Josh Duhamel is enjoying a quieter life.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve just made an exciting swap myself – trading the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown for the crisp, clean air and breathtaking lakescapes of Minnesota. Much like the Ransom Canyon star did!
In a recent interview with People (published on August 10), Josh shared his thoughts: “I create films and television series, and I genuinely enjoy it, but there was a strong urge within me to get back to working with my hands again. To repair, build, and simply appreciate the fundamental tasks that we often overlook.
He expressed his desire to remain authentic to his origins, simplify his life, and develop essential abilities needed in today’s tech-heavy environment. In essence, he aims to perform the fundamental tasks necessary to support his family.
About a dozen years past, a man aged 52 purchased a vacant portion of land near Fargo, North Dakota, which remained undeveloped. Since then, he’s been steadily constructing a simple cabin by the lake, affectionately known as his “survival hideout.
“We’re at a place now where it feels done,” Josh shared. “It’s completely livable now.”
He emphasized a return to simplicity. With so many luxuries and comforts we’ve grown accustomed to, he sees this as an opportunity for him to reconnect with basic joys – cherishing family, friends, and creating lasting memories.
In regards to family, the actor from Safe Haven experiences happiness when bonding with nature while spending quality time with his loved ones. He is a father to an 18-month-old son named Shepherd with his wife Audra Mari, and has an 11-year-old son named Axl from his previous marriage to Fergie.
Out there in the heart of the forest, it’s a real blast,” he exclaimed. “Everywhere you look, you see majestic bald eagles, and playful otter families swimming around together.
Despite the enchanting allure of dwelling among wildlife, such an existence is not devoid of challenges.
Josh jokingly mentioned that we’re always trying to keep mice out of the cabins, which is an ongoing battle between humans and nature that we face regularly.
For more stars who have shared insight into their lives after Hollywood, keep reading…
The host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which ran for 19 seasons until its end in 2022 due to claims of a harmful work environment and subsequent internal investigation, dismissals of executives, and public criticism, resurfaced with her standup special titled “For Your Approval” on Netflix in September 2024. Prior to the release of this special, Ellen announced she would be departing from Hollywood entirely.
During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, she informed the audience that they would not be seeing her again after her upcoming Netflix special, as she had decided to retire from stand-up comedy. After Donald Trump’s reelection in 2024, Ellen and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to England, a fact Ellen later confirmed to broadcaster Richard Bacon in July 2025.
One of the reasons Tyra Banks, host of America’s Next Top Model, decided to relocate to Australia was because she wanted to oversee her ice cream brand, SMiZE and Dream, which had a significant production facility there. She fell in love with the country each time she visited and recognized it as a promising market for her business, given that it is one of the top three countries with the highest consumption of ice cream along with America and New Zealand. With her son York and boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin by her side, Tyra described Australia as a dream come true for herself and her family.
After a significant period living on Wisteria Lane, where she starred in “Desperate Housewives”, Eva Longoria has since relocated to a new residence in real life. In an interview with Marie Claire in November 2024, she spoke about leaving Los Angeles, expressing that the city was changing even before the pandemic, and the vibe felt different. The pandemic then accelerated this change, leading her to believe that this phase of her life is complete.
Eva, along with her husband José Bastón and their son Santiago, have been splitting their time between Mexico and Spain for several years now. She acknowledged her privilege in being able to escape to these locations while many Americans are stuck in what she describes as a dystopian country, expressing concern for them.
However, Eva clarified that her decision to move was not driven by President Trump’s re-election but rather by work commitments. She spent six months shooting in Catalonia for “Land of Women”, four months in Mexico for “Searching for Mexico”, and has since been residing in Spain.
Since moving, Eva has remained active, with recent roles in shows such as “Only Murders in the Building” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip”. She also emphasized that her move should not be politicized due to her work obligations.
The actor, who was previously based in Chicago, and his Spanish wife Alejandra Silva have decided to move to Madrid for a few years. This change of location will benefit their young sons Alexander and James, as they are already bilingual and are expected to thrive there. Richard, the actor, shared this news on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024, mentioning that he and his family are especially happy about this move. In January 2025, the star further confirmed their contentment in an interview with Elle España.
