Celebrities Who Left Hollywood for New Lives Around the World

Rosie O’Donnel is finding better luck in Ireland.

After spending three months abroad, the comedian moved to Ireland with her 12-year-old son Clay, who she co-parents with Michelle Rounds (her late ex-wife). At the age of 63, she gave a peek into her new life in Ireland.

In an interview with Us Weekly on April 22nd, O’Donnell admitted they picked Ireland without a clear destination. A suggestion was made for Dalkey, and they found an online listing for a house in Glengarry. However, when the moving crew arrived, they discovered mold within the property.

She explained that it wasn’t possible for them to relocate, considering they had an autistic child with certain allergy concerns.

Shortly following their relocation, O’Donnell openly criticized President Donald Trump for implementing “abhorrent ideologies,” which she believes foster racism and homophobia. In truth, they stated that the prevailing political atmosphere in the U.S. was the driving force behind their decision to emigrate. Consequently, the duo remained resolute in their quest for a new home and eventually chose Howth as their permanent residence.

The ex-talk show host remarked that the small Irish village has an exceptional school, adding that Clay thrived there and was warmly received.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my affection for this quaint little town. Nestled right within Dublin, it retains the charm of a village where the local grocer and cashiers are not unfamiliar faces. The kindness exhibited by its people is almost overwhelming, leaving me in awe each day.

As a former student of View, and a parent to Parker, 29, Chelsea, 27, Blake, 25, and Vivienne, 22 (all shared with my ex-wife Kelli Carpenter), I’ve grown quite content in our small-town lifestyle. However, I stand firm in expressing that I hold no regrets for the life-changing decision I made to live this way.

I acknowledge my own instincts, recognizing that this action was indispensable for both our wellbeing and peace of mind – mine as a devoted parent, and that of my cherished, non-binary offspring.

Nevertheless, O’Donnell acknowledged that she does indeed pine for her loved ones back in the U.S., as the gap between them has grown wider, making it harder to keep up with their conversations and maintain those connections.

In her own words, she expressed how challenging it has been due to the difference in time zones. She also shared that she deeply missed the situation.

She went on to say, “I chat with my children via FaceTime, just as I speak with them over the phone. I’ve had two dearest friends, Junie and Jackie, since I was three years old. They are more like sisters to me. We communicate frequently. I also have two brothers that I’m particularly close to, with whom I regularly converse.

For more stars that left Hollywood, keep reading.

After wrapping up “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2022 following a 19-season run due to claims of a harmful work environment and subsequent internal investigations, dismissals of executives, and public criticism, Ellen DeGeneres made her comeback with her standup special titled “For Your Approval,” available on Netflix in September 2024. In the buildup to this special, she announced her decision to step away from Hollywood entirely. As she told a crowd during her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour (according to SFGate), “This is the last time you’ll see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.

Ellen and her spouse, Portia de Rossi, are said to have relocated to England following Donald Trump’s reported victory in the 2024 elections. However, they haven’t publicly disclosed their reasons for this move.

One of the factors that led the host of America’s Next Top Model to relocate to Australia was her desire to oversee her ice cream brand more closely. On an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, Tyra Banks explained, “I have a company called SMiZE and Dream, but we’ve primarily been focusing on business-to-business sales, like on airplanes and cruises. I’d been traveling to Australia frequently because we were manufacturing our ice cream there in a large facility. Every time I visited, I fell more in love with the country.” She also mentioned that Australia presented a thriving market for her business, as it ranks among the top three countries with the highest per capita ice cream consumption, alongside America and New Zealand. Consequently, Tyra Banks moved to Australia with her son York (fathered by her ex Erik Asla) and partner Louis Bélanger-Martin, expressing that their relocation had been a fulfillment of her personal dreams for herself and her family.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: After bidding farewell to Wisteria Lane, Eva Longoria has found a fresh start in real life. Speaking with Marie Claire in November 2024, she shared her thoughts on departing from Los Angeles. “For years, this place was my home,” she said, “but it started changing even before the pandemic. The atmosphere shifted, and then Covid arrived, pushing things over the edge. Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, I don’t want to denigrate California, but it feels like this phase of my life is coming to an end now.”

For several years, Eva, her husband José Bastón, and their son Santiago have been dividing their time between Mexico and Spain. “I’m fortunate,” she added. “I can escape and go somewhere. The majority of Americans are stuck in this country that feels more like a dystopia, and my feelings of anxiety and sadness are for them.”

However, it’s important to note that Eva’s decision to relocate wasn’t due to the political climate under President Trump’s re-election. Instead, she explained on The View: Behind the Table podcast in November 2024, “I didn’t leave because of the political environment. My work took me there – I was filming Land of Women for six months in Catalonia, then spent four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico, and now I’ve been here for years. So I just don’t like that it’s politicized.”

