Actors Who Walked Away From Hollywood to Live in the Wilderness

A growing number of well-known actors are leaving Hollywood for a simpler life in the countryside. They’re finding that the peace and quiet of nature are more attractive than the demands of fame. By moving to remote areas, they can create a better balance between their work and personal lives, often taking up hobbies like farming or ranching and raising their families away from the public eye.

Daniel Day-Lewis

The famous actor, well-known for deeply immersing himself in his roles, eventually left the spotlight and moved to a farm in the secluded hills of County Wicklow, Ireland. He spent several years learning old-fashioned skills like making shoes and crafting wood, enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. After appearing in the 2017 film ‘Phantom Thread’, he decided to leave acting for good. He greatly values his privacy and finds the beautiful Irish scenery provides a calm and peaceful place to raise his family.

Harrison Ford

Years ago, this famous actor chose to make his home on a large ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He loves the privacy the mountains offer, allowing him to pursue his hobbies of flying and protecting the environment. Being away from the constant attention of the media lets him live a more normal life when he’s not working on big films, such as ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. He frequently talks about his strong bond with nature and how important it is to conserve it.

Michael Keaton

Robert Pattinson, known for his role in ‘The Batman’, lives on a sprawling ranch in Montana. He loves the wide-open spaces and spends his time enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and hiking on his property. This peaceful, secluded lifestyle is a welcome escape from the demands of filming and promoting movies. He’s kept this country home for many years to help him stay grounded and protect his privacy.

Kevin Costner

Following the huge success of ‘Dances with Wolves,’ the actor bought a large property in Aspen, Colorado. The estate boasts several lakes and stunning mountain scenery, providing a genuine escape into the wilderness. He’s often said his ranch is where he feels most comfortable and at peace with nature. It’s become a private haven where he can spend time with his family and work on personal projects, away from the pressures of Hollywood.

Tom Selleck

After finding fame on ‘Magnum P.I.’, the actor sought a peaceful life and bought a 63-acre avocado ranch in Ventura County, California. For over thirty years, he’s personally worked the land and cared for the property to stay busy and healthy. Though he continues to act, including his role as the lead in ‘Blue Bloods,’ he prioritizes spending as much time as possible at his ranch, which he believes has been crucial for his well-being throughout his career.

Adrian Grenier

The actor best known for his role in ‘Entourage’ traded the fast pace of New York City for a farm in Texas. He’s now dedicated to regenerative farming and a more sustainable lifestyle, seeking a deeper purpose beyond the entertainment industry. He shares his experiences with homesteading, hoping to inspire others to reconnect with nature.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

The actor known for his role in ‘The Walking Dead’ now lives on a real, working farm called Mischief Farm in upstate New York. He enjoys a down-to-earth life there with animals like alpacas and cows, and is actively involved in the local community. He and his wife even co-own a candy shop in town. He much prefers the simple, hands-on work of farming to the glamour of Hollywood events.

Chris Pratt

The star of ‘Jurassic Park’ has a spacious farm on the San Juan Islands in Washington State. He often posts about his animals and the satisfaction of growing his own food. This island getaway offers a welcome break from his busy schedule filming major movies, and he feels that being surrounded by nature helps him stay grounded despite his celebrity.

Sam Neill

The well-known actor from ‘Jurassic Park’ now dedicates much of his time to his vineyard and farm in New Zealand’s Central Otago region. He’s actively involved in making his own wine and caring for his animals. This secluded spot boasts breathtaking scenery, a world away from Hollywood. He frequently posts funny videos showcasing his life among the mountains and fields of his home.

Russell Crowe

The Academy Award-winning actor owns a huge property—hundreds of acres—in rural Nana Glen, Australia. Over the years, he’s had to protect it and his animals from devastating bushfires. He really enjoys the hard work of keeping up the land and considers himself a farmer before an actor when he’s there.

Mel Gibson

The actor known for ‘Braveheart’ has owned a large cattle ranch in the Australian outback for many years. This remote property provides a welcome escape from the constant attention he’s received throughout his career. He values the privacy and natural beauty of the wilderness, allowing him to focus on his personal life. It’s one of several secluded estates he’s purchased to have a private retreat.

Woody Harrelson

The actor best known for ‘Cheers’ now lives in a secluded, eco-friendly community on the Hawaiian island of Maui. He powers his home with solar energy and grows a lot of his own food, allowing him to live a sustainable life away from the hustle and bustle. This commitment to off-grid living reflects his long-held passion for the environment and a simpler way of life. He believes the island’s natural beauty is ideal for inspiring his creativity.

