Why Robin Wright Left Hollywood for a New Life in England at 59

Robin Wright, best known for her roles in “Forrest Gump” and “House of Cards,” made a significant life change by relocating from Hollywood to the Chiltern Hills in England several years ago. At age 59, she openly shared her reasons for this move, highlighting her desire for a calmer environment away from the intense pace of Los Angeles.

In a candid interview with The Times London published on August 30, Wright described the United States as chaotic, while praising England for its kindness and the freedom of self it offers to its residents. This shift aligned with her wish to escape the rush and pressure she associated with American life, particularly the constant speed and competition of Los Angeles.

A Search for Peace and Simplicity in the English Countryside

Robin Wright emphasized her preference for a quieter, slower lifestyle where simple moments are treasured. The pressure and stress of American city life contrasted sharply with her new routine in the English countryside. She reflected on how many Americans spend their time consumed by traffic, frantic phone calls, or rushed meals, all of which she wanted to leave behind.

Wright noted,

“I love being in this country. There’s a freedom of self here. People are so kind.”

—Robin Wright

She expressed her exhaustion with the American obsession for building bigger homes and always keeping up with a competitive pace, declaring,

“I love the quiet. And I’ve met my person. Finally.”

—Robin Wright

Finding Love Away from the Spotlight

During her time in England, Robin Wright encountered architect Henry Smith, whom she credits with bringing happiness and stability into her life. Their unique first meeting took place at a pub when Wright, intending to feed a dog some of her steak, discovered the dog belonged to Smith. Their initial exchange was unexpectedly playful yet intense.

She recounted,

“He put his pint down, came over to me and grabbed my shoulders,”

then added with humor,

“He goes, ‘Who the f–k are you?’ And I said, ‘Who the f–k are you?’ And that was it.”

—Robin Wright

Despite the rough start, Wright describes Smith, 52, as a kind and decent person with whom she believes her relationship will last. She shared her feelings about growing older and wanting companionship beyond solitude, saying,

“I’m turning 60 and I’m like, ‘Is this it?’ … I want to grow old with somebody, and travel and see the world.”

—Robin Wright

Other Celebrities Embracing Life Outside Hollywood

Robin Wright is not alone in trading the bright lights of Hollywood for more peaceful lives abroad. Many well-known actors and entertainers have chosen to relocate around the globe for a variety of personal and professional reasons.

Ellen DeGeneres’s Departure to England Following Career Changes

Ellen DeGeneres ended her long-running talk show in 2022 amid workplace controversy. After releasing her final standup special “For Your Approval” on Netflix in September 2024, Ellen revealed plans to leave Hollywood entirely. She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, made the move to England in November 2024, citing the aftermath of Donald Trump’s reelection as a factor in their decision.

During her last stand-up tour, Ellen stated,

“This is the last time you’re going to see me,”

and added,

“After my Netflix special, I’m done.”

—Ellen DeGeneres

Tyra Banks Finds a New Home and Business Opportunity in Australia

Tyra Banks relocated to Australia largely due to the business needs of her ice cream brand, SMiZE and Dream. She explained that while the product had been sold mostly in B2B settings like airplanes and cruises, the production in a large Australian facility drew her back repeatedly to the country, where she grew fond of the lifestyle and business environment.

Addressing her choice to move, Banks remarked,

“The three countries that eat the most ice cream? America, New Zealand and Australia.”

She moved with her son York and boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, calling Australia a “dream come true” for her and her family.

Eva Longoria’s Shift Between Mexico and Spain

Eva Longoria, once synonymous with “Desperate Housewives,” has transitioned from Hollywood to a life split between Mexico and Spain. She explained to Marie Claire in November 2024 that a changing atmosphere in Los Angeles, compounded by the pandemic and increasing homelessness and taxes, prompted her move. While she acknowledges the challenges facing California, she clarifies that politics were not her chief motivator.

She shared her perspective,

“I had my whole adult life here… Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s–t on California—it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”

—Eva Longoria

Longoria emphasized the privilege she holds in being able to split time between countries and expressed concern about others facing tougher circumstances in the U.S.

Richard Gere’s Family Life in Spain

Richard Gere relocated from Chicago to Spain to be closer to his Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva. On The Tonight Show in November 2024, Gere noted that they planned to spend several years in Madrid to provide their children with a bilingual upbringing and a flourishing environment.

He stated,

“My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here… so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid.”

And added,

“Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”

—Richard Gere

Gere described his family as happy and thriving in their new life.

Christina Milian Relocates for Family and Education in Paris

Singer and actress Christina Milian moved with her family to Paris, where her children attend school. Married to French singer Matt Pokora, Milian shared that they had previously commuted between the U.S. and France but eventually decided to settle in Paris permanently for their children‘s education.

Reflecting on the move, she said,

“They’re all going to school in Paris… I was like, ‘What better than an opportunity than that?’”

and further noted,

“My kids are happy there… I have an active lifestyle that’s really nice during the day. Then at night time, I do my work because I work hours ahead.”

