Catherine Zeta-Jones Reveals How Leaving Hollywood Impacted Her Career

Catherine Zeta-Jones has no regrets about leaving Hollywood.

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, known for her role in The Gallerist, recently shared a personal look at her life in New York City with her husband, Michael Douglas. She discussed how living on the East Coast has influenced her acting career.

The 56-year-old recently told People magazine that she’s often wondered if living on the East Coast with her husband, Michael, has held back her career. She explained that because she’s never lived in Los Angeles and actively networked within the industry, she doesn’t really know the answer.

Married for nearly 26 years, the couple have two children: Dylan, 25, and Carys, 22. They recently moved to a location about 40 minutes outside the city after selling their home in Westchester County in June 2024.

Even though Catherine and Michael, both 81 years old, don’t live in New York City, they stay connected with their friends—though their group is a bit unexpected.

I actually spend most of my time with people in business, finance, and the arts here in New York. The kinds of friends and acquaintances I make are different than they would be if I lived in Los Angeles. That’s not a criticism of L.A. or the people there—it’s just that I move in different social circles in this city.

Catherine and Michael have owned homes in several countries, including Bermuda, Catherine’s home country of Wales, California, and the Spanish island of Majorca.

After selling their waterfront home in Irvington, New York in 2024, actress Jenna Ortega told The Wall Street Journal that she and her family intended to travel more and spend increased time in both Bermuda and Europe.

We always knew our family would make wonderful memories in our Irvington home, and we did,” she said. “With both of our children now grown and moved out, it feels like the perfect time to sell.

This pair isn’t alone – many stars have chosen to leave Hollywood. Here’s a look at other celebrities who’ve decided to make their homes elsewhere…

After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims led to an internal review, the dismissal of several executives, and significant public criticism.

Ellen made a comeback with her last stand-up comedy show, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the show’s release, she announced that she was planning to retire from Hollywood.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told the audience, according to SFGate, that she plans to retire after releasing her upcoming Netflix special. She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.”

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have settled in the Cotswolds. Ellen shared with Richard Bacon in July 2025, during a conversation at the Everyman theater in Cheltenham, that they decided to remain there after Donald Trump was reelected in November 2024.

She raved about the English countryside, telling the BBC it was “absolutely beautiful” and unlike anything she was used to. She especially loved the charming villages, towns, and architecture, noting it represented a more relaxed and simple way of life.

“It’s just a nicer place,” Ellen explained. “The animals are well cared for, and everyone is so friendly. We really love living here. We moved in November, which wasn’t the best timing, but I finally got to see snow! Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”

Tyra Banks, known for hosting 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 been supplying ice cream to places like airplanes and cruise ships, and she was frequently traveling to Australia to oversee production at a large facility there. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.

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

She ultimately moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, saying 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 splits her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago. She explained to Marie Claire that while she lived in Los Angeles her entire adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that change. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors to her decision, but emphasized she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified in an interview on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated by the election results. She explained it stemmed from work opportunities, starting with filming Land of Women in Catalonia, followed by Searching for Mexico, and then returning to Spain. She’s been living there for years and dislikes the idea of her move being seen as a political statement.

Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with her career, recently appearing in Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip. She also expressed empathy for those who aren’t able to leave the United States, acknowledging her privilege to be able to move and feeling anxiety and sadness for those who are ‘stuck’ in a difficult situation.

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. In a January 2025 interview with Elle España, Gere stated that the whole family is happier than ever and currently experiencing a positive momentum in their lives.

Singer Christina Milian and her family have officially made Paris their home. Married to French singer Matt Pokora for over seven years, the couple previously spent six months of each year commuting between the U.S. and France. They decided to move permanently so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage to The-Dream), and sons Isaiah and Kenna (with Pokora) – could attend school in France. Milian feels it’s a wonderful opportunity for them. The family seems to be thriving in their new life. Milian told TopMob that her kids are happy and fluent in French, and she enjoys a healthy balance between an active daytime life and working ahead of schedule at night. She describes the experience as ‘magnifique’.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her decision to leave Los Angeles. She recently explained that her busy career and active social life in the early 2000s were often overshadowed by constant paparazzi attention, which she found irritating. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she expressed a desire for her work to be the focus, rather than tabloid stories. This frustration was a major reason she chose to move abroad, first to London and then to Dubai, where she also started opening beach clubs in Greece, seeking a life away from the constant spotlight.

Lindsay Lohan admitted she worried she might never find love, wondering if that chapter of her life would ever begin. She realized that taking time to focus on herself was the key to opening up possibilities and receiving opportunities she truly wanted.

Eventually, she did find love with Bader Shammas, marrying him in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.

Though they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind. She continues to appear in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

Josh decided to leave Hollywood after some careful thought. He explained to People magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood isn’t just a location, but a whole way of life. He felt being surrounded by people constantly focused on the film industry would limit his perspective, and that’s something he wanted to avoid.

He was looking for a more balanced life, telling the publication he always wanted to be around people with diverse interests, something that would challenge him and broaden his horizons – what he called ‘the spice of life.’

So, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, moved to the countryside in Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies with a large family, and while life might seem slower, it allows for more meaningful experiences.

Despite the move, Josh has remained active in his career, appearing in films like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

If you don’t follow Jesse on social media, you might be surprised to learn he no longer lives in Los Angeles. In a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the A Real Pain star revealed 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 fairly normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He explained that he avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the entertainment industry, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from its pressures. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t even that interested in movies, further keeping him grounded and focused on life outside of Hollywood.