Robert Redford

This actor, a long-time environmentalist, built a home in the Utah wilderness years ago. He then founded the Sundance Institute, located in the mountains close to his home. Protecting the landscapes of the American West has always been central to both his personal life and his work. He still draws creative energy from the mountains and valleys surrounding his home.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges, known for his role in ‘The Big Lebowski,’ spends a lot of time at his ranch in Montana. He loves the relaxed lifestyle and connecting with the people who live there. This peaceful countryside is a welcome change from the fast-paced movie industry he’s been a part of since childhood. He appreciates the tranquility of living in a sparsely populated area.

Matthew McConaughey

This actor, once a huge star in Hollywood, has returned to his home state of Texas. He now lives on a spacious property, enjoying outdoor activities and raising his family with strong, traditional values. Although he continues to act in shows like ‘True Detective,’ he much prefers the Southern way of life and its scenery. He feels that reconnecting with his roots helps him stay true to himself both on and off screen.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo, famous for playing the Hulk in ‘The Avengers,’ lives with his family on a farm in New York’s Catskill Mountains. He’s a passionate environmentalist, working to protect the area’s natural beauty from development. Living in the countryside lets him raise his children surrounded by nature, far from the city. He also relies on the peace and quiet of the mountains to stay mentally healthy and inspired.

Taylor Kitsch

The actor famous for ‘Friday Night Lights’ decided to build a secluded home in Montana to escape the pressures of fame. He was heavily involved in the construction himself, intentionally choosing a quieter life away from the bustle of Los Angeles. He now finds fulfillment in the peace and the demanding physical work that come with living in a remote, northern environment.

Luke Grimes

A popular actor from the show ‘Yellowstone’ has made Montana his permanent home. He developed a strong bond with the state’s natural beauty while filming and wanted to live there full-time. This move lets him live a life similar to the tough, outdoorsy characters he plays. He appreciates the peace and perspective that Montana’s wide-open spaces offer, something he didn’t find in California.

Jason Segel

The actor best known for ‘How I Met Your Mother’ traded the hustle of Los Angeles for a quieter life in the Ojai Valley of California. He wanted a better work-life balance and was drawn to the area’s natural beauty, farms, and outdoor lifestyle. He’s shared that this move helped him reconnect with his love for writing and acting.

Dave Chappelle

Known mostly for his comedy, he’s also acted in several movies and decided to live on a farm in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He gave up a lucrative television deal to find a quieter life in the town where he was raised. This allowed him to stay true to his artistic vision and provide a stable upbringing for his children. He continues to be an active member of his community, though he still takes on occasional projects that put him back in the public eye.

Kurt Russell

A well-established actor prefers a quiet life at his mountain ranch in Colorado with his partner. He loves the outdoors, spending his time hunting and taking care of the property year-round. While he’s had a long and successful career, including memorable roles in films like ‘The Thing,’ he values his secluded life in nature above all else. The ranch provides him with a peaceful retreat from the demands of the entertainment industry.

Viggo Mortensen

The actor best known for his role in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ prefers a secluded life, living in peaceful, countryside locations throughout Europe and North America. He’s passionate about nature and frequently explores wild, remote areas on horseback. Unlike many in Hollywood, he avoids parties and prefers to spend his time on thoughtful hobbies and creative projects. He chooses to live this way to stay grounded and maintain his independence from the pressures of fame.

Brendan Fraser

Following his successful return to acting with ‘The Whale,’ the actor continues to live a peaceful life on his farm in Bedford, New York. He loves spending time with his horses and doing the work needed to maintain the property. The farm offered him a welcome escape during quieter periods in his career, and he now finds it’s the perfect place to relax and recover after intense filming.

Ian Somerhalder

The actor best known for ‘The Vampire Diaries’ has traded Hollywood for a life of farming and working to protect the environment. He’s now focused on teaching people about healthy soil and sustainable farming, a passion that led him to leave acting behind. He now spends his days working on his farm instead of filming.

Emilio Estevez

One of the famous actors from ‘The Breakfast Club’ traded Hollywood for a peaceful life on a California farm and vineyard. He now focuses on growing crops and making wine, enjoying a break from the spotlight. This shift has allowed him to embrace a simpler, more hands-on way of life, finding fulfillment in the rhythms of farming and the relaxed pace of country living.

Skeet Ulrich

The actor, famous for his work in ‘Scream’ and ‘Riverdale,’ now lives on a farm and loves working with wood, often building and restoring things himself. He frequently shares his enjoyment of hands-on projects and taking care of his property. He finds this work incredibly satisfying, offering a different kind of reward than acting. He much prefers the peace of his workshop and the freedom of the countryside to city life.

