Josh Hartnett, the acclaimed star of *Oppenheimer*, has taken a stand against the Hollywood lifestyle by choosing to raise his family away from the hustle and bustle of Tinseltown. The actor, known for his roles in blockbusters like *Pearl Harbor* and *Black Hawk Down*, has opted for a quieter life in the English countryside, away from the pervasive Hollywood mindset that he believes could overshadow his children’s upbringing.
In a candid interview with People magazine, Hartnett shared his reasoning behind this decision. “Dad has to go to work, and they do know what I do — they have come to sets — but they don’t understand the thing yet. And I’m glad that they don’t,” he said. Hartnett emphasized that his goal is to shield his children from the superficiality and incessant focus on the film industry, hoping they can enjoy a more “normal” upbringing.
Hartnett’s sentiments echo a growing trend among celebrities who are increasingly disenchanted with the Californian lifestyle. The actor articulated a broader concern about Hollywood’s influence, describing it as more than just a location but a “state of mind.” He pointed out that living in an environment where the movie business dominates every conversation can limit one’s perspective. “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,” Hartnett explained.
Moreover, Hartnett voiced his frustration with the logistical realities of life in Los Angeles, noting his aversion to the city’s notorious traffic. “I just never really vibed with L.A. because I’m not a big fan of sitting in the car all day,” he admitted. His remarks resonate with a broader discontent among many who have grown weary of California’s high cost of living and congested urban environment.
This exodus from California is not an isolated phenomenon. Earlier this year, fitness guru Jillian Michaels expressed similar frustrations when she left the state, citing a political climate she found increasingly unmanageable. In an interview with conservative commentator Sage Steele, Michaels elaborated on her decision to leave, criticizing California’s evolving policies. “When I leave California, maybe it’s gone way too far,” she said, emphasizing that the state’s shifting political landscape had become untenable for her.
Michaels also criticized recent legislative changes, highlighting concerns about public safety and the legal system. She pointed out the absurdity of new laws, such as those perceived to undermine protections for minors, which she argued reflect a troubling trend in the state’s approach to governance. “When it’s like, oh, and then what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna pass a law for LGBTQ rights so that 24-year-old men can sleep with 14-year-old boys and not have to register as an offender, because it’s just not fair to the gays. I’m like, what?” Michaels remarked, referring to controversial legislation that many critics believe goes too far in its attempt to address LGBTQ rights.
Hartnett’s choice to distance himself from Hollywood’s trappings and Michaels’ departure from California both highlight a growing sentiment among many Americans who are questioning the direction of progressive policies and their impact on everyday life. As they seek more grounded and traditional lifestyles, these celebrities reflect a broader yearning for a return to values and environments that prioritize family and community over the demands of an increasingly polarizing cultural and political climate.