—Christina Milian

Lindsay Lohan’s Escape from Hollywood Pressures

Lindsay Lohan left Los Angeles to avoid media frenzy that overshadowed her work during her early career. She initially moved to London and then Dubai, also investing in beach clubs in Greece. Part of her motivation stemmed from concerns about finding lasting love, a journey that ultimately led to marriage with Bader Shammas in 2022 and the birth of their son Luai.

She expressed her feelings, saying,

“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger… So that’s why I wanted to disappear.”

and added,

“I was like, ‘What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens?’”

—Lindsay Lohan

Josh Hartnett’s Desire for a Broader Life Outside Hollywood

Actor Josh Hartnett chose to leave the Hollywood environment because he found it limiting and single-minded. In a July 2024 interview with People, he explained his wish to surround himself with diverse people whose lives extend beyond the entertainment industry.

He reflected,

“Hollywood is more than a place; it’s like a state of mind… If you’re around people who are constantly talking about the movie business, your life is going to be pretty much one note.”

and

“I’ve always wanted to be around… people generally doing lots of other things that would bring my mind off of my work and force me to grow in different directions… To me, that’s the spice of life.”

—Josh Hartnett

With his wife Tamsin Egerton and four children, Hartnett now lives in the Hampshire countryside in England, balancing a busy family life with acting roles in productions such as “Verity” and “Fight or Flight.”

Jesse Eisenberg’s Life Away From Hollywood’s Frenzy

Jesse Eisenberg has spent much of the last decade living in Indiana, away from Los Angeles. He described this choice in a February 2025 CBS News interview, revealing a preference for stability and a normal life over constant engagement with the entertainment world.

Eisenberg said,

“I’ve lived in Indiana for the last decade on-and-off… I’m not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me.”

and further explained,

“I’m not on social media, and I’m not a person who’s on the phone with industry people all the time… So, my life feels pretty separate.”

—Jesse Eisenberg

He lives with his wife Anna Strout and their son Banner, noting that his family’s life is largely detached from the typical Hollywood spotlight.

Eliza Dushku Palandjian’s Career Transformation Towards Healing

After her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On,” Eliza Dushku Palandjian shifted her focus to mental health. She became certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and is pursuing further study as a mental health professional.

She shared deeply about her journey, saying,

“I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others… I would be remiss if I didn’t now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have.”

—Eliza Dushku Palandjian

Rosie O’Donnell’s Move to Ireland for Political and Personal Reasons

Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland in January 2025, bringing her youngest child Clay and pursuing Irish citizenship through her grandparents’ heritage. Citing political unrest in the United States, Rosie does not completely rule out returning home once conditions for equal rights improve.

She expressed her feelings publicly, stating,

“I miss my other kids… I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”

—Rosie O’Donnell

Evangeline Lilly Steps Away from Acting to Follow Personal Fulfillment

After two decades in the industry, Evangeline Lilly announced an indefinite break from acting, focused on living her vision and finding contentment outside the usual trappings of fame and wealth. She shared her journey on Instagram in June 2024, emphasizing joy and fulfillment in following her dharma.

Lilly explained,

“I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision… Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment.”

and

“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”

—Evangeline Lilly

Ian Somerhalder’s Dedication to Environmental Causes Over Acting

Ian Somerhalder, known for “The Vampire Diaries,” has not returned to acting since his 2019 series “V-Wars.” Instead, he has focused on launching environmental documentaries and businesses aimed at combating climate change through regenerative agriculture.

He said in 2023,

“I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched.”

and added,

“I will be a rancher and building legacy brands… That’s where my life was going. So when people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care.”

—Ian Somerhalder

Jennette McCurdy’s Transition From Acting to Writing and Directing

Jennette McCurdy, former star of “iCarly,” revealed she stopped acting several years ago due to dissatisfaction with her past roles. Instead, she pursued writing, directing, and podcast hosting, seeking creative fulfillment without the baggage of her earlier career.

She remarked in 2021,

“My experience with acting is, I’m so ashamed of the parts I’ve done in the past… I resented my career in a lot of ways.”

and later said,

“Maybe if I write something for myself. I think that’d really be maybe one of the only ways I could kind of try exploring it again.”

—Jennette McCurdy

Meghan Markle’s Shift from Hollywood to Royal Life and Back

Meghan Markle left Hollywood behind to marry Prince Harry and embrace a philanthropic role in the British royal family. After stepping back from senior royal duties and settling in Montecito, California, she has ventured back into the entertainment business through deals with Netflix, releasing docuseries and lifestyle shows, as well as podcasts and a personal brand.

This transition mirrors the path taken by Grace Kelly from Tinseltown to royalty. Meghan’s move allowed a new chapter combining public service with creative endeavors.