The singer (Christina) and her husband Matt Pokora have been residing in Paris since a few years ago, due to their decision to move there so that their children could attend school in France. This change allows them to have a balanced lifestyle, with the kids enjoying their new environment, learning French, and the mother being able to work during the night while maintaining an active daytime life.
Lindsay grew tired of false speculation about her departure from Los Angeles. To clear up any misunderstandings, she explained that her busy work commitments and the excessive attention from paparazzi during her younger years had cast a shadow over some of her work. She expressed this sentiment to Bustle in March 2024, stating, “I feel like my work was overshadowed by the chaos of paparazzi when I was young, and that’s frustrating.” She wished that part of her life hadn’t happened, as it seemed to take on a life of its own. This is why she decided to retreat from public view. As she put it, “I’ll only be in the spotlight if there’s no other story; they won’t focus on my work alone.”
Following this, Lindsay relocated to various places, including London and Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece. However, there was another motive behind her desire for a life away from the limelight.
The Mean Girls star expressed a thought, “What if I never experience love? What if that moment never comes?” She continued. For her, it was all about taking time for herself that eventually opened the path to opportunities she desired, saying ‘yes’ to them.
Notably, Lindsay found love with Bader Shammas, their marriage taking place in 2022, and welcoming son Luai in 2023. Despite residing in Dubai, she hasn’t fully stepped away from Hollywood, gracing the screen in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.
After a period of deep thought, Josh, known for his role in Black Mirror, decided to depart from Hollywood. He explained to People in July 2024 that Hollywood was not just a location, but a way of life. Being surrounded by people who constantly discussed the film industry made his life monotonous, which he had always avoided. Instead, he craved more diversity.
“I’ve always wanted to be around people engaged in various activities that would distract me from my work and encourage me to grow in different aspects,” Josh expressed. “To me, that’s what adds flavor to life.”
Thus, the Black Hawk Down alum, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, relocated to the Hampshire countryside in England. Reflecting on this change, he told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies quickly, especially with four children requiring attention. “Though less seems to be happening, more of the crucial things are taking place,” Josh said.
Despite his move, Josh has remained active and landed roles in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.
If you haven’t been keeping up with Jesse’s social media accounts lately, you might not be aware that he no longer resides in Los Angeles. In February 2025, during an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Jesse revealed that he has lived in Indiana for the past ten years, and feels most comfortable there. He expressed his discomfort with Hollywood’s unstable nature and prefers to distance himself from the industry.
Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a relatively ordinary life with his wife Anna Strout and son Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t frequently communicate with industry professionals, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from Hollywood. His wife is a teacher, and their son isn’t particularly interested in movies, so they don’t spend much time immersed in the world of constantly evaluating their own status within the industry.
Following stints in productions like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the year 2000’s “Bring It On”, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had earned certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and is pursuing advanced education in mental health care.
She shared with Boston Magazine that she found a way to change her path in life towards self-healing, so she could later help others heal as well. It would be unfair not to express the profound transformation, peace, and enthusiasm I’ve experienced. This is undeniably my true vocation, my real mission.
The actress who played a role in “The Flintstones” shared that she and her youngest child Clay relocated to Ireland in January 2025. She also mentioned that she was working towards obtaining Irish citizenship because her grandparents hail from this European nation. However, Rosie didn’t completely rule out the possibility of returning home at some point, as recent political changes were her motivation for moving.
In a heartfelt TikTok video, I shared my longing for the family I left behind, my friends, and all the comforts of home. Here in this stunning new country, I’m on a journey to find a new place to call home. However, when America guarantees equal rights for every citizen, that will be the moment we seriously consider our return.
Actress who stars in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has decided to temporarily step away from acting following two decades in the profession.
2024 finds me overflowing with joy and contentment as I walk the path of my dream, a reality I’ve penned down on Instagram. Gratitude courses through me for every blessing bestowed upon me. Choosing to step away from the allure of wealth and fame can sometimes feel daunting, but embracing my life’s purpose replaces those fears with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. – Evangeline
She doesn’t definitely close the door on a possible return, stating instead, “I may revisit Hollywood someday, but for the time being, this is where I feel at home.
Since his appearance in Netflix’s 2019 series “V-Wars”, the actor from “The Vampire Diaries” hasn’t taken on a new role involving fangs. Instead, he has immersed himself more deeply into a personal endeavor, focusing on combating climate change by enhancing global soil health.