Since her move, Eva has kept herself busy with roles in shows such as Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

The actor, who was previously residing in Chicago, has now moved to Madrid with his family. He made this revelation during an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024. His Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva, has been living there for about seven years and they plan to spend some time in Madrid. This move is expected to benefit their young sons, Alexander and James, as they are already bilingual and will thrive in Spain. Richard also shares an adult son, Homer, with his ex-wife Carey Lowell. The family seems to be enjoying this new phase of their lives, as Richard stated in an interview with Elle España in January 2025 that they are happier than ever.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve found myself embracing the vibrant energy of Paris, a city that now calls me home. For several years, I’ve been sharing this beautiful city with my French-born husband, Matt Pokora. Our lives have been a whirlwind of back and forth travels, but recently, we made the decision to fully immerse ourselves in the French way of life.

This change was driven by our desire for our children – Violet from my previous marriage with The-Dream, as well as Isaiah and Kenna, who are our sons together – to experience the educational opportunities that France offers. And so, they’ve all embarked on their academic journey here in Paris.

When I was presented with this chance, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a remarkable opportunity!” Indeed, it is. The city has welcomed us warmly, and my children are thriving here. They are learning the language, making friends at the park, and adapting to their new surroundings.

My days are filled with an active lifestyle that I find incredibly rewarding, followed by evenings dedicated to my work since I operate on a different time zone. It’s a harmony of work and life that feels just right for me. Paris, je t’aime!

Lindsay has grown weary of speculation regarding her departure from Los Angeles. To clear up any misunderstandings, she reflected on her demanding work schedule and excessive partying during the 2000s.

“I feel like some aspects of my work were eclipsed by paparazzi and other distractions when I was younger, which can be quite frustrating,” Lindsay explained to Bustle in March 2024. “I wish that period hadn’t occurred. It seemed to take on a life of its own, so I decided to retreat. I thought, ‘If there’s no story here, they won’t focus solely on my work.'”

Lindsay subsequently relocated first to London and then to Dubai, where she also established beach clubs in Greece. However, her decision to live away from the limelight was motivated by more than just a change of scenery.

The Mean Girls actress expressed her thoughts as, “‘What if I never experience love? What if it never happens to me?’ She continued, ‘It was only when I took time for myself that opportunities presented themselves and the ‘yeses’ I wanted came my way.'”

Lindsay eventually found love with Bader Shammas, getting married in 2022 and welcoming son Luai in the following year. Although they reside in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t fully stepped away from Hollywood, appearing in films such as Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

After some introspection, Josh made the choice to leave Hollywood behind. For him, Hollywood isn’t just a location, it’s a mindset that can limit your perspective if you surround yourself with people who are always discussing the film industry. Instead, he yearned for more diversity in his social circle and experiences. As he put it, “I’ve always wanted to be around… people doing lots of other things that would help me step away from my work and grow in different directions. To me, that’s what adds flavor to life.”

Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, moved to the English countryside in Hampshire. He explained to The Guardian that time flies by when you have a family, and while there may be fewer distractions, the important moments become more significant. Despite this move, Josh has remained active in his career and taken on roles in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

Recently, it came to my attention that some people might be unaware of Jesse’s current residence. In an exclusive interview with CBS News Sunday Morning back in February 2025, Jesse revealed that he has been living off and on in Indiana for the past decade. He confided that this is where he feels most at ease and away from the instability of the industry that doesn’t sit well with him.

Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a low-key life alongside his wife Anna Strout and their son Banner. The actor shared that he stays away from social media and does not spend much time on the phone discussing industry matters, thus keeping his personal life separate from Hollywood’s fast-paced environment.

Following stints in productions like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On” from 2000, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had earned certification in psychedelic therapy and was pursuing additional education to specialize as a mental health care provider.

She shared with Boston Magazine that she found the opportunity to change her path and concentrate on self-healing, in order to assist others in their healing process as well. It would be unfair not to express now the transformation, serenity, and enthusiasm I’ve experienced. This is undeniably my true vocation, my genuine purpose.

In January 2025, the actress who played a key role in “The Flintstones” relocated to Ireland together with her youngest son Clay, because her grandparents hail from there and she was pursuing Irish citizenship. However, she didn’t dismiss the possibility of returning to her original home someday. She mentioned recent political changes as the motivation behind her move, but left open the door for a possible future return.

Longing for the familiar faces of my beloved family members, friends, and all the comforts of home, I’m on a quest to find a new sanctuary within this stunning land. As soon as America embraces equality for every citizen, I look forward to contemplating our return.

Actress who stars in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has declared that she will be stepping away from acting for an indeterminate period, having been active in the film industry for twenty years.

