Tom Green Embraces Rural Life on Ontario Farm After Hollywood Fame

After two decades in Hollywood, Tom Green decided it was time to return to his roots. In 2021, the comedian and actor made the significant move back to his native Canada, settling onto a spacious 150-acre farm in remote Ontario. Today, he shares his new life with a variety of animals, including chickens, a donkey, and a hefty 1,500-pound mule.

At 53 years old, Green finds solace in the wilderness, stating, “I’m often in the wilderness.” He describes the rural setting as tranquil without the bustle of restaurants or urban conveniences. Although California offered him a robust stand-up comedy scene and countless dining options, Green feels little nostalgia for his former life. “There’s nothing really I miss about living there, to be honest with you. It’s nice to be living in the country at the farm,” he added.

Green, who gained fame through his outrageous pranks on MTV during the Y2K era, is documenting this transformative phase in a new series called “Tom Green Country” on Prime Video. The streaming platform is also featuring a documentary titled “This Is the Tom Green Documentary,” which recounts his rise to fame and a stand-up special, “Tom Green: I Got a Mule!” Additionally, Green has released a country album, “Home to the Country,” as a heartfelt tribute to his new lifestyle.

Reflecting on his past, Green mentioned, “I’ve kept all of this footage for years of my old public access show and videos that I used to make and my MTV show.” This archival treasure trove inspired him to finally share his story. He acknowledges that while his old show was wild and outrageous, he aims to present a more authentic portrayal of himself. “I think I wanted to put this documentary together to set the record straight and let people get to know what I’m all about,” he explained.

The Shift Away from California

The pandemic sparked Green’s desire to leave California. With his stand-up comedy tour postponed, he embarked on a journey in a camper van, exploring the southwestern United States. “I was traveling all around the southwestern United States in a camper van doing videos for my YouTube channel and just recording podcasts,” he recounted. This experience deepened his appreciation for nature. “I grew up in Canada, and I always spent a lot of time fishing and being out in the wilderness there. I just decided I wanted to live like that,” he shared.

Deciding to return home was an easy choice for him. Green’s farm is situated close to his childhood home. He jokes that his parents have forgiven him for the infamous prank when he placed a cow’s head on their bed, referencing the famous movie “The Godfather.” “They still talk to me,” he remarked, emphasizing the joy of being close to family. “Getting a farm close to my family has been the best decision I’ve made, I think ever,” he said. “It’s a lot different from Los Angeles, and I’m happy to be on the farm.”

A Life Away from the Spotlight

Green’s feelings towards Los Angeles are complex. He expressed, “I’ve never really felt completely at home in Los Angeles… it always felt foreign to me.” Despite the fun he had in the entertainment capital, he longed for the connection to his family. Recalling his roots, Green explained, “I started doing stand-up comedy again in Los Angeles 20 years ago… I performed at the great comedy clubs of LA… But I always felt like I was missing home, and I wanted to be living closer to my family.”

Since moving to the farm, Green has adapted to a different way of life and picked up some unexpected skills along the way. He proudly shares, “Riding my mule has become a new achievement for me. I didn’t know anything about riding horses or mules before moving here. I’ve learned how to care for a giant 1,500-pound animal each morning, which has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.”

His bond with his mule, affectionately named Fanny, has also had a profound impact on his life. “Fanny is a massive rideable mule, maybe the biggest rideable mule in Canada… I saddle her up every morning and ride her into the wilderness. It’s a beautiful experience to bond with an animal like that,” he enthused.

Finding Peace in Simplicity

Green’s childhood was spent in the city of Ottawa, and although he frequently ventured into nature for activities like fishing, he never lived on a farm. Now, he revels in the simple joys of rural living. His mornings often consist of riding Fanny and caring for his chickens, while his dog Charley keeps him company around the historic farmhouse built in 1857. On occasion, he takes leisurely rides on an ATV with his fiancée, Amanda Nelson.

His transition from the fast-paced life of Hollywood to the serenity of farm life has transformed how he approaches happiness. “When I was living in Los Angeles, and I was working in show business, it was always go-go-go,” he lamented. The constant pressure to succeed and the frantic pace of city living left him feeling stressed. In contrast, he appreciates the calmness of rural life, noting, “It’s a very calming and peaceful thing. I think it makes me a much happier person for sure.”

A Life Embracing Authenticity

Today, Tom Green is truly living life on his terms. He still travels to perform stand-up comedy but returns to the warmth of his farm, where his animals eagerly welcome him home. He encourages others who might be considering a similar lifestyle change. “If you do want to move to the country and leave the city, you have to genuinely like that rural lifestyle,” he advised. It requires more than just seeking tranquility; it demands an enjoyment for all the rural aspects. “I love getting up in the morning and walking in the wilderness,” he explained, emphasizing the need for adaptability to fully embrace this lifestyle.

Green believes that immersing oneself in activities such as fishing or hiking can provide profound emotional relief, stating, “Doing things like fishing, hunting, or just being outdoors can be very cathartic if it’s really in your heart. If you feel that it’s in your heart and you want to live a simpler, more rural lifestyle, you should do it, because I think you won’t regret it. It’s not for everyone, but it was a great choice for me.”