Katherine Schwarzenegger is prepared to relocate from Hollywood with her husband, Chris Pratt, and their three young children, prioritizing family over location. The author and mother revealed that staying close to her immediate family is the main factor that would influence the Chris Pratt family move.
In an interview with Fox News Digital published on November 5, Katherine explained that her decision to move would depend entirely on her parents and siblings.
“I can see myself moving anywhere that my mother, father and my siblings would also move with my husband and I and my children,”
she stated.
“So wherever that is, we can have a team huddle and all decide collectively where we’d like to go.”
At 35 years old and the eldest child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Katherine envisions her ideal family home surrounded by nature and animals. She shared,
“I’d like to go anywhere where we can just be around a lot of animals, me personally. But I feel like I can get that fix sprinkled in with having my home base be around my family.”
She emphasized the value of proximity to her loved ones for herself and her children, adding,
“Because there’s nothing that is more important to me than being able to be in close proximity to my parents and to my siblings. And to be able to have that for our children is such a huge blessing and a gift. A gift that I can’t get anywhere else.”
Katherine and Chris, who is also father to son Jack, 13, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris, have openly discussed the importance of family time since welcoming their youngest, Ford, last November. Chris reflected on their bustling household in an August interview with E! News:
“It’s beautiful chaos, man. Absolutely hectic, and wonderful and I’m drinking up every moment I can when I’m able to be home. It’s been glorious, we feel very blessed.”
He also described how their daughters, Lyla, 5, and Eloise, 3, have been engaging in outdoor activities like swimming and diving.
“The girls are just now starting to swim in the pool with their goggles on, so I’m going down and teaching them how to dive down to the bottom of the pool and pick things up,”
he said.
“It’s a pool party. We got music playing, we’re grilling, and we’re swimming and soaking up the sun.”
Notable Celebrities Who Have Stepped Away from Hollywood
How Ellen DeGeneres Ended Her Hollywood Chapter
After 19 seasons, Ellen DeGeneres concluded her talk show in 2022 amid allegations concerning a toxic workplace culture. Following an internal investigation and executive dismissals, Ellen moved away from the public eye before her final standup special, For Your Approval, debuted on Netflix in September 2024. Prior to the special’s release, she declared to audiences during the Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour,
“This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
In the months that followed, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to England in November 2024, a move she confirmed came after Donald Trump’s reelection. Speaking to broadcaster Richard Bacon in July 2025, Ellen confirmed the permanent nature of their departure from Hollywood.
Tyra Banks’ Australian Relocation Fueled by Business and Family
Tyra Banks, famed host of America‘s Next Top Model, moved to Australia primarily to oversee her ice cream brand operations. On an April 2025 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, she explained,
“So I have this ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. But we’ve been more what we call B2B, like on an airplane and on cruises. I’ve been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in a big facility doing our recipes. And I just fell in love with it every time I went back and went back.”
Tyra also pointed out the lucrative nature of the ice cream market in Australia, stating,
“The three countries that eat the most ice cream? America, New Zealand and Australia.”
She currently resides in Australia with her son York—their father being her ex, Erik Asla—and her boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, noting,
“Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.”
Eva Longoria’s Transition from Los Angeles to Mexico and Spain
Eva Longoria reflected on her shifting relationship with Los Angeles, explaining to Marie Claire in November 2024,
“I had my whole adult life here. But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then Covid happened, and it pushed it over the edge. 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 and her husband José Bastón, along with their son Santiago, divide their time between Mexico and Spain. She acknowledged her privilege in this lifestyle:
“I’m privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”
Addressing speculation, Eva clarified on The View: Behind the Table podcast in November 2024,
“I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there since Land of Women—shooting six months in Catalonia, then four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico, then back to Spain. Now I’ve been there for years. So I just don’t like that it’s politicized.”
She continues working on projects such as Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.
Richard Gere’s Family Move to Spain and Cultural Integration
Richard Gere announced his family’s relocation from Chicago to Madrid in November 2024. Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he attributed the move to his wife Alejandra Silva’s Spanish heritage.
