Celebrities Who Left the U.S. After a Hollywood Career

Success in Hollywood often means staying in the spotlight, but for some stars, stepping out of it was the ultimate power move. From A-list actors to award-winning directors, a number of celebrities who left the U.S. after a Hollywood career chose to trade glitz and glamor for peace and privacy overseas. Let’s take a look at who packed their bags and why.

1. Johnny Depp – France (Then England)

After a decades-long Hollywood run, Depp began spending more time in his French estate with then-partner Vanessa Paradis. Post-legal battles, Depp has shifted to the English countryside, embracing art and music over movie sets.

2. Gwyneth Paltrow – Part-Time Spain

Though still active in business and media, Gwyneth Paltrow has often gushed about her love for Spain, where she studied abroad as a teen. She spends significant time there, away from the Hollywood hustle.

3. Julia Roberts – New Mexico

While technically still in the U.S., Julia Roberts chose the calm of Taos, New Mexico over Los Angeles. She has described her move as a way to raise her family grounded and away from the industry’s frenzy.

4. Rick Moranis – Canada

The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids actor left Hollywood at his peak to focus on raising his children after his wife passed away. He returned to his native Canada, where he lives mostly out of the limelight.

5. Bridget Fonda – Unknown U.S. Location

Once a rising star, Bridget Fonda quit acting in 2002 and has remained far from Hollywood’s eye. She was last reported living a quiet life with her family in a more rural part of the U.S.

6. Shirley Temple – Ambassadorship in Ghana and Czechoslovakia

After a successful film career, Temple transitioned into diplomacy, serving as a U.S. ambassador in Ghana and later Czechoslovakia. She lived abroad during her tenure, far removed from her child-star days.

7. Jet Li – Singapore

The martial arts superstar moved to Singapore in the late 2000s, where he holds citizenship. Jet Li has since focused on philanthropy and spiritual pursuits, far from the glare of American film studios.

8. Tina Turner – Switzerland

Music legend Tina Turner made Switzerland her permanent home and even gave up U.S. citizenship. Her lakeside mansion became her sanctuary until her passing in 2023.

9. Chris Hemsworth – Australia

After making it big in the U.S., Hemsworth returned to his native Australia with his family. He now lives in Byron Bay, balancing global fame with local roots.

10. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry – Montecito via Canada

Though technically royals, Meghan Markle’s Hollywood ties and decision to leave the U.K. royal family brought them back to North America—though they skipped L.A. for a quieter life in Montecito after a brief stint in Canada.

Why Are Celebs Leaving Hollywood?

For many stars, the decision to leave the U.S. is fueled by the need for privacy, mental peace, family life, or simply a break from the 24/7 spotlight. With remote work, digital content, and global fame, living outside of Hollywood no longer means leaving your career behind.

These celebrities who left the U.S. after a Hollywood career remind us that sometimes, the biggest power move is walking away from it all.