Los Angeles isn’t called the Entertainment Capital of the World for nothing. It’s filled with people chasing their dreams and living them, but sometimes, performers decide they’d be happier back home.
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1. Chad Michael Murray – Returning to Buffalo, New York
Chad Michael Murray made his mark in Hollywood with roles in iconic shows like One Tree Hill. Despite his success, he longed for the simpler joys of home in Buffalo, New York. In 2024,
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He decided to purchase a house and move back, especially to spend holidays with his family. Speaking to Interview Magazine, Murray shared his enthusiasm for embracing a festive spirit, revealing his dedication to decorating his home himself.
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Although he had to rely on help for some tasks due to his busy schedule, he remained hands-on with the holiday preparations. What makes this move even more special is that it was inspired by his wife’s suggestion.
2. Matthew McConaughey – Finding Home in Austin, Texas
Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, found solace in Austin, Texas.
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During a family crisis in 2014, he traveled home with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, to support his mother and brothers. Those weeks spent in Austin rekindled his connection to his roots.
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One evening, during a drive, Camila noticed a shift in Matthew’s demeanor and asked if he wanted to move back. His affirmative response led to a joint decision to relocate permanently.
The move symbolized a return to familial values, close-knit community life, and a connection to the real world.
3. Glen Powell – Inspired by the Lone Star State
Actor Glen Powell, known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick, found inspiration in fellow Texan Matthew McConaughey’s advice to leave behind Hollywood’s hustle.
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In 2024, Powell decided to move back to Austin, Texas, reconnecting with his family and finishing college after dropping out 15 years ago. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Powell explained McConaughey’s perspective:
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Hollywood is like “The Matrix,” where the world feels artificial and disconnected. In contrast, Austin represents reality, a place where relationships and actions truly matter. Powell, seeing his parents age and his niece and nephew grow up, felt a pressing need to be present for his family.
4. Pamela Anderson – Rebuilding on Vancouver Island
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Pamela Anderson sought refuge on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
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She returned to her family’s roots, purchasing and renovating her grandmother’s motel and working on her grandfather’s garden. Reflecting on this transformative period, Anderson shared with Better Homes & Gardens how the move symbolized a profound shift in her life.
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Once disillusioned by the glitz and pressures of fame, she found solace in nature and simplicity. Tending to the garden became a metaphor for rebuilding her life, planting seeds of hope and renewal.
5. Jack Harlow – Returning to Louisville, Kentucky
Jack Harlow, the chart-topping rapper, and Louisville native, chose to return home in 2023.
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For Harlow, the move was about more than just geography—it was about reconnecting with his roots and embracing a sense of normalcy amidst a whirlwind career. He took to Instagram to express gratitude for the opportunity to reset his life and create music that resonated deeply.
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Surrounded by family and childhood friends, Harlow found the inspiration to craft an album that reflected his growth and authenticity. His year back home became one of the happiest of his life, a period marked by creative freedom and emotional grounding.
6. Michael Sheen – Returning to Port Talbot, Wales
In 2018, actor Michael Sheen made the heartfelt decision to return to his hometown of Port Talbot, Wales. Known for his roles in Frost/Nixon and The Queen.
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Sheen’s choice to leave behind Hollywood wasn’t just about a desire for familiarity—it was driven by a sense of responsibility. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Sheen admitted he could no longer ignore these struggles.
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By relocating, he sought to actively support his community, using his resources and influence to make a tangible difference. Sheen emphasized his commitment to action over complacency, stating that while his impact might not be monumental, he could take pride in knowing he was contributing meaningfully.
7. Nikki Glaser – Staying Close in Des Peres, Missouri
Stand-up comedian and television host Nikki Glaser moved back to her family home in Des Peres, Missouri, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Initially intending a short stay, Glaser found herself reconnecting with her roots and decided to settle down permanently. Documented on her reality show Welcome Home Nikki Glaser? Her return was filled with both challenges and moments of joy.
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Speaking to Kirkwood City Lifestyle, Glaser shared how the pandemic redefined her priorities, allowing her to appreciate the value of family and a slower pace of life.
Although she eventually moved into her apartment nearby, her parents and childhood friends remained a vital part of her daily routine.
8. Josh Dun – A Homecoming to Columbus, Ohio
Josh Dun, drummer for the band Twenty One Pilots, moved back to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, actress Debby Ryan, in 2021.