Eliza Dushku, known for her 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 prioritize her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others. She felt it was important to share her personal journey and the sense of peace and purpose she’d found, as she now clearly understood this was her true calling.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! Rosie, the Rosie from the Flintstones, actually moved to Ireland! Can you even imagine? She went in January 2025 with little Clay, her youngest, and she’s trying to become an Irish citizen because her grandparents were from there! She said things were getting a little crazy back home politically, which I totally get, but she didn’t say she’d never come back, so there’s still hope! I’m just… obsessed with this news!

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

After two decades as an actress, the star of Ant-Man and the Wasp has announced she’s taking a break from acting with no set return date.

In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her dreams. She expressed gratitude for her good fortune, explaining that while it can be daunting to choose a path less traveled than seeking wealth and fame, living authentically brings a deep sense of purpose and joy instead of fear.

I’m not saying I’ll never go back to Hollywood, honestly. It’s always been a part of me, but right now, I’ve found where I truly belong, and I’m happy focusing on that.

Since starring in the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars, the actor best known for The Vampire Diaries hasn’t taken on a new acting role. He’s been focusing on a personal mission: fighting climate change by working to improve soil health around the world.

As a mom and entrepreneur, balancing everything is always a juggling act! About four years ago, I decided to shift my focus from acting to really dedicate myself to raising my kids and growing my businesses. A big part of that has been bringing important projects like the documentaries Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and Common Ground to life. Both films are incredibly important to me – they really highlight the vital need for regenerative farming practices and a healthier planet.

Looking ahead, the actor shared his vision for the future: becoming a rancher and developing lasting brands, like his bourbon and wellness company. He’s deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and healthy soil practices, values he and his family prioritize. He explained, “That’s the life I’m building, and that’s why these things matter so much to me. It’s simply who I am and who I’m becoming.”

In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy shared with guest Anna Faris that she had stopped acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing opportunities, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took earlier in her career, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained that she feels unfulfilled by the work she did and found it often cheesy and embarrassing, especially considering she was on those shows from ages 13 to 21. She noted that even by age 15, she was already self-conscious about being on television, as her friends didn’t see it as something to be proud of.

She hasn’t ruled out returning to acting completely. In an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, she explained that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from past pressures. She thinks she might be open to it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself.

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 worth considering.

Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – most notably her role in the TV show Suits – to a life as a member of the British Royal Family. After stepping back from their official duties and moving to Montecito, California, Meghan is now returning to professional life, starting with a deal to create content for Netflix.

She has already released the docuseries Harry & Meghan on Netflix, and plans to launch a lifestyle show called With Love, Meghan in 2025. Additionally, she’s ventured into podcasting and launched her own brand, As Ever.

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, leaving no room for anything else.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she followed up her successful book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book – 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 seemed she might be open to returning to performing at least one more time.

Jamie Foxx explained to TopMob News how they convinced Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie, Back in Action. He said they practically pleaded with her, saying, ‘Please do one more!’ He added that everyone loves her and has been eagerly waiting for her return, and the film is going to be amazing.

The actor stated firmly that he wouldn’t return to the show after completing his five years on Empire. When Extra asked Terrence Howard about his plans before the sixth and final season aired in 2019, he said he was finished with acting and no longer wanted to play roles.

I’ve been a huge fan of his work for years, so it’s bittersweet to hear him talk about retiring. Even after taking on a few roles here and there, he announced in 2022, while promoting his The Best Man: The Final Chapters series, that he was stepping away from acting again. He explained to Entertainment Tonight that he felt he’d given everything he had to the craft, and honestly, he’s excited to see new actors emerge. He doesn’t want to just go through the motions and repeat performances – he wants to make room for fresh talent!

Even with those previous concerns, Howard has continued to act, appearing in shows like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and the Netflix film Shirley. He also has several new projects planned.

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, Jack Gleeson, who was 21 at the time, decided to stop acting. He told EW that he had been acting since he was eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it anymore.

It’s funny, growing up in the spotlight, some of that initial excitement naturally faded. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want, and it’s shifted. For years, acting was just something I did for fun with my friends, a great way to spend summers. I genuinely loved it! But now, the idea of turning that passion into a full-time job feels different. It’s not that I dislike acting at all, it’s just… it’s not the path I want to pursue as a career anymore.

After a six-year hiatus, 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 ensured they could both be available to care for their children, Owen and Greta (who now performs as the singer Frankie Cosmos). Kline shared this plan with Playboy magazine.

He also pointed out that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children whenever she’s scheduled to work. While she made a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, Cates mainly focuses on running her boutique, Blue Tree, in New York City.

I’ll never forget when Rick Moranis seemed to disappear after being so huge in the ’80s with Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. It was heartbreaking to learn it was shortly after his wife sadly passed away from breast cancer in 1991. He made the incredibly selfless decision to step away from acting and focus on raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell, and I always admired him for that.

Despite not appearing in a live-action film 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 of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020.

Good news for fans is on the way, though: 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 taking on such roles felt risky, and while her marriage was solid, she needed a truly exceptional opportunity to justify it.

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 felt like an outsider in the movie industry and was now focused on being a mom. She also mentioned she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [acting].”

Oh my god, she was amazing in everything! I mean, Ally McBeal? Iconic! And then she just kept proving she could do anything with Nip/Tuck, the quirky genius of Arrested Development… I thought she’d conquered TV forever! But then came Scandal, and it felt like she was finally saying, ‘Okay, I’ve shown you what I can do, now I’m ready for something new!’ It was like she was finally taking control, and honestly? I was living for it.

Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” she shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2018. “I had a good idea of what my acting career would look like for the next decade or two, so I decided to leave it behind and start my own business.

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

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and told him I was done with acting, so I wouldn’t be in a potential season five. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing me into five episodes anyway.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might consider what else there is to achieve. Following his sixth Oscar 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.

After finding fame on Good Luck Charlie, she decided to focus on her education in 2018. She went on to earn both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and later attended Harvard Law School.

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

2026-02-03 02:50

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