Josh Duhamel Shares Why He’s Raising His Kids in Minnesota

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Josh Duhamel appreciates his roots.

Having spent his childhood in North Dakota, the actor known for *London Calling*-who has a 12-year-old son, Axl, with his former wife, Fergie, and a 20-month-old son, Shepherd, with his wife, Audra Mari-decided he wanted his children to grow up away from the intense attention of Hollywood. He bought property in Minnesota almost twenty years ago to create a more private life for his family.

Josh explained to TopMob News’ Will Marfuggi at the London Calling premiere that building this place felt like a way to reconnect with his childhood. Growing up in the North Dakota woods, he now enjoys sharing that experience with his own children. Watch more of the interview tonight on TopMob News, September 16th at 11 p.m.

Although Josh acknowledged that Los Angeles is a great city, he also enjoyed getting the kids out into nature to experience things like getting dirty and learning skills he picked up as a child.

Josh and his wife, Audra, attended a screening of the film *London Calling*, which opens in theaters on September 19th. Josh sweetly commented that Audra looked “so beautiful” and is “amazing.”

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always looking for entertainment that resonates with different audiences, and I think the new film *London Calling* could be a surprisingly good choice for parents! It’s a thrilling story about a hitman, Tommy Ward, who gets a unique assignment: he’s asked to toughen up his boss’s son in exchange for a chance to reconnect with his own child. It sounds like a fun and engaging night out for moms and dads – a little action with a heartwarming core.

The star of *Ransom Canyon* described the movie as a really fun experience, saying it feels like a return to the action-comedy, buddy cop films of the 90s-with the playful addition that the characters aren’t actually cops or friends.

He described the film as a typical action movie: an aging hitman, past his prime and making mistakes, accidentally kills the wrong target. This forces him to flee London for Los Angeles. His boss, as a condition for letting him return home, tasks him with taking the boss’s son on a job, which quickly goes wrong.

However, one positive outcome was his choice to leave Los Angeles permanently and move to the lakes and hills of Minnesota instead.

He told *People* magazine in August that he loves his home in Minnesota, describing it as being in the heart of the woods. He excitedly shared that the area is full of wildlife, including bald eagles and otters playing with their young.

The actor from *Safe Haven* explained that while he enjoys making movies and TV shows, he felt a strong desire to return to more hands-on work. He wanted to build and repair things – the simple, everyday tasks we often overlook.

He’s not alone – many celebrities are leaving Los Angeles. Read on to discover more stars who have traded Hollywood for other locations.

As a lifestyle observer, I’ve been following Ellen DeGeneres’ journey, and it’s been quite a ride. After 19 seasons, *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* wrapped up in 2022, and it wasn’t without some challenges. There were serious concerns raised about the show’s work environment, which led to an internal investigation, some changes in leadership, and a lot of public discussion. Now, Ellen recently returned to doing what she loves – stand-up! Her new special, *For Your Approval*, dropped on Netflix this September, and during the promotion, she shared that she’s actually planning to step away from Hollywood altogether. It’s a big shift, but she seems ready for a new chapter.

During her stand-up tour, Ellen announced to her audience that she plans to retire 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 oversee her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She explained on *Today with Jenna & Friends* that her business had been focused on supplying ice cream to places like airlines and cruise ships, and she’d been traveling to Australia frequently because that’s where a large production facility was located. She grew to love the country during her visits.

Banks also recognized Australia as a promising market for her product, noting that the top three countries for ice cream consumption are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

Ultimately, the supermodel relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, sharing 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 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. Issues like homelessness and taxes contributed to her decision, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified to *The View: Behind the Table* podcast that her move wasn’t due to politics, despite speculation following the presidential election. Instead, it was driven by work opportunities – six months filming in Catalonia, four months in Mexico, and then continuing to spend time in Spain. She feels fortunate to be able to move freely, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who aren’t so lucky.

Despite the move, Longoria remains active in her career, with recent roles 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 excited about the opportunity for their sons, Alexander and James, to thrive in a bilingual environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his ex-wife, Carey Lowell. The family seems to be enjoying the change. In a January 2025 interview with *Elle España*, Gere stated they are happier than ever and are really hitting their stride as a family.

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 fully relocate so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – could attend school in France. Milian feels it’s a fantastic opportunity for them. She shared with TopMob in December 2024 that her kids are thriving, are fluent in French, and she’s enjoying a healthy work-life balance, taking advantage of daytime activities and working ahead of schedule. Life in Paris seems to be going wonderfully for the whole family.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. She recently explained that her busy career and 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 her wish that the media frenzy hadn’t happened, as it seemed to take on a life of its own. This was a major reason she decided to step away from the spotlight. After leaving Los Angeles, Lindsay lived in London and Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece, but she also wanted a more private life focused on her work.

I used to worry so much about whether I’d ever find love, if that part of my life would ever fall into place. It wasn’t until I really focused on myself and took some personal time that things started to shift. Suddenly, opportunities I truly *wanted* began to appear. And yes, I did eventually find love with Bader Shammas – we got married in 2022 and welcomed our son, Luai, the following year! While we’re currently enjoying life in Dubai, I’m still very much involved in movies. I’ve been working on projects like *Our Little Secret*, *Irish Wish*, and even a sequel, *Freakier Friday*, so I haven’t left Hollywood behind completely.