“My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here. And so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid,”
he shared.
The couple’s two young sons, Alexander and James, are bilingual, an element Richard emphasized as beneficial:
“Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”
Supporting this, Richard told Elle España in January 2025,
“The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum. We are happier than ever.”
Christina Milian’s Parisian Life Focused on Family and Career Balance
Christina Milian lives in Paris with her French husband, Matt Pokora, and their children, attending schools in the French capital. On The Jennifer Hudson Show in November 2024, Christina revealed,
“My husband is French, and we’ve been together for over seven or eight years. And for the last three or four years we were commuting back and forth every six months.”
She added,
“They’re all going to school in Paris. I was like, ‘What better than an opportunity than that?’”
With her kids, including daughter Violet and sons Isaiah and Kenna, she described daily life as fulfilling:
“My kids are happy there. They know French. We go to the park. 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. It’s a nice, healthy balance for me.”
Lindsay Lohan’s Escape from Hollywood’s Spotlight and Return to Acting
Lindsay Lohan has openly addressed rumors about her departure from Los Angeles, citing her desire to leave behind paparazzi intrusion and rumors that overshadowed her work. In March 2024, during an interview with Bustle, she reflected,
“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying. I wish that part didn’t happen. I feel like that kind of took on a life of its own. So that’s why I wanted to disappear. I was like, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work.’”
Lindsay moved abroad, living in London and later Dubai, where she also opened beach clubs in Greece. She shared insights into her personal reflections on love:
“I was like, ‘What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens?’ And it took me just taking time for me for all those doors to open and the ‘yeses’ to come—the things I wanted to say ‘yes’ to.”
She married Bader Shammas in 2022, and they have a son named Luai. Though residing in Dubai, Lindsay continues acting, starring in films such as Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.
Josh Hartnett’s Shift to England for Balance and Family Life
Josh Hartnett decided to distance himself from Hollywood’s single-minded culture, aiming to expand his experiences beyond the industry. In July 2024, he told People,
“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 never wanted that.”
He explained his desire for personal growth with,
“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.”
Hartnett, alongside his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, relocated to the Hampshire countryside in England. He spoke with The Guardian about the change:
“Time passes quickly. With four children, you have so much to do. In a way, less is happening. But more of the important stuff is happening.”
Despite stepping back from the Hollywood spotlight, he has appearances in projects like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.
Jesse Eisenberg’s Return to Indiana for Stability and Family
Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg has preferred life outside of L.A., sharing with CBS News Sunday Morning in February 2025,
“I’ve lived in Indiana for the last decade on-and-off. That’s where I feel the most comfortable. I’m not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me.”
He lives a relatively private life with his wife Anna Strout and son Banner, stating,
“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. My wife is a teacher. My kid doesn’t really even watch movies. So, I’m not like knee-deep in the world of constantly trying to assess my own status in an industry.”
Eliza Dushku Palandjian’s Shift to Mental Health and Healing
Former actress Eliza Dushku Palandjian, known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bring It On, changed career paths significantly by pursuing certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and further training as a mental health professional. In an interview with Boston Magazine, she shared,
“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. This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose.”
Rosie O’Donnell’s Move to Ireland amid Political Uncertainty in the U.S.
Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her youngest child Clay, aiming to gain Irish citizenship through her heritage. Speaking on TikTok, she conveyed her mixed feelings about the move, saying,
“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.”
Evangeline Lilly’s Indefinite Hiatus from Acting
After two decades in the entertainment industry, Evangeline Lilly announced an indefinite break from acting in June 2024. She posted on Instagram,
“I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision. I feel so grateful for my blessings. 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.”
She left the door open for a possible return, adding,
“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Ian Somerhalder’s Focus on Environmental Advocacy Over Acting
Since concluding his role on Netflix’s V-Wars in 2019, Ian Somerhalder has concentrated on his environmental efforts, especially regenerative agriculture. In November 2023, he told E! News,
“I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched,”
referring to his documentaries Kiss the Ground and Common Ground.