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The couple had been searching for a home when, during a holiday visit, they decided to make Columbus their permanent base. According to an interview with Architectural Digest, they stumbled upon the perfect house by chance, solidifying their decision to return.
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Dun’s move represented a desire to be closer to family and to step away from the chaotic lifestyle of constant touring. For the couple, Columbus became a sanctuary where they could focus on their relationship and create a home that reflected their shared values.
The move was a testament to Dun’s deep connection to his roots and a commitment to a balanced, fulfilling life.
9. Chris Evans – Rediscovering Simplicity in Massachusetts
Chris Evans, best known for his portrayal of Captain America, has largely lived outside Boston, Massachusetts, since 2014.
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For Evans, the decision to stay close to his hometown was rooted in a desire to reconnect with a simpler, more authentic version of himself. Speaking to GQ, he reflected on how returning home reminded him of a time when his life was unburdened by the insecurities and egos of Hollywood.
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In 2023, Evans reportedly hosted his wedding to Alba Baptista at his Massachusetts home, further solidifying his ties to the area. By choosing to remain in Massachusetts.
Evans prioritized personal growth and emotional well-being over the allure of Hollywood, creating a sanctuary where he could remain grounded amidst a high-profile career.
10. Aaron Paul – Returning to Idaho’s Tranquility
Aaron Paul, star of Breaking Bad, has always held a deep affection for his Idaho roots. Despite growing up dreaming of leaving his hometown, Paul now finds solace in its serene landscapes.
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He and his family split their time between a home in Boise and a lakeside cabin in McCall, creating a balance between work and relaxation. Speaking to Men’s Journal, Paul shared how time away from Idaho deepened his appreciation for its natural beauty and simplicity.
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For him, returning to his home state is about fostering a slower-paced life, one where he can fully enjoy the wilderness and create lasting memories with his family.
11. Jeff Daniels – A Lifetime in Chelsea, Michigan
Veteran actor Jeff Daniels, known for roles in The Newsroom and Dumb and Dumber, made the unconventional decision to move back to Chelsea, Michigan, in 1986, early in his career.
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Married to his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Treado, Daniels prioritized family life over Hollywood’s demands. In an interview with The Off Camera Show, he explained how growing up in the Midwest shaped his values, instilling a no-nonsense approach to life.
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Rejecting the social expectations of LA, Daniels focused on his craft, viewing himself as a “hired gun” rather than a Hollywood star. His choice to raise his children in Michigan provided stability and a grounded upbringing, far from the glitz of fame.
For Daniels, success was measured not by industry accolades but by preserving his family and living an authentic life.
12. Ian Harding – New Beginnings in Washington, D.C.
Ian Harding, beloved for his role in Pretty Little Liars, relocated to Washington, D.C., with his wife, Sophie Hart, in 2021.
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Initially considering New York City, the couple chose D.C. for its affordability and proximity to family. Harding shared with People how the move allowed him to reconnect with his parents and stepmother, who could now visit frequently.
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While D.C. is often associated with political drama, Harding enjoys the city for its cultural offerings and less hectic pace. He emphasized how the move improved his quality of life, offering a reprieve from the intense environment of Los Angeles.
13. Eric Stonestreet – Kansas City Roots
Eric Stonestreet, best known for Modern Family, has been living in Kansas City, Missouri since the show ended.
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In a 2024 interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Stonestreet reflected on how splitting time between Kansas City and Hollywood highlighted the contrasts between the two worlds.
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Kansas City offered authenticity and grounded interactions, while Hollywood represented the glamour and absurdity of show business. Stonestreet found joy in returning to the Midwest, where he could engage with real, down-to-earth people.
14. Blake Shelton – A Ranch Life in Tishomingo, Oklahoma
Country music star Blake Shelton has embraced life on a ranch in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, alongside his wife, Gwen Stefani.
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Far from the bright lights of LA, Shelton cherishes the quiet of his “adopted hometown,” an hour away from where he was born. Speaking to People, Shelton revealed how their life now revolves around simple pleasures, from wearing sweatpants at home to binge-watching shows like Ozark.
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The couple finds joy in escaping the pressures of the entertainment industry and focusing on each other. For Shelton, Tishomingo offers a sense of comfort and safety that no other place can match.
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