In a post on Instagram in June 2024, Evangeline expressed her deep joy and contentment. She expressed immense gratitude for the blessings in her life. Although choosing a path that appears unconventional (like wealth and fame) might be intimidating at times, embracing her true purpose has replaced those fears with a sense of fulfillment instead.

However, it’s not entirely ruled out that she won’t close the door. She also mentioned, “There’s a possibility I may revisit Hollywood someday, but for the moment, this is where I find myself most at home.

Since the conclusion of his role in Netflix’s 2019 series “V-Wars,” the actor from “The Vampire Diaries” has not taken on a new character. Instead, he has immersed himself more deeply into a personal endeavor, focusing primarily on his commitment to address climate change by enhancing global soil health.

In an interview with TopMob News in November 2023, Ian explained that he took a break from acting approximately four years prior to focus on raising his kids, developing his businesses, and releasing the documentaries – “Kiss the Ground” in 2020 and its sequel “Common Ground”. These films emphasize the importance of regenerative farming. Ian is married to Nikki Reed and they have two children together.

As he gazes toward the future, the actor stated, “In years to come, I see myself running a ranch and establishing renowned brands, be it my own bourbon or health and wellness company. Sustainable farming methods like regenerative agriculture and maintaining healthy soil are practices that I embody and my family does too. This is the path my life is heading towards. So when folks ask ‘Why do you take an interest?’ That’s why I’m interested. Because this is who I am, this is where I’m headed.

In a 2021 episode of her “Empty Inside” podcast, the former iCarly star revealed to guest Anna Faris that she chose to step away from acting several years ago and is currently pursuing roles in scriptwriting, directing, and podcast hosting.

As a lifestyle guide, I can empathize with Jennette’s honest confession from her memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” where she opens up about her past acting experiences. She expresses regret and resentment towards her career path, admitting that she feels underwhelmed by the roles she played. These roles, she feels, were overly cheesy and embarrassing. Jennette worked on various shows from the age of 13 to 21, but even by the time she was 15, she felt a sense of shame about her work. Unlike her peers at that age who might be excited about being on a Nickelodeon show, Jennette found it embarrassing instead.

Although she hasn’t ruled out a return to acting entirely, her recent experiences writing a book have given her newfound hope that she might find a way to approach acting differently and without the burden she carried for so long. She suggested in an interview with TopMob News in October 2022 that if she were to write something specifically for herself, it could potentially open up the possibility of revisiting acting again.

This seemed almost inevitable. If we had the chance to wed Prince Harry, devote ourselves to charitable work that truly matters to us, and have access to the Queen’s stunning array of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be so painful a decision.

In a similar vein to Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood stardom to the Monaco Palace, Meghan Markle forsook her Toronto residence and her popular role in Suits, embarking on a new journey with The Firm. However, after stepping down from their senior roles and moving to Montecito, Calif., she has been gradually re-entering the business sphere through strategic collaborations like their multi-year production deal with Netflix.

Recently, Meghan Markle has showcased her return to the entertainment industry by releasing her 2022 docuseries titled Harry & Meghan, as well as a 2025 lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, both on Netflix. Additionally, she has ventured into podcasting and launched her brand As Ever.

After appearing in more than 40 films since her debut in “The Mask” back in 1994, it was high time she took a well-deserved rest when production on the 2014 movie “Annie” came to an end.

She shared with Gwyneth Paltrow, her friend, that she had chosen to pursue different life goals. After years of intense work, filmmaking, and long hours, she felt drained. Making a movie, she pointed out, can be all-consuming – it’s as if the production owns you. You’re committed for 12 hours daily, often for months straight, leaving no room for other activities.

Additionally, there were many other areas she wanted to delve deeper into, such as writing (having published her 2013 New York Times best-seller The Body Book followed by The Longevity Book in 2016). Furthermore, she embarked on starting a family with husband Benji Madden. However, she stated to InStyle in 2019 that “I don’t miss performing,” but it seems that the allure of wellness might persuade her for a potential comeback performance.

In a conversation with TopMob News, Jamie Foxx expressed his ardent request to Cameron Diaz for the 2025 Netflix film ‘Back in Action’, saying, “We humbly implored and showed great admiration, almost like, ‘Could you do it one more time?'” He continued, “We adore her, we’ve been eagerly anticipating her return, and this upcoming project is going to be nothing short of extraordinary.

After completing a five-year stint on Empire, the actor emphatically stated that there would be no additional performances. When asked about his future by Extra, prior to the musical drama series’ sixth and final season in 2019, Terrence made it clear that he was finished with acting and pretending.

Despite coming back for a few projects, the Oscar-nominated actor announced his intention to retire from acting while marketing his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, in 2022. “I’ve reached a stage where I’ve already given my best as an actor,” he shared with ET. “Now, I prefer watching the emergence of fresh talent rather than imitating myself.”