Richard Gere

The star of ‘Pretty Woman’ has settled on a spacious estate in rural New York seeking peace and quiet. From his countryside home, he continues to practice meditation and support charitable organizations. The large property offers complete privacy and a peaceful environment for him to focus on his well-being, both mentally and physically. He believes the calm of the countryside is perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Pierce Brosnan

The actor best known for playing James Bond now lives on a stunning, secluded estate on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. He enjoys painting and spending time with his family, surrounded by the island’s beautiful natural scenery. Although he still occasionally appears in films like ‘GoldenEye,’ he’s truly happiest at home in the island’s wild landscape. He’s also become involved in the local community and actively supports environmental causes in the area.

Billy Campbell

‘The Rocketeer’ star has chosen a quiet, unconventional life, even living on a farm in Norway at times. He’s passionate about sailing and often spends extended periods at sea or in secluded coastal areas. This love of nature and solitude frequently leads to breaks from acting, as he finds greater satisfaction in the challenges of the natural world than in the demands of fame.

Josh Brolin

After finding success in films like ‘Dune,’ the actor chose to live on a ranch to embrace a simpler, more outdoors-focused life. He’s always been drawn to nature and enjoys the hard work that comes with ranching. This lifestyle offers him a peaceful environment to prioritize his family and maintain his sobriety. He values the honesty and directness of country living, a welcome change from the often-complicated world of entertainment.

James Marsden

The actor known for his role in ‘X-Men’ moved to Austin, Texas, hoping to create a better lifestyle for his family and himself. Austin offers a balance of city life with quick access to the peaceful Texas Hill Country, providing a slower, more relaxed pace. He appreciates the local culture and the opportunity to escape into nature when he needs some downtime. The move allowed him to step away from the intense pressures of the Los Angeles film industry.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson, known for his role in ‘Taken’, owns a secluded property in the peaceful countryside of Millbrook, New York. He appreciates the quiet and rolling hills, allowing him to live a relatively normal life away from the bustle of the city. This location provides the privacy he needs to manage the pressures of his successful acting career, and he’s often spoken about how much he values the peace and quiet of rural life.

Hugh Jackman

Despite being a well-known actor around the world, he often returns to Australia, specifically to the remote outback and countryside. He loves the natural beauty of the Australian landscape and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping. These trips help him stay balanced and connected to reality, even with his fame. He feels that spending time in nature is vital for his overall health and well-being.

Norman Reedus

I’ve learned that the lead actor from ‘The Walking Dead’ really embraces a life close to nature. He’s got two homes – one tucked away in the Georgia woods and another in a peaceful part of upstate New York. Apparently, he loves the peace and quiet of being surrounded by forests and spends a lot of time riding his motorcycles on country roads. It’s clear his connection to the natural world isn’t just a hobby; it’s a core part of who he is and how he approaches his work, helping him stay grounded and maintain a fresh outlook. Living outside the hustle of big cities seems to be essential for fueling his creativity.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa, famous for playing Aquaman, is a passionate outdoorsman who often escapes to secluded areas of Hawaii and the Western United States. He enjoys a simple, adventurous lifestyle filled with activities like rock climbing and camping. He dreams of eventually owning a large property where he can live sustainably, independent of public utilities. This deep connection with nature is fundamental to who he is and how he lives his life.

Nick Offerman

The actor, well-known for his role as a nature-loving character on ‘Parks and Recreation,’ actually shares those same passions in real life. He’s a skilled woodworker with a dedicated workshop and deeply enjoys spending time outdoors and creating things with his hands. He frequently escapes to the countryside for both writing and crafting inspiration. This dedication to hands-on skills and a simpler lifestyle helps him stay grounded and connected to the natural world, offering a contrast to Hollywood life.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight from ‘The Office,’ now lives a peaceful life on a rural property in Oregon. He shares his home with rescued animals and has made his mental health a priority. Leaving the fast-paced world of Hollywood has given him time to pursue his passions for philosophy and spirituality. He loves that the forests and mountains of Oregon offer a calm and beautiful setting for his life.

Dominic Monaghan

The actor best known for ‘Lost’ has become a wildlife documentarian, turning his love of nature into a second career. He frequently travels to the world’s most remote areas to study endangered animals. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in natural settings. His life revolves around a strong fascination with the wild and a commitment to protecting its creatures.

Callum Blue

The actor, famous for his work on ‘Smallville,’ eventually left Hollywood to live a quieter life on a farm. He realized the typical actor’s career wasn’t satisfying anymore and sought a more meaningful existence. Now, he finds fulfillment in physical work and the peace of a natural, rural setting.

Garrett Hedlund

The actor best known for ‘Tron Legacy’ was raised on a secluded farm in Minnesota and continues to cherish that country lifestyle. He frequently goes back to his family’s farm to escape the pressures of Hollywood and find some quiet time. This upbringing and connection to nature have shaped how he plays strong, outdoorsy characters in movies. He appreciates the values of hard work and self-reliance he learned growing up in the countryside.

Tell us which of these actors has the most impressive wilderness retreat in the comments.

2026-02-15 12:49