Cameron Diaz’s Pause from Acting and Wellness Focus

Cameron Diaz stepped away from movies after years of intense work, starting with the end of filming for 2014’s “Annie.” She prioritized personal well-being, writing books on health and longevity, and focusing on family life.

Diaz reflected,

“I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life… I had gone so hard for so long, working, making films and it’s such a grind.”

and later said,

“I don’t miss performing. Right now I’m looking at the landscape of wellness and all that.”

—Cameron Diaz

Despite this, she was persuaded to return for the 2025 Netflix film “Back in Action,” as described by co-star Jamie Foxx:

“We just begged and pleased on my knees, like, ‘Just give the people one more again.’ We love her, we’ve been waiting on her and this is just gonna be fantastic.”

—Jamie Foxx

Terrence Howard’s Multiple Announcements About Quitting Acting

Terrence Howard declared multiple times that he was done with acting after his run on “Empire” and while promoting

“The Best Man: The Final Chapters.”

He expressed satisfaction with his contributions and looked forward to witnessing new talent emerge rather than repeating himself.

Howard said,

“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.”

and

“I’ve gotten to the point where now I’ve given the very best that I have as an actor… I don’t want to do an impersonation of myself.”

—Terrence Howard

Despite these comments, he has continued to appear in several projects, including the Netflix film “Shirley” and the series

“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.”

Jack Gleeson’s Early Departure and Return to Acting

Jack Gleeson, famous for portraying King Joffrey on “Game of Thrones,” initially left acting in 2014 to pursue other interests. He explained to Entertainment Weekly that acting had shifted from a fun past-time into a job, which changed his relationship with it.

He said,

“I’ve been acting since age 8… I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”

and

“Now there’s the prospect of doing it for a living… I enjoyed it. When you make a living from something, it changes your relationship with it.”

—Jack Gleeson

After a six-year break, Gleeson resumed acting with a role in the BBC series “Out of Her Mind” in 2020, continuing with film and television work since then.

Phoebe Cates’ Choice to Prioritize Family Over Career

Phoebe Cates, known for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” has chosen to prioritize family responsibilities over acting. After marrying Kevin Kline in 1989, the couple agreed to alternate their professional commitments so one parent could always be with their children.

Kline explained,

“Whenever it’s been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children.”

—Kevin Kline

Cates has since focused on running her boutique in New York City, stepping back from acting roles despite occasional cameos.

Rick Moranis’ Retirement to Raise Family and Upcoming Comeback

Rick Moranis stepped away from acting in the early 1990s following his wife’s death to raise his children. Though absent from live-action films since 1997 and turning down a cameo in the 2016 “Ghostbusters” remake, Moranis remains beloved by fans. He is set to return in the upcoming Disney reboot “Shrunk,” co-starring Josh Gad.

Leelee Sobieski’s Retreat from Film for Family and Art

Leelee Sobieski left acting after marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010. She cited discomfort with the prevalence of sexual content in roles and a desire to focus on her children and personal pursuits like painting.

She stated,

“Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don’t want to do that.”

and

“I am totally an outsider! I … am just a mom and an outsider… I think that’s mainly why I stopped.”

—Leelee Sobieski

Portia de Rossi’s Shift from Acting to Business

Portia de Rossi, known for her roles in “Arrested Development” and “Scandal,” chose to quit acting around age 45 to pursue new challenges. She told Ellen DeGeneres in 2018 that she wanted to start a business, which led her to found the consumer art company General Public.

She recounted,

“If there is a season 5, I won’t be doing it because I quit acting… We had a great conversation, and then he wrote me into five episodes.”

—Portia de Rossi

Daniel Day-Lewis’ Retirement and Upcoming Return

After winning three Academy Awards, Daniel Day-Lewis retired from acting following his final film, “Phantom Thread,” in 2017. His retirement was announced as a private decision, and he declined further comments.

However, in October 2024, it was announced he would star in and co-write the film “Anemone” with his son Ronan Day-Lewis, marking a surprising return to the screen.

Bridgit Mendler’s Academic Pursuits and Space Startup

Bridgit Mendler stepped back from the spotlight in 2018 to pursue higher education, earning a master’s degree and eventually a PhD from MIT, and enrolling at Harvard Law School. Alongside academics, she launched the startup Northwood Space, which builds ground satellite stations and named her CEO in early 2023.

The Growing Trend of Actors Embracing New Lives Abroad

From Robin Wright’s move to England to many other stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks, and Eva Longoria settling in countries across Europe and Australia, there is a growing trend of performers seeking peace, stability, and personal growth outside Hollywood’s glare. Whether motivated by family, business opportunities, political climates, or mental health, these changes demonstrate shifting priorities among some of the world’s most recognized entertainers.

For Robin Wright, leaving Hollywood for the Chilterns at 59 reflected a clear desire for a life grounded in kindness, quiet, and meaningful relationships. Joining a growing wave of stars choosing alternative paths, her story highlights how personal fulfillment often lies beyond the spotlight’s reach.