Now Reading: From Red Carpet to Real Life: Why Richard Gere, Eva Longoria, and More Stars Are Saying ‘Bye’ to Hollywood
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From Red Carpet to Real Life: Why Richard Gere, Eva Longoria, and More Stars Are Saying ‘Bye’ to Hollywood
From Red Carpet to Real Life: Why Richard Gere, Eva Longoria, and More Stars Are Saying ‘Bye’ to Hollywood
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood often mask a rigorous and demanding lifestyle that eventually prompts many celebrated stars to seek fulfillment and peace elsewhere. While some famous figures take an indefinite hiatus from the screen, others choose to physically relocate, finding a happier balance or a renewed sense of purpose far away from Tinseltown.
This trend was recently highlighted by the rare red carpet appearance of screen icon Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva. The couple, who married in 2018, stepped out in Madrid on November 25 for the premiere of their short documentary, What Nobody Wants to See. Gere, 76, wore a sharp tailored navy suit and black sneakers, while Silva, 42, opted for a classy black suit with matching heels, completing her business chic look with a burgundy lip.
A New Life in Spain: Happiness, Family, and Philanthropy
Gere and Silva’s appearance in Madrid underscored their significant decision to relocate from Hollywood to Spain, Alejandra’s native country. According to the couple, the move has brought immense joy, marking their “momentum”. As Richard Gere stated in January 2025, “We are happier than ever”. He attributes his personal happiness to the fact that his wife is happy being “at home”.
Their profound connection goes beyond geography; Alejandra Silva explained that they consider themselves “soulmates”. They share identical values, view the world in the same way, and felt instantly that they had “known each other for a long time,” attributing this powerful connection to the “karma of our past lives”.
The couple’s move also supports a deeper mission. Both Richard and Alejandra are committed to the NGO Hogar Sí, and their primary reason for being in Madrid is to serve on the organization’s board. Their ambitious goal is to end homelessness in Spain within five years.
Furthermore, the relocation provides crucial family benefits. Gere noted that his wife’s Spanish upbringing within a large family unit led her to mourn the loss of her grandmother (the family “glue”) two years prior. He observed that his wife is now “morphing into the new grandmother of this extended family,” planning Sunday lunches for around 35 people. Their young sons, Alexander (6) and James (5), are flourishing as they are now bilingual. Alejandra is also a mother to her 12-year-old son, Albert, from a previous marriage.
When the Hollywood Vibe Changes
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva are far from the only celebrities who have chosen to leave the U.S. for international horizons. For some, the motivation stems from dissatisfaction with the evolving environment in California.
- Eva Longoria now splits her time between Spain and Mexico. She revealed in November 2024 that her “whole adult life” was in Los Angeles, but the vibe changed, citing issues like homelessness or taxes. She stated that her chapter in LA was “done”. Longoria, however, clarified that her primary reason for moving was work, including shooting Land of Women in Catalonia and Searching for Mexico, and not the political environment, which she dislikes seeing politicized. She noted her privilege in being able to escape, expressing anxiety for most Americans who are “stuck in this dystopian country”.
- Christina Milian officially said “au revoir” to the U.S. and now resides in Paris, France. Her decision was based on her husband, singer Matt Pokora, being French, and the opportunity for her three children (Violet, Isaiah, and Kenna) to attend school there. She has found a “nice, healthy balance” and an active lifestyle in Paris.
- Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to England in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s re-election. DeGeneres, whose talk show ended in 2022 amid allegations of a toxic work environment, announced her complete departure from Hollywood during her standup tour, stating, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done”.
- Similarly, Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland in January 2025 with her youngest child, Clay. She is pursuing Irish citizenship based on her grandparents’ heritage. She cited recent political developments as her reason for leaving, adding that she will consider returning when it is “safe for all citizens to have equal rights” in America.
The Desire for a Private, Balanced Life
For many high-profile stars, the motivation to leave Hollywood is simply the relentless pressure, the lack of privacy, and the demanding nature of the industry itself.
- Lindsay Lohan sought to “disappear” after feeling her work was overshadowed by paparazzi and rumors. She moved abroad—first to London, then to Dubai—so that people would focus solely on her acting. The move allowed her to take time for herself, which opened doors to finding love with Bader Shammas (whom she married in 2022, welcoming son Luai in 2023).