Ian, who shares two children with his wife Nikki Reed, shared with TopMob News in November 2023 that he took a break from acting approximately four years ago to focus on raising his kids, developing businesses, and bringing forth the documentaries Kiss the Ground (2020) and its sequel Common Ground. These films underscore the importance of regenerative farming practices.
Looking ahead, the actor envisioned himself as a rancher and creator of renowned brands, be it his bourbon or health and wellness company. He is deeply committed to sustainable farming practices such as regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management, which he and his family follow. This was his future path. Therefore, when others ask him why he takes an interest in these matters, his response is simple – because this is who he is and where he sees himself headed.
In a 2021 episode of her podcast “Empty Inside”, the former star of “iCarly” shared with guest Anna Faris that she chose to step away from acting several years ago and has since been dedicating her time to roles in writing, directing, and hosting the podcast.
As a devoted admirer, let me confess that my journey in acting has been tainted with a deep sense of shame regarding the roles I’ve taken on in the past. In my memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, published in 2022, I delved into these feelings. I harbor resentment towards my career in many aspects. I find myself yearning for more depth and meaning than what the roles offered me, often feeling they were too cheesy or embarrassing. From the age of 13 to 21, I was part of shows that I’m now ashamed to admit I was on. By the time I was 15, I felt a profound embarrassment about it all. My peers at 15 didn’t react with enthusiasm like, ‘Oh, cool, you’re on this Nickelodeon show.’ Instead, it was a source of embarrassment for me.
Although she hasn’t completely dismissed the idea of a second acting stint, her recent book-writing experience has sparked a thought: “Perhaps by creating something tailored to myself, I might have an opportunity to revisit acting in a way that doesn’t bring along the weight I carried for so long,” she shared with TopMob News in October 2022. “In essence, it could be one of the few ways I could tentatively step back into it again.”
This seemed almost self-evident. If we had the chance to wed Prince Harry, devote our life to charitable endeavors that resonate deeply with us, and acquire entry to the Queen’s magnificent collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be such a hard decision.
Moving along the same trajectory as Grace Kelly transitioned from Hollywood to the Principality of Monaco, Meghan Markle bid farewell to her Toronto residence and the popular TV series “Suits” for a new life within The Firm. However, after relinquishing their senior royal roles and settling in Montecito, California, she has started to re-enter the professional world with ventures such as their multi-year production deal with Netflix.
The Duchess of Sussex has since made her mark in the media landscape, launching a 2022 docuseries titled “Harry & Meghan” and a 2025 lifestyle show named “With Love, Meghan” on the streaming platform. She has also ventured into podcasts and established her brand As Ever.
Since making more than 40 films since her debut in “The Mask” in 1994, the actress had worked tirelessly and deserved a well-deserved rest upon completion of filming for “Annie” in 2014.
She shared with her friend Gwyneth Paltrow that she had recently made a change in her life goals, stating, “I felt the need for something different.” For a long time, she had been pushing herself hard, working tirelessly on films. However, she expressed that it’s a demanding lifestyle, “Making a movie is like having an all-consuming job-they essentially control every aspect of your life. You’re committed to 12 hours a day for extended periods, leaving no room for anything else.
Besides delving deeper into writing, as demonstrated by her follow-up to the 2013 New York Times bestseller “The Body Book” with “The Longevity Book” in 2016, and starting a family with husband Benji Madden, there’s still much more she wanted to explore. However, as revealed in an interview with InStyle in 2019, Cameron stated, “I don’t miss performing.” Yet, 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 enthusiasm by saying, “We humbly requested and showed our admiration, almost begging, ‘Could you please do one more for us?’ regarding Cameron’s involvement in the 2025 Netflix film, ‘Back in Action’. We truly appreciate her, we’ve been eagerly anticipating her participation, and this collaboration is going to be extraordinary.
Terrence made it clear during an interview before the sixth and final season of Empire in 2019 that he was finished with acting and no longer wanted to pretend. In simpler terms, he stated unequivocally that there would be no more performances or acting from him following his five-year stint on Empire.
Despite coming back for a few productions, the Academy Award nominee declared his intention to retire from acting while publicizing his Peacock series “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” in 2022. He explained to ET that he has reached a point where he has given his best as an actor. Now, he is enjoying observing the emergence of fresh talent and doesn’t want to imitate himself anymore.
