Matthew Fox doesn’t plan on getting lost in these lush woods.
The actor from The Madison explained that filming the Paramount+ series in Montana was a key reason he decided to take the role.
Matthew shared with TopMob News at the New York premiere of the show on March 9th that he grew up in northwestern Wyoming, not far from where The Madison is set. He described the Wind River Valley, where he spent his childhood, as strikingly similar to the show’s landscape – from the desert layers to the pine forests and mountain peaks – and noted the wide, flowing rivers. He said the location felt very familiar to him, like a second home.
The 59-year-old actor, who plays Paul Clyburn in the new Yellowstone series, explained that reading the script brought back childhood memories. He said the scenes felt very familiar to how he grew up.
Matthew wasn’t just captivated by the show’s beautiful sets. He also loved how the story echoed his own family life. Specifically, the relationship between his character and his on-screen brother Preston Clyburn (played by Kurt Russell), and their shared passion for fishing, reminded him of the strong bonds he shares with his own brothers, Kyle, 28, and Byron, 25, with whom he has children with his wife, Margherita Ronchi.
I’ve always loved fishing, and I’m lucky enough to share that with my two brothers – we still get out on the water together all the time. I picked up fly fishing when I was a kid and I’m pretty good at it now. Honestly, for us, it’s less about the fishing itself and more about having an excuse to spend time together, like a tradition. It just means a lot to me.
Matthew will always cherish Wyoming, but he’s also lived in Oregon for the past ten years. After the TV show Lost finished in 2010, he and his family moved there from Los Angeles, and he’s very happy with that choice.
I’ve always admired Matthew, and I really connected with what he shared on CBS Mornings recently. He explained that he stepped back from work for a bit because his kids were growing up, and he wanted to be more present in their lives. He admitted he’d been so focused on Lost and subsequent films that he’d missed out on some important moments, and he wanted to make sure he didn’t miss any more. It felt so honest and relatable to hear him talk about prioritizing family.
Now that he’s reconnected with his children, he felt he had to give the show—which was created by Taylor Sheridan—a try.
According to the actor, he doesn’t actively choose roles. Instead, when he reads a script, it simply feels right – like he’s meant to play the part. He describes it as an unavoidable feeling, as if he’s destined to take on the role.
The Madison will premiere globally on Saturday, March 14th, exclusively on Paramount+.
Keep reading to see more stars who left Hollywood for a quieter life elsewhere…
After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims led to an internal investigation, the firing of several executives, and significant public criticism.
Ellen made a return to comedy with her final standup special, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the special aired, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.
During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, the comedian told the audience, according to SFGate, that she’s retiring after her upcoming Netflix special. She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.”
Ellen and Portia de Rossi have settled in the Cotswolds, and Ellen recently shared with Richard Bacon that they plan to stay there, at least through November 2024, following Donald Trump’s reelection. She revealed this information during a conversation with Bacon at the Everyman theater in Cheltenham in July 2025.
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 offered 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 friendly. We really love living here. We moved in November, which wasn’t the best timing, but I finally got to experience snow! Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a short while – about two weeks.”
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 to places like airplanes and cruise ships, and she was frequently traveling to Australia where a large production facility was making her recipes. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.
She also realized Australia was a promising market for her product, noting that the top three countries for ice cream consumption are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
Banks ultimately moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, 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 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 for most of her adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated her decision to leave. Issues like homelessness and taxes also contributed to her feeling that it was time for a new chapter.
Longoria clarified that her move wasn’t directly related to politics or the election of President Trump. She told The View: Behind the Table podcast that her work, including filming Land of Women in Spain and Searching for Mexico, led to extended stays in those countries, and she simply preferred not to have the decision politicized. She feels fortunate to be able to move freely, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who are unable to escape what she describes as a difficult situation in the United States. Despite the move, Longoria remains active in her career, with recent projects including 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, Spain, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is thrilled 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 ex-wife, Carey Lowell. The whole family seems to be enjoying the change. In an interview with Elle España in January 2025, Gere stated they are happier than ever and are really embracing this new chapter 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 half the year traveling 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 shared that she saw it as a fantastic opportunity for her kids to learn and grow. The family seems to be thriving in their new life. Milian told TopMob that her children are happy and fluent in French, and she enjoys an active lifestyle with a healthy work-life balance, working ahead of schedule to accommodate time differences.