Looking toward the future, Ian said,
“I will be a rancher and building legacy brands, whether it’s my bourbon or my health and wellness company, and the regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management practices that I live by and our family lives by. That’s where my life was going. So when people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care. Because that’s who I am, that’s what I’m going to become.”
Jennette McCurdy’s Departure From Acting and New Creative Pursuits
Jennette McCurdy, star of iCarly, shared on her 2021 podcast Empty Inside that she had left acting to explore writing, directing, and podcast hosting. Reflecting on her acting career during an October 2022 interview, she said,
“My experience with acting is, I’m so ashamed of the parts I’ve done in the past. I resent my career in a lot of ways. I feel so unfulfilled by the roles that I played and felt like it was the most cheesy, embarrassing. I did the shows that I was on from like 13 to 21, and by 15, I was already embarrassed. My friends at 15, they’re not like, ‘Oh, cool, you’re on this Nickelodeon show.’ It was embarrassing.”
Though uncertain about acting’s future role in her life, Jennette acknowledged recent growth:
“I do feel like only through writing the book have I gotten to a place where I think there might be a way of exploring acting that doesn’t carry that baggage that I carried with me for so long. 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.”
Meghan Markle’s Transition from Hollywood Royalty to Duchess and Producer
Meghan Markle left behind her Hollywood career and Toronto home to marry Prince Harry and focus on philanthropy and royal duties, following a path reminiscent of Grace Kelly. They now reside in Montecito, California, after stepping back from senior royal roles.
Though distancing herself from acting, Meghan has ventured into production with a long-term Netflix deal. She released the docuseries Harry & Meghan in 2022 and the lifestyle show With Love, Meghan in 2025 on the platform. Additionally, she has launched podcasts and her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Cameron Diaz’s Extended Break and Possible Return to Acting
Having starred in over 40 films since her debut in 1994’s The Mask, Cameron Diaz decided to take a prolonged hiatus after completing 2014’s Annie. She explained to Gwyneth Paltrow that the demanding schedule was overwhelming:
“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. When you’re making a movie—it’s a perfect excuse—they own you. You’re there for 12 hours a day for months on end and you have no time for anything else.”
She then focused on writing, publishing The Body Book in 2013 and The Longevity Book in 2016, while starting a family with husband Benji Madden. In a 2019 InStyle interview, Cameron revealed,
“I don’t miss performing. Right now I’m looking at the landscape of wellness and all that,”
although she was eventually persuaded to return briefly for the 2025 Netflix film Back in Action. Jamie Foxx recounted,
“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.”
Terrence Howard’s Repeated Announcements to Quit Acting
Terrence Howard initially declared the end of his acting career in 2019 following five years on Empire, telling Extra,
“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.”
Though he returned to work on projects sporadically, he reiterated his plans to quit acting while promoting The Best Man: The Final Chapters in 2022:
“I’ve gotten to the point where now I’ve given the very best that I have as an actor. Now I’m enjoying watching other new talent come around, and I don’t want to do an impersonation of myself.”
Despite these declarations, Howard has continued to appear in shows and movies, including Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and Netflix’s Shirley, with several future projects announced.
Jack Gleeson’s Initial Retirement and Subsequent Return to Acting
Following his notable role as King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, Jack Gleeson stepped back from acting in 2014, explaining to Entertainment Weekly at 21,
“I’ve been acting since age 8. I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”
He elaborated on the professional pressures:
“Now there’s the prospect of doing it for a living, whereas up until now it was always something I did for recreation with my friends, or in the summer for some fun. I enjoyed it. When you make a living from something, it changes your relationship with it. It’s not like I hate it, it’s just not what I want to do.”
After a six-year hiatus, Gleeson resumed acting in 2020 with BBC’s Out of Her Mind, and has since appeared in films such as Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, as well as series like Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.