Regardless of those comments, it’s worth noting that Howard has made appearances in additional shows and films since then. These include the TV series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix movie “Shirley”. Moreover, there are several projects planned for him in the future.
After King Joffrey met an unexpected, purple-hued demise in 2014 when he was only 21, he shared with Entertainment Weekly that he was stepping away from acting. He had been acting since the age of 8 and explained his decision by saying, “I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to.
Initially, acting was more of a casual pastime for Jack, shared with friends and during summer breaks for fun. However, now there’s the possibility that he might turn it into a career. He admitted, “I enjoyed it, but when you make a living from something, it alters your perspective on it. It’s not that I dislike it; rather, it’s no longer what I aspire to do.
After a hiatus of six years, he was eager to return to his acting career, and in 2020, he joined the cast of BBC’s series “Out of Her Mind.” Since then, Jack has taken on roles in films such as “Rebecca’s Boyfriend” and “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” as well as television shows like “Safe Harbor” and “The Famous Five.
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 so that they would never be busy at the same time, as they wanted to balance their careers with caring for their children, Owen and Greta (now known as Frankie Cosmos in her singing career).
Whenever it’s been Phoebe’s turn to work, she has opted to stay with the kids instead. Despite a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 indie film “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.
During the peak of his popularity with “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” the ’80s actor retired from filmmaking shortly after his wife’s death from breast cancer in 1991 to dedicate his time to raising his children Rachel and Mitchell.
Despite not taking on a live-action movie role since 1997 and turning down an appearance even in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, Rick continues to be cherished as a cultural symbol, demonstrated by the uproar about rumors of his assault in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans have something to look forward to: He will reappear sharing screen time with Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney film Shrunk.
After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the prominent actress from “Never Been Kissed” suggested that she might have moved away from acting. She expressed this sentiment to Vogue, stating, “Ninety percent of acting roles involve a lot of sexual content with other people, and I’m not interested in participating in that.” She further explained, “It’s an unusual and intense flame to play with, and our relationship is robust enough to handle it. However, if you’re going to walk through fire, there needs to be something extraordinary on the other side.
Her resolve became firm when her son Martin accompanied her older daughter Louisanna in the year 2014. Later, at a 2016 event she mentioned to Us Weekly, “I no longer engage in movie matters. Now, I am merely a mom and an outsider!” She further clarified that she assists Kimmel with his business endeavors and indulges in painting as a hobby. “My main focus is my children,” she stated, “and I believe that’s the primary reason for my withdrawal from the industry.
She had watched shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. It occurred to her then that perhaps she was prepared to move on to something new.
In simpler terms, she said on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018 that at around age 45, she began to ponder if there was something new and difficult that she could take on, given her previous acting career. She felt she had a good idea of what her next 10-20 years in acting would look like, so she chose to leave acting and instead start a business.
Her consumer-oriented art company, General Public, was still a work in the making, with only one artwork left to complete.
I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind ‘Arrested Development,’ and informed him that if there was a fifth season, I wouldn’t be participating due to my decision to retire from acting. He showed a deep understanding and agreed wholeheartedly. We had an enjoyable conversation, and later on, he wrote me into five episodes.
In my perspective, after securing three Academy Awards, one might wonder what more there is to achieve. Following the sixth Oscar nomination for his last film, “Phantom Thread” in 2017, the actor made a personal decision to retire from acting. He expressed profound gratitude towards all his collaborators and audiences over the years. This choice of his was private, and he or his representatives will not provide further comments on this matter.
When Daniel thought he had escaped, his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, drew him back in. In October 2024, it was announced that Focus Features would have the Oscar winner star in the film Anemone, a project he co-wrote with his son, who will also direct.
In 2018, the actress known for Good Luck Charlie decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on furthering her education. She completed a Master’s degree at MIT, followed by a PhD from the same institution. Additionally, she continued her studies by attending Harvard Law School.
Additionally, not only did Bridgit initiate her own company, Northwood Space, last year, but this venture aims to construct ground-based satellite stations for transmitting and receiving data from space. Bridgit assumed the role of CEO for this brand in February 2023.
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2025-08-10 22:18