From Hollywood to Home: Why A-List Stars Are Seeking Solace Abroad

Stars Seek Solace Abroad: How Hollywood's A-Listers Are Embracing New Lives Beyond the Spotlight

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged among American celebrities: a growing number are choosing to leave the United States in favor of life overseas. This shift reflects a range of personal preferences, lifestyle choices, and political motivations. From actors to musicians, these stars are finding solace in new countries, often seeking more privacy, a slower pace of life, or simply a change of scenery.

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi made headlines in November 2024 when they decided to relocate from sunny California to the serene Cotswolds region in the United Kingdom. According to a local source, DeGeneres is enjoying a relatively low-key existence in England, where she is “definitely a lot less well-known,” allowing for a more anonymous lifestyle. Nestled away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the Cotswolds offers a quaint charm where “no one gives a f—” about celebrity status. This move marks a stark contrast from the high-profile life the couple led in Los Angeles and highlights how even A-listers seek refuge from the constant spotlight.

Similar motivations prompted comedian Rosie O’Donnell to relocate to Ireland in early 2025, just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term. In a candid TikTok video, O’Donnell explained her decision, citing her Irish roots and the desire to provide a more peaceful environment for her child, Clay, whom she adopted in 2013. This move underscores a desire among celebrities to escape both the political climate at home and the stresses of their previous high-octane lifestyles. O’Donnell’s new chapter in Ireland also reflects a broader trend of star-studded migrations, as many public figures prioritize personal well-being and family life in their new homes.

Eva Longoria, originally from Los Angeles, also shifted her primary residence to Europe, splitting time between Spain and Mexico with her husband, José Bastón. The actress noted that while California holds special memories, factors such as rising homelessness and high taxes pushed her to seek a different lifestyle. The combination of a changed atmosphere due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for a fresh start prompted Longoria's transition, illustrating how external circumstances can influence even the most established stars.

Similarly, singer Christina Milian relocated her family from Hollywood to France, officially committing to their new life overseas after years of traveling back and forth due to her husband’s French heritage. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Milian expressed her joy about her children attending school in Paris, seeing it as a unique opportunity for them. The move reflects a growing sentiment among celebrities who value not only their careers but also the quality of life they can provide for their families in a more culturally rich environment.

Actor Richard Gere's decision to move to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, stems from a desire to be closer to her family and cultural roots. In interviews, Gere has emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that it was time for him to reciprocate the years his wife dedicated to living in his world. This recollection of shared experiences encapsulates the relational aspects that drive many celebrities to seek a new home abroad.

Not everyone moving abroad is looking to escape political or social issues; some, like actress Shania Twain, have simply embraced their dual identities. Although born in Canada, Twain mostly lived in the U.S. until recent years, when she established her primary residence in Switzerland. This embrace of her Canadian roots and newfound lifestyle in Europe showcases the fluidity of identity among global celebrities.

Other notable relocations include Amber Heard, who moved to Spain with her daughter, seeking a more positive environment, far from the high-stakes pressures of Hollywood. Finally, actress Lindsay Lohan, who has been residing in Dubai, has cited the benefits of life in the Middle East, particularly the escape from constant media scrutiny. Lohan’s transformation from a troubled young starlet to a settled family woman highlights the potential for reinvention in new surroundings.

Across the board, these stories of Hollywood personalities transitioning to life outside the United States reflect a complex interplay of lifestyle choices, cultural preferences, and, at times, personal crises. Whether seeking anonymity, a healthier upbringing for their children, or simply a change of pace, these stars demonstrate that the allure of celebrity status can be overshadowed by the desire for personal happiness and security.

As these celebrities carve out their new lives abroad, they remind us that fame is not necessarily synonymous with happiness. Many are decidedly “unplugging” from the pressures of constant public attention, seeking solace in quieter, more intimate settings where they can focus on family, personal growth, and cultural exploration. The phenomenon of American celebrities choosing to live abroad speaks volumes about the evolving definition of success and contentment in an increasingly globalized world.