Danica McKellar Discusses the Shift of Celebrities Leaving Hollywood for Greener Pastures

Danica McKellar Discusses the Shift of Celebrities Leaving Hollywood for Greener Pastures

Danica McKellar, the renowned actress known for her role in “The Wonder Years,” has observed a significant trend in the entertainment industry: more celebrities are departing from Los Angeles. McKellar made this statement during a recent appearance on a podcast, highlighting her own relocation to Tennessee three years ago.

When her stepson graduated from high school, McKellar and her husband, attorney Scott Sveslosky, decided it was time for a change. After living in California for 40 years, McKellar felt that their connection to Los Angeles had changed. She shared, “I don’t know, California and Los Angeles didn’t feel like it used to for us. I wanted to be closer to Draco, so he didn’t have to be flying so far, and I liked Tennessee.” This reflects a broader sentiment among many reevaluating life in California.

Moving for Family

McKellar’s 15-year-old son, Draco, often flew between Los Angeles and Florida, where his father, Mike Verta, resides. The family sought to reduce that travel burden. They found charm in Tennessee, saying, “We came to Tennessee and loved it, found this great house and, yeah, were ready for a change.” McKellar further elaborated on their desire for a greