Robin Wright, best known for her role as Claire Underwood in HBO’s House of Cards, has relocated from the United States to England. Wright has expressed that living in England offers her a sense of freedom and kindness that she finds lacking in her home country, a shift that aligns with her growing career and personal life overseas.
Contrasting Experiences Between the U.S. and England
Raised in Southern California and originally from Texas, Wright described the pace of life in the U.S. as competitive and filled with ambition-driven anxiety. In contrast, she perceives people in England as more present and serene.
“I love being in this country. There’s a freedom of self here. People are so kind,”
Wright said in a recent interview.
She summarized the difference by saying that people in England focus on truly living rather than rushing, highlighting her preference for this slower, more thoughtful way of life.
Career and Personal Life in the UK
Wright has spent the past few years mainly working in the United Kingdom and living in rental properties. She is currently filming Prime Video’s series The Girlfriend while based in England. Alongside her professional commitments, Wright is sharing her life with her boyfriend, Henry Smith, whom she describes as “a good, decent adult.”
Her personal history includes three marriages, one of which was to actor Sean Penn in 1996.
Broader Trend of Celebrities Relocating to Europe
Wright’s move is part of a larger pattern of U.S. celebrities crossing the Atlantic in recent years. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, chose England following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. Similarly, Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump’s initial presidency. Sophie Turner, the British star from Game of Thrones, cited events like the 2022 Uvalde shooting and the rollback of women’s rights in the U.S. as reasons for her return to England.
Meanwhile, high-profile figures such as Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Lena Dunham contemplated leaving the U.S. due to political reasons but ultimately remained. Actors including Richard Gere, Eva Longoria, and Gabriel Macht have also opted to live abroad in recent years for diverse motivations.
Implications of Wright’s Relocation
Robin Wright’s relocation signifies more than a personal lifestyle choice; it reflects a wider conversation about cultural and political climates influencing where creative professionals choose to live and work. Her decision highlights how the search for personal freedom and quality of life can impact even well-established stars in the entertainment industry.
With Wright’s ongoing projects in England, it appears this move will continue shaping her career in the coming years.
