Many Hollywood stars have found fame in the United States, but not all of them chose to stay. Some moved overseas for peace, privacy, or personal reasons. Here are 20 celebrities who left the U.S. after building successful careers in entertainment.
Ellen DeGeneres Settles in the UK with Wife Portia
After a long and successful career in comedy and daytime TV, Ellen DeGeneres stepped away from the spotlight. Facing criticism and retiring from entertainment, she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, moved to the United Kingdom for a quieter life.
George Clooney Finds Home in France
George Clooney, known for his iconic film roles and humanitarian work, now calls Europe home. He owns several properties across the continent. His main residence is in Provence, France, where he enjoys a slower pace of life with his wife, Amal Clooney.
Amber Heard Moves to Spain with Daughter
After a widely publicized legal battle with Johnny Depp, actress Amber Heard chose to leave the U.S. for a fresh start. She now lives in Spain with her young daughter, focusing on a more private life.
Britney Spears Relocates to Mexico
Pop star Britney Spears endured years of media scrutiny and legal troubles. Following the end of her conservatorship, Spears chose to relocate to Mexico for a break from public life.
Lily Collins Lives in Denmark, Keeps Acting Career
“Emily in Paris” star Lily Collins proves that actors don’t need to live in Los Angeles to thrive. She now resides in Denmark with her husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell, and continues to work on global projects.
Kate Walsh Stayed in Australia After Pandemic
Actress Kate Walsh traveled to Australia in early 2020 to visit her partner, Andrew Nixon. When borders closed due to COVID-19, she stayed. Now, she lives permanently in Perth, embracing the local lifestyle.
Darius Rucker Moves to London, Still Loves the U.S.
Country star and Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker moved to London but assured fans that he still considers the Carolinas home. The move was temporary, and he often travels back and forth.
Janet Jackson Resides in the United Kingdom
Music legend Janet Jackson left the U.S. years ago to live in the UK. She enjoys more privacy and less media attention across the Atlantic and has called London home for nearly a decade.
Lindsay Lohan Makes Dubai Her Home
Lindsay Lohan, once a Hollywood tabloid regular, turned a new page by moving to the United Arab Emirates. She now lives in Dubai and has relaunched her career, appearing in recent Netflix films.
Richard Gere Moves to Spain with Wife
Hollywood icon Richard Gere relocated to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva. The couple lives in Silva’s native country, away from the constant attention of U.S. paparazzi.
Tina Turner Lived in Switzerland Until Her Passing
Legendary singer Tina Turner moved to Switzerland in 1995. She spent the last decades of her life there and even became a Swiss citizen after marrying her German partner, Erwin Bach.
Christina Milian Builds Life in France
Christina Milian, who found fame in the 2000s, now lives in France with her husband, French singer M. Pokora, and their children. She still works in entertainment but no longer lives in the U.S.
Josh Hartnett Chooses Quiet Life in the U.K.
Josh Hartnett and his wife, Tamsin Egerton, made the U.K. their permanent home after staying there during the pandemic. The couple enjoys a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Josh Lucas Moves to Indonesia
Actor Josh Lucas, known for his role in Sweet Home Alabama, chose a unique destination—Indonesia. He now lives there full-time, far from the hustle of the American film industry.
Sophie Turner Returns to the U.K. for Safety
Although not originally from the U.S., Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner lived in the States during her marriage to Joe Jonas. She returned to the UK, stating safety for women and children as a key reason.
Minnie Driver Left After Political Shift
British actress Minnie Driver lived in the U.S. for decades and became a citizen. However, after Donald Trump was elected president, she chose to return to the United Kingdom.
Pamela Anderson Moves Back to Canada
Pamela Anderson returned to her roots in Canada. After years in the U.S., she moved back home to focus on her wellbeing and career, which has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Shania Twain Chooses Switzerland Over Canada
Canadian-born country superstar Shania Twain didn’t return home after leaving the U.S. Instead, she settled in Switzerland, where she enjoys a peaceful life away from the spotlight.
Eva Longoria Splits Time Between Spain and Mexico
Actress and producer Eva Longoria lives outside the U.S., dividing her time between Spain and Mexico. She continues to act and direct but prefers to raise her family away from the Hollywood scene.
Madonna Lives a Global Lifestyle
Madonna began her move abroad when she married British filmmaker Guy Ritchie. While the marriage ended, she still divides her time between homes in Portugal, the U.K., and other countries around the world.
These stars may have left the U.S., but their careers continue globally. Whether seeking privacy, safety, or a better quality of life, they prove that success doesn’t always mean staying in Hollywood.