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 excessive media attention. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she expressed annoyance that paparazzi coverage seemed to take on a life of its own, ultimately prompting her desire for a break from the spotlight. This desire led her to move overseas, first to London and then to Dubai, where she also started opening beach clubs in Greece. She wanted to ensure the focus shifted back to her work, believing that as long as there wasn’t a dramatic story to follow, the media would pay attention to her professional achievements.
I used to worry so much about whether I’d ever find love, if that part of my life would just… never happen. It took a lot of self-care and focusing on myself before things really started to change and I started getting opportunities I genuinely wanted. Thankfully, I did find love with Bader Shammas, and we got married in 2022. We’re now living in Dubai and are parents to our amazing son, Luai! Even though I’m living abroad, I haven’t left acting behind completely. I’ve been lucky enough to work on some fun projects like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and even a sequel, 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 mindset. Being surrounded by people constantly focused on the movie industry, he felt, would limit his life. He wanted something more diverse.
“I’ve always wanted to be around people doing lots of other things that would 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 with a large family, and while it might seem like less is happening, it actually allows for more of what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has remained active in his career, appearing in films like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.
If you haven’t been following social media, you might be surprised to learn that Jesse no longer lives in Los Angeles. In a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the star of A Real Pain revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable environment. He explained that he prefers to avoid the instability he feels is common in the entertainment industry.
Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a fairly ordinary life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking with people in the industry. He shared that his wife is a teacher and his son isn’t even much of a movie watcher, which helps keep him grounded and prevents him from constantly worrying about his status in Hollywood.
Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this about Eliza Dushku! I mean, I’ve been following her since Buffy and totally loved her in Bring It On – she was amazing. But get this: in September 2024, she announced she’s become a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist! Seriously?! She’s not just a talented actress, she’s actually studying to be a mental health professional now. I’m so impressed and proud, it’s incredible!
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 heal. She felt it was important to share her personal growth, the peace she’d found, and her renewed passion, believing this was truly her life’s work.
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 current political issues as a factor in her decision to 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, her friends, and many aspects of her life back home. She’s currently working to build a new life in this country, and she and her family will consider returning to America when it’s safe and all citizens have 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 a two-decade career.
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 it can be daunting to choose a path less traveled than wealth and fame, aligning with one’s true calling brings a deep sense of fulfillment instead of fear.
However, she’s not ruling out a return to acting completely, saying, “I could see myself going back to Hollywood eventually, but right now, I’m happy with where I am.”
Okay, so it’s been ages since I’ve seen Paul Wesley as anything other than Stefan! Last thing he did was that V-Wars show on Netflix back in 2019, which, honestly, I barely remember. But get this – he hasn’t been twiddling his thumbs! He’s been totally dedicating himself to this incredible thing – he’s trying to fix the planet by focusing on soil health! I know, right? It’s amazing! Forget brooding vampires, he’s saving the world now, and I’m here for it!
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 he’s been working on films like Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and its sequel, Common Ground, both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shares two children with his wife, Nikki Reed.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, and honestly, I see myself on a ranch, building things that will last – brands rooted in quality, like my bourbon and my health company. It’s really about how we care for the land too, using farming methods that heal the soil – it’s a way of life for my whole family. People sometimes ask me why this is so important to me, and it’s simple: this isn’t just a phase, it’s who I am and the life I’m building for myself.
In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy revealed to guest Anna Faris that she had stopped acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing, alongside hosting the podcast.
Jennette shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took in the past, detailing her feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She admitted to feeling resentful towards 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 felt embarrassed by her work as early as age 15, as her friends didn’t see her TV roles as something to be proud of.
Despite her past experiences, 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 the pressures she felt before. 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 consider it.
It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, commit to meaningful charitable work, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.
Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – best known for her role in the TV show Suits – to a life within the British royal family. After stepping back from their official royal duties and moving to Montecito, California, Meghan is now returning to professional life. This includes a production deal with Netflix, where she released the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan and will launch a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. She’s also 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 burnt 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 popular 2013 book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book in 2016 – and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. While she told InStyle magazine in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seemed she might be open to returning for at least one more project.
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 anticipating her return, and that the movie 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, “I’m finished with acting. I’m done with pretending.”
Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Academy Award nominee announced his retirement from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters. He explained to ET that he felt he had given his all as an actor and now preferred to watch and support new talent, rather than simply repeating performances of his past work.
Even with the previous concerns, Howard has continued to act, appearing in shows like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and the Netflix movie Shirley. He also has several other projects planned for the future.
After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, 21-year-old Jack Gleeson told EW he was leaving acting. He explained that he’d been acting since he was eight years old, but simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.
Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the initial excitement has faded. He explained that turning a hobby into a job changes things. “Before, it was just something fun to do with friends or during the summer,” he said. “I still like it, but making a living from it alters how you feel about it. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just not my career goal.”
I was so thrilled when Jack returned to acting after a six-year hiatus! He jumped right back in with the BBC series Out of Her Mind in 2020, and I’ve been following his work ever since. It’s been fantastic to see him in films like Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, plus TV shows like Safe Harbor and The Famous Five. He really is a versatile actor!
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, a singer who now performs as Frankie Cosmos. Kline shared this plan with Playboy magazine.
He added that Phoebe has consistently prioritized staying home with her children whenever she was scheduled to work. While she briefly appeared in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, Cates primarily focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.
I’ll never forget when Rick Moranis seemed to just disappear. It was right after he was huge with Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. It was heartbreaking to learn his wife passed away from breast cancer in 1991, and honestly, I completely understood when he decided to step away from movies to be there for his kids, Rachel and Mitchell. Family always comes first, and it was clear that’s where his heart needed to be.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen how enduring some stars can be, and Rick is definitely one of them! Even though he stepped away from live-action films back in 1997 – he even turned down a fun cameo in the 2016 Ghostbusters remake – people still adore him. The reaction to the news about an incident in New York City in 2020 really showed just how much he means to fans. But here’s some exciting news! He’s making a comeback, and I’m thrilled to share he’ll be starring alongside Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney reboot, Shrunk. It’s wonderful to see a beloved icon return to the screen!
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 comfortable with that. While she felt her relationship was strong, she believed any challenging work needed to be truly exceptional to be worth the emotional risk.
Becoming a mom truly changed my priorities. After my son Martin joined his big sister Louisanna in 2014, I knew I was done with acting. I told Us Weekly in 2016 that I happily stepped away from the spotlight. I’m completely a mom now, and honestly, an outsider to that world! I support my husband, Jimmy Kimmel, with his work and I still enjoy painting, but my kids are my absolute focus, and that’s really the main reason I decided to stop acting.
I’ve been a huge fan of her work for years! She absolutely crushed it in Ally McBeal, and then totally surprised everyone with Nip/Tuck. Arrested Development showed off her comedic timing, and Scandal proved she could handle anything. It felt like after those roles, she finally felt ready to take control of her career and choose projects that really spoke to her.
Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” she shared on her wife Ellen DeGeneres’ talk 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 wouldn’t be interested 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 anyway.
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 colleagues and fans over the years and noted that this was a personal decision, with no further comments to be made.
I was so thrilled to hear that Daniel Day-Lewis is coming out of retirement! I honestly thought he was done with acting, but then Focus Features announced he’ll be starring in Anemone, a film he actually wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who’s also directing. It’s amazing to see a father and son collaborating on something so creative – I can’t wait to see it!
After finding fame on Good Luck Charlie, she stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her education. She went on to earn both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and also attended Harvard Law School.
On top of everything else, Bridgit founded Northwood Space, a startup focused on building ground stations for sending and receiving data from satellites. She became the company’s CEO in February 2023.
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2026-03-10 21:22