Phoebe Cates’ Focus on Family Over Film Career
When Phoebe Cates married actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they made a shared decision about balancing acting and parenting, with Kline explaining to Playboy,
“We agreed to alternate so that we’re never working at the same time. Whenever it’s been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children.”
Though she made a cameo in 2001’s The Anniversary Party, Cates dedicates much of her time to her New York boutique, Blue Tree.
Rick Moranis’ Retirement for Family and Calibrated Comeback
Rick Moranis stepped away from acting at the height of his career in the early 1990s to raise his children Rachel and Mitchell after the loss of his wife to breast cancer in 1991. Since then, he has avoided live-action roles, including turning down a cameo in the 2016 Ghostbusters remake. Moranis remains a beloved figure, as seen by public concern over reports of his 2020 assault in New York City.
Fans will soon see his return alongside Josh Gad in Disney’s reboot Shrunk.
Leelee Sobieski’s Withdrawal Focused on Family and Personal Interests
Leelee Sobieski hinted at stepping away from acting after marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010. She told Vogue,
“Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don’t want to do that. It’s such a strange fire to play with, and our relationship is surely strong enough to handle it, but if you’re going to walk through fire, there has to be something incredible on the other side.”
After the birth of her son Martin in 2014, Sobieski declared,
“I don’t do movie stuff anymore. I am totally an outsider! I … am just a mom and an outsider. I am just focused on my kids. I think that’s mainly why I stopped.”
She supports Kimmel’s business and pursues painting as a personal passion.
Portia de Rossi’s Transition from Acting to Entrepreneurship
Portia de Rossi, known for roles on Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal, decided to retire from acting around age 45 to pursue new challenges. She told Ellen DeGeneres in 2018,
“I was approaching 45 and I just kind of…was wondering is there something that I could tackle now that I’ve never done before that would be really challenging and different. I kind of knew what acting would look like for me for the next 10, 20 years, so I decided to quit and start a business.”
Her consumer-art company, General Public, was launched gradually, and she recounted,
“I called Mitch Hurwitz, who’s the creator of Arrested Development and I said, ‘If there is a season 5, I won’t be doing it because I quit acting.’ And he seemed really understanding and he totally got it. We had a great conversation, and then he wrote me into five episodes.”
Daniel Day-Lewis’ Final Bow and Unexpected Collaboration
Daniel Day-Lewis, a three-time Academy Award winner, ended his acting career after his sixth Oscar nomination for Phantom Thread in 2017, with a public statement read by his representatives:
“He will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
However, in October 2024, Focus Features announced Day-Lewis’ return, starring in Anemone, a film he co-wrote with his son Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also direct the project.
Bridgit Mendler’s Shift to Academia and Entrepreneurship
Bridgit Mendler, known for Good Luck Charlie, stepped away from acting in 2018 to pursue higher education. She earned a master’s degree and subsequently a PhD from MIT, and enrolled at Harvard Law School.
In addition, she founded Northwood Space, a startup focused on developing ground satellite stations to facilitate space data transmission, where she serves as CEO as of February 2023.
Significance of These Celebrity Moves and What’s Ahead
The decisions of Katherine Schwarzenegger, Chris Pratt, and numerous other actors to step away from Hollywood highlight a widespread reevaluation of priorities among high-profile figures. From family and health to environmental activism and entrepreneurship, these celebrities emphasize fulfillment over fame, illustrating the increasing importance of personal well-being amid the industry’s intense demands.
Katherine’s focus on maintaining close family ties underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing public life with private needs. Similar relocations and career shifts among stars reveal diverse paths to managing chaos and stress in the spotlight. As this trend continues, Hollywood itself may evolve, accommodating more flexible, meaningful professional and personal lives.
For many, the moves are not permanent farewells but rather strategic pauses or transformations. Whether returning to acting, opening startups, or devoting time to advocacy and healing, these celebrities are redefining success on their own terms, likely influencing future generations of entertainers and their families.