- Josh Hartnett relocated his family—wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children—to the Hampshire countryside in England. He defined Hollywood as a “state of mind” that could make one’s life “pretty much one note”. Hartnett sought to be around people doing diverse things to force him to “grow in different directions,” calling this “the spice of life”.
- Pretty Woman star Cameron Diaz quit acting after filming wrapped on 2014’s Annie. She described filmmaking as a “grind” where studios “own you” for 12 hours a day for months. She prioritized self-care, writing books (The Body Book and The Longevity Book), and starting a family with Benji Madden.
- Jesse Eisenberg has lived on-and-off in Indiana for the last decade. He finds the industry “unstable” and maintains a separate life, avoiding social media and constant contact with industry figures. His wife is a teacher, and his son doesn’t even watch movies, allowing him to avoid constantly assessing his own status in the industry.
- Jack Gleeson, famous for Game of Thrones, quit acting in 2014 because doing it for a living changed his relationship with what had previously been a recreation.
Prioritizing Family and Finding New Callings
Some actors chose to step away from the limelight to focus entirely on raising their families, while others discovered completely new professional paths that offered greater fulfillment than fame.
- Rick Moranis famously stepped away from his successful career (known for Ghostbusters and Honey, I…) after his wife’s death from breast cancer in 1991 to focus on raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.
- Phoebe Cates, who married Kevin Kline in 1989, had an agreement to alternate work schedules to care for their children (Owen and Greta). However, she repeatedly chose to stay with the children during her work slot. She now dedicates her time to operating her New York City boutique, Blue Tree.
- Leelee Sobieski stopped acting after her second child, Martin, was born in 2014. She revealed that she was uncomfortable with the “sexual stuff with other people” involved in “ninety percent of acting roles”. She is now primarily a mother and an outsider, painting on the side and helping her husband, fashion designer Adam Kimmel, with his business.
- Evangeline Lilly, star of Ant-Man and the Wasp, announced an indefinite hiatus from acting in June 2024, stating she was “so filled with joy and contentment” living out her vision. She chose to step away from the “obvious choice (wealth and fame),” trading fear for fulfillment by embracing her “dharma”.
- The Vampire Diaries alum Ian Somerhalder stepped away from acting over four years ago (his last series was in 2019) to raise his two children with Nikki Reed, build his companies, and launch films promoting regenerative farming, like Kiss the Ground and Common Ground. He plans to be a rancher, building legacy brands focused on health, wellness, and healthy soil management.
- Eliza Dushku Palandjian (known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bring It On) shifted her focus entirely to mental health. She became certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and is furthering her studies, describing this path—focused on healing herself to help others—as her “real calling” and “real purpose”.
- Bridgit Mendler (of Good Luck Charlie fame) took a step back from the spotlight in 2018 to pursue advanced education, earning a Master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and enrolling in Harvard Law School. She is now the CEO of her own startup, Northwood Space, which aims to build ground satellite stations.
- Jennette McCurdy quit acting after years of shame and resentment over the “cheesy, embarrassing” roles she played, particularly on Nickelodeon, which she was embarrassed of by age 15. She now focuses on writing and directing, though she noted writing her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, brought her to a place where she might explore acting again if she wrote something for herself.
The Unconventional Return
While many stars seek permanent breaks, the door to Hollywood often remains slightly ajar.
- Daniel Day-Lewis, a three-time Academy Award winner, issued a statement in 2017 announcing his retirement after his final film, Phantom Thread, calling it a “private decision”. However, he was pulled back in by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and is set to star in Anemone, a film he co-wrote with Ronan (who is directing).
- Rick Moranis is also set to make a triumphant return in the forthcoming Disney reboot, Shrunk, alongside Josh Gad.
- Cameron Diaz was persuaded by her friend Jamie Foxx to sign on for the 2025 Netflix film, Back in Action, proving that even the most determined retirees can sometimes be swayed.
These stories illustrate that for many celebrities, the decision to leave the mainstream industry—whether permanently or temporarily—is driven by a universal desire: the search for authenticity, control, and a life where the important “stuff is happening”. For those who leave, the pursuit of purpose often outweighs the allure of wealth and fame, much like a seasoned gardener trading a trophy for the satisfaction of healthy soil.
