Robin Wright, known for her role in House of Cards, has recently revealed her move from the United States to England, describing it as a liberating change. The 59-year-old actress shared details of her new life during an interview with the U.K.‘s Sunday Times, mentioning that she and her architect boyfriend, Henry Smith, 52, are living contentedly in a rented seaside home in England.
Wright expressed relief in finally stepping away from the frustration and compromises she experienced, saying it feels freeing to be
“done with searching, looking and getting 60 per cent of what you wanted.”
Her move reflects a pursuit of peace and stability, which she contrasts sharply with her former life in America.
Critique of Life in America and Appreciation for England’s Lifestyle
The actress did not hold back her view of America, bluntly calling it a “s—show” and emphasizing the contrast she finds in the freedom she now enjoys. She noted,
“I love being in this country. There’s a freedom of self here,”
highlighting a sense of personal liberation since her relocation.
Wright further described the kindness and relaxed pace she observes in England, a stark difference from what she perceives as the rush and stress dominating much of life in the U.S.
“People are so kind. They’re living. They’re not in the car in traffic, panicked on a phone call, eating a sandwich. That’s most of America. Everything’s rush, competition and speed.”
Her move away from the hectic lifestyle often associated with Los Angeles has allowed her to enjoy quiet moments with her partner. She shared,
“I love the quiet. And I’ve met my person. Finally.”
Adjusting to English Social Customs
While Wright praises many aspects of her new home, she also acknowledges cultural differences that require adjustment. She finds the U.K.‘s focus on social class particularly notable and challenging to navigate. She observed,
“It’s very evident when you’re in a room and you feel the judgment or the praise of someone who’s more elevated,”
questioning the preoccupation with elite schools and universities.
“I’m trying to figure it out. Why are you guys so obsessed with who went to this boarding school or this university? Who gives a s—?”
The Broader Celebrity Trend of Moving Abroad
Wright is among several American celebrities who have chosen to live outside the U.S. in recent years, especially following significant political events. Although she did not explicitly link her departure to specific political causes, her move aligns with others who have cited dissatisfaction with the political climate after Donald Trump’s reelection.
Earlier this year, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell also mentioned Trump’s second term as influencing their decisions to reside in Europe. Likewise, Mark Hamill, known for his role in Star Wars, shared how he contemplated leaving the U.S. but ultimately stayed after his wife, Marilou York, resisted the idea. Regarding Trump’s reelection, Hamill explained,
“She didn’t respond right away, but a week later she said, ‘I’m surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country.’ That son of a bitch. I thought, ‘I’m not leaving.’”
Despite his criticism of the Trump administration, Hamill emphasized his belief in the majority of decent Americans over the political opposition.
“I still believe there are more honest, decent people than there are the MAGA crowd. If I didn’t, I’d move back to England.”
Impact and What Lies Ahead for Robin Wright
Robin Wright‘s move to England highlights a broader narrative of American celebrities seeking new lives overseas, often motivated by the desire for peace, freedom, and a different social environment. Her candid reflections contribute to a conversation about the cultural and political frustrations felt by some Americans today.
As Wright continues to settle into her life by the English seaside with Henry Smith, her experience underscores both the challenges and rewards of starting anew in a foreign country, especially for public figures who navigate varying expectations and cultural norms.