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 way of life. Being surrounded by people constantly focused on the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a more varied life.

“I’ve always wanted to be around people who are doing lots of different things, to take my mind off work and help me grow,” Josh said. “That’s what makes life interesting.”

So, Josh, 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 when you have a family. While it might seem like less is happening, he feels more of what truly matters is. 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 relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner. He explained that he avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the industry. With a teacher for a wife and a son who isn’t even a big movie fan, Jesse feels disconnected from the pressures of constantly evaluating 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.

You know, I reached a point where I could really focus on my own well-being, and that led me to a path of helping others do the same. It feels amazing to finally share what that journey has been like – the healing, the peace I’ve found, and the incredible passion I have for this work. Honestly, it’s become so clear to me that this is what I’m *meant* to do – it’s my true calling and purpose.

The actress best known for playing a character on *The Flintstones* shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay. She’s currently working on becoming an Irish citizen because her grandparents were from there. While she mentioned recent political events as the reason for her move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country in the future.

In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and the life she had back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country and said 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.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was *completely* blown away by Evangeline’s latest Instagram post! She said she’s just overflowing with happiness because she’s finally living exactly how she always dreamed. It’s so inspiring! She talked about being thankful for everything she has, and how scary it was to walk away from what everyone expected of her – you know, the money and the spotlight – but she said following her true path, her ‘dharma’ as she calls it, has replaced all that fear with actual, genuine fulfillment. Seriously, I’m obsessed with everything she does and this just proves she’s living her best life! It makes me want to find *my* dharma too!

I’m not saying I’ll *never* go back to Hollywood, honestly. Right now, though, I’m exactly where I need to be, and that’s what matters most to me. I’m really happy with my current path.

Since finishing his role in the 2019 Netflix series *V-Wars*, the actor best known from *The Vampire Diaries* has been focusing on a personal mission: fighting climate change by working to improve soil health around the world.

Ian Somerhalder took a break from acting over four years ago to focus on his family, develop 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.

Looking ahead, the actor said he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and wellness company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil, principles he and his family practice. He explained that this future is central to his identity, and it’s the reason he’s so passionate about these things. He sees this as his life’s path, and what he’s ultimately working towards.

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

Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took, detailing her feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained that she often feels disappointed with her career and the parts she played, describing them as cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on shows from ages 13 to 21, she felt self-conscious about her work as early as age 15, noting that her peers weren’t impressed by her being on a Nickelodeon show.

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 negative experiences. She feels the only way she might consider it again would be if she wrote 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 wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.

Similar to Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood to Monaco, Meghan Markle left her life and acting career in Toronto-including her popular role on the show *Suits*-to join the British Royal Family. Now that she and Prince Harry have stepped down as senior royals and live in Montecito, California, Meghan is returning to professional life. This includes a multi-year deal with Netflix, where she released the 2022 docuseries *Harry & Meghan* and will launch a lifestyle show, *With Love, Meghan*, in 2025. She has also started a podcast and launched her 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.

Honestly, I completely get why she needed a change. She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted something different from life, and I feel that so much. She’d been working non-stop, filming movie after movie, and she described it as a real grind. She explained how making a movie basically takes over your life – you’re committed for twelve hours a day, months on end, and you have absolutely no time for anything else. It’s like they own you, and she just needed to reclaim her life.

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* magazine in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, she seemed open to the possibility of returning to performing at least once.

Jamie Foxx explained that convincing Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie *Back in Action* involved a lot of pleading. “We were practically begging her to do it again,” he told TopMob News. “We adore her and have been eagerly awaiting her return, and this 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 asked by *Extra* about his plans before the sixth and final season aired in 2019, Terrence Howard said, “I’ve decided to stop acting. I’m finished with pretending.”

Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Academy Award nominee 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 watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’s done before.

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 other projects planned for the future.

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 acting since he was eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement has faded. He explained that now that acting could become a career, it feels different. He used to do it just for fun with friends, but making a living from something changes how you feel about it. He still likes acting, but it’s not what he wants to pursue as a job.

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*.

After landing the role in a virtual table read of *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* in September 2020, Jennifer Aniston married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to stagger their work schedules to ensure one of them was always available to care for their children, Owen and Greta (who now performs as the singer Frankie Cosmos).

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 his wife sadly passed away 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 of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans will be happy to hear he’s returning to the screen alongside 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, which she wasn’t comfortable with. While she felt her marriage was strong enough to withstand challenging situations, she believed any professional risk needed to be worth it, offering a significant reward on the other side.

After her son, Martin, joined his older 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 that her children were the main reason she stopped pursuing acting.

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 was ready for a change.

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 acting and start my own business instead.”

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 their career complete. 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 deep gratitude to colleagues and fans 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 also studied at Harvard Law School.

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 became its CEO.

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2025-09-16 21:49