Regardless of earlier criticisms, it’s worth noting that Howard has made appearances in additional shows and films. For instance, he was part of the TV series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and the Netflix movie Shirley. Moreover, there are several projects scheduled for him in the upcoming future.

After my unexpected departure from the Iron Throne in 2014, turning a vivid shade of purple, I found myself stepping away from the world of acting at the tender age of 21. As I shared with Entertainment Weekly, I’ve been involved in this craft since the ripe old age of 8. However, lately, the joy I once derived from acting seemed to diminish significantly.

As I’ve grown past my child star days, the initial charm seems to have faded. What was once a fun pastime shared with friends or a summer diversion has now transformed into something I might earn a living from. While I still appreciate it, turning it into a profession shifts the dynamic. It’s not that I dislike it, but it’s no longer the path I wish to follow.

Following a half-decade hiatus, I couldn’t wait any longer to reclaim my throne. In 2020, I was overjoyed to be part of the cast for BBC’s series, “Out of Her Mind.” Since then, I’ve had the privilege to star in films such as “Rebecca’s Boyfriend” and “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” and TV shows including “Safe Harbor” and “The Famous Five.” It feels incredible to be back on screen!

In September 2020, when Jennifer Aniston played her role in a virtual table read for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” she married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to take turns working to avoid being busy simultaneously, as they wanted to balance their careers and care for their son Owen and daughter Greta. Notably, Greta is now known by the stage name Frankie Cosmos in her singing career.

Nevertheless, he went on to say that whenever it was Phoebe’s turn to work, she decided to stay with the children instead. While she briefly appeared in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film titled “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily spends her time managing her New York City boutique, Blue Tree.

In the midst of my renown from “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”, the ’80s icon chose to distance himself from filmmaking shortly after the tragic loss of my wife to breast cancer in 1991. My priority then shifted towards nurturing our children, Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not appearing in a live-action movie since 1997, and turning down a cameo in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, Rick has continued to be a beloved cultural figure. This is shown by the public outcry over reports of his assault in New York City in 2020.

Luckily, fans can look forward to his comeback as he teams up with Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney reboot Shrunk.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the notable actress from “Never Been Kissed” seemed to suggest a shift away from movies. As she put it in an interview with Vogue, “Nearly all acting roles demand a lot of intimate scenes with others, and I’m not interested in that.” She went on to say, “It’s a peculiar flame to handle, and our relationship is robust enough to endure it, but if you’re going to walk through fire, there should be something extraordinary waiting on the other side.

Her resolve became firm when her son Martin joined her older daughter Louisanna in 2014. In a 2016 interview with Us Weekly at an event, she expressed, “I no longer participate in movie matters; I am completely out of the loop! I’ve become just a mom and an outsider.” She elaborated that she assists Kimmel with his business ventures and occasionally paints as a hobby. Her primary focus, she stated, is on her children, which is likely the main reason for her decision to step away from the spotlight.

She had previously watched shows like “Ally McBeal,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Arrested Development,” and lastly “Scandal.” At this point, the Australian figured it might be time for her to move on to something new.

As I neared my 45th birthday, I found myself pondering: is there an adventure I’ve yet to embark on that would be both daunting and refreshingly unique? This thought crossed my mind while appearing on the renowned talk show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres in 2018. With a sense of what my acting journey might entail for the next decade or two, I made the bold decision to step away from that realm and venture into entrepreneurship instead.

Her consumer-oriented art business, named General Public, was still under development, but she only had one final piece left to complete.

I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind “Arrested Development,” and shared that if there’s a fifth season, I wouldn’t participate as an actor because I decided to step away from acting. He appeared very empathetic and fully grasped my situation. Our chat was enjoyable, and he even wrote a role for me into five episodes.

After winning three Academy Awards, one might wonder what else there is left to achieve. Following his sixth Oscar nomination for his last film, “Phantom Thread” (2017), the actor announced through his representative that he would no longer be acting. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards all his collaborators and fans over the years. This decision was a personal one and neither he nor his representatives will provide any further comments on this matter.

However, when Daniel believed he had moved on, his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, drew him back into the spotlight. In October 2024, it was announced that Focus Features would cast the Oscar winner in Anemone, a film co-written and directed by his own son, Ronan Day-Lewis.

In 2018, the actress known for “Good Luck Charlie” decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on furthering her education. She earned a Master’s degree from MIT and later, a Ph.D. From the same institution. Additionally, she joined Harvard Law School as well.

Additionally, Bridgit not only initiated her venture, Northwood Space, but also assumed the role of CEO for this company in February 2023. The goal of Northwood Space is to construct ground satellite stations that facilitate the transmission and reception of data from space.

Read More

2025-04-23 16:48