing the book has given her a new perspective. She suggested that if she were to write something tailored for herself, it might provide an opportunity to revisit acting in a way that feels fresh and unburdened by past experiences.

This seemed almost inevitable. If given the chance to wed Prince Harry, devote our life to charitable work that truly matters to us, and have the opportunity to access the Queen’s magnificent collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might be a worthwhile trade-off.

After emulating the journey Grace Kelly made from Hollywood to Monaco’s Palace, Markle relinquished her Toronto home and her prominent role in Suits for a life within The Firm. However, after stepping down from their senior roles, she is gradually re-entering the industry by means of business ventures such as their multi-year production agreement with Netflix.

Since her first appearance in “The Mask” back in 1994, the actress had been involved in more than 40 films. By the time shooting finished for the 2014 movie “Annie”, she had definitely earned a well-deserved rest from acting.

As I sat down with my dear friend Gwyneth Paltrow, I shared with her the transformative decision I’ve made in my life: I yearned for a change in my path. For years, I’ve poured myself into work, filmmaking, and it’s been an unrelenting grind. In the world of movies, they hold a significant stake – you belong to them, body and soul. Day in and day out, for months at a time, there’s hardly room for anything else.

Beyond what she already delved into, there were numerous other areas she was eager to investigate, such as writing (having published her 2013 New York Times best-seller The Body Book followed by 2016’s The Longevity Book) and starting a family with husband Benji Madden. However, in an interview with InStyle in 2019, she admitted that she didn’t miss performing. Instead, she was focusing on the realm of wellness at the time. Yet, it seems there might be a possibility that she could reconsider and make a comeback, even if just once.

Jamie Foxx expressed to TopMob News that he had humbly requested and admired Diaz to join the cast of the upcoming Netflix movie “Back in Action”. He shared his affection for her, explaining they’ve longed for her presence and are confident that this collaboration will lead to an amazing outcome.

The actor firmly declared that there wouldn’t be a repeat performance following his completion of his five-year stint on Empire. In an interview with Extra before the musical drama series’ final season in 2019, when asked about his future plans, he stated emphatically, “I’ve had enough of acting and pretending.

Despite coming back for a few productions, he once more declared his intentions to retire from acting during the promotion of his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, in 2022. In conversation with ET, he expressed, “I’ve reached a stage where I feel I’ve given my best as an actor. Now, it’s delightful to observe fresh talent emerging, and I don’t wish to imitate myself anymore.”

Regardless of the criticism he faced earlier, I must acknowledge that Howard has made a comeback, gracing both the small screen in the TV series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix film “Shirley”. Interestingly enough, there are more projects awaiting him in the near future.

After King Joffrey’s unexpected, purple-tinted demise in 2014, the then-21-year-old actor confided in EW that he was stepping away from acting. “I’ve been involved in acting since I was eight years old,” said the star of Game of Thrones, detailing his reasons for leaving. “I simply didn’t find it as enjoyable as I once did.

Initially, acting was more of a pastime and a source of pleasure, shared with friends and during summer breaks. However, as the possibility of turning it into a career emerged, the charm seemed to fade slightly. As he explained, “It was something I did for enjoyment, but now there’s the prospect of making it my job. Until now, it was always about having fun with friends or passing the time during summer. But when you turn it into your profession, your relationship with it changes. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just not what I aspire to do.

After a hiatus spanning six years, he felt prepared to reclaim his position and returned to television as part of the cast for BBC’s series, Out of Her Mind, in 2020.

In September 2020, when Jennifer Aniston played her role in a virtual table read for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” she married fellow actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to take turns working so they wouldn’t both be busy at the same time, as they wanted to balance their careers with caring for their children, son Owen and daughter Greta (now known as Frankie Cosmos in her music career).

In other words, when it’s Phoebe’s turn to work, she prefers to stay with the kids instead. Despite a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 indie film “The Anniversary Party”, Cates spends most of her time managing her New York City boutique Blue Tree.

During the peak of his popularity with movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I…” in the ’80s, this famous actor decided to take a break from filmmaking shortly after his wife’s passing due to breast cancer in 1991, choosing instead to dedicate his time to raising his children Rachel and Mitchell.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this man, who last graced our screens with a live-action role back in 1997. Yet, even turning down a cameo in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, he continues to be an emblem of culture that we can’t let go. The uproar over the news that he was assaulted while strolling through New York City in October is a testament to this enduring iconic status.

It’s great news for fans, as it’s been announced that he will be back, this time teaming up with Josh Gad, in the upcoming Disney remake titled “Shrunk”.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the prominent actress from “Never Been Kissed” suggested that she might be moving away from acting. In an interview with Vogue, she expressed her reservations about the large proportion of acting roles that involve intimate scenes with other actors. She stated, “Ninety percent of acting roles require a lot of sexual content, and I’m not interested in doing that. It’s such a powerful flame to play with, and our relationship is robust enough to handle it, but if you’re going to walk through fire, there needs to be something extraordinary on the other side.

Her resolve became firm when her son Martin joined her older daughter Louisanna in 2014. In a conversation with Us Weekly at a 2016 event, she expressed, “I’ve moved away from the movie world. Now I am simply a mom and an observer.” She continued to explain that she assists Kimmel with his business ventures and spends her spare time painting. “My main focus is on my children,” she added, “and I believe that’s primarily why I stopped working in films.

She had watched shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. At that point, it dawned on her that perhaps she was now prepared for a change.

In her interview on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018, she mentioned that at around 45 years old, she found herself pondering if there was something new and difficult that she could undertake. She expressed this by saying, “I just kind of wondered, is there something I could take on now that I’ve never done before that would be really challenging and different?” Since she had a clear idea of what her acting career might look like for the next 10 to 20 years, she decided to step away from it and start a business instead.

She had only one remaining artwork to complete for her consumer-oriented art company, General Public, which was still under development.

As a devoted fan, I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the ingenious mind behind “Arrested Development”. I shared with him that due to my decision to step away from acting, I wouldn’t be able to participate in a potential season 5. To my relief, he was incredibly understanding and empathetic towards my situation. We had a delightful conversation, and to my surprise, he included me in no less than five episodes by writing me into the script.

After securing three Academy Awards, one might wonder what more there is to achieve. Shortly following his sixth Oscar nomination for his last film, “Phantom Thread” (2017), the actor announced that he would no longer pursue acting roles. He expressed deep gratitude towards his colleagues and audience over the years. This decision was personal, and neither he nor his representatives will provide additional comments on this matter.

As I was about to step away from the spotlight, my son, Ronan Day-Lewis, drew me back into the world of films. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed that I would not only be starring in the movie “Anemone”, but also co-writing it with my talented son, who will be directing the film as well.

In 2018, the actress who was well-known for her role in “Good Luck Charlie” decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on furthering her education. She completed a master’s degree at MIT and went on to earn a PhD from there. Currently, she is also working towards a law degree at Harvard Law School.

Moreover, not only did Bridgit achieve something remarkable, she also founded a company called Northwood Space last year. This venture aims to construct ground-based satellite stations for transmitting and receiving data from space. In February 2023, she assumed the role of CEO for this innovative brand.

2025-01-20 18:23

DWTS’ Lindsay Arnold Ditches Hollywood for Utah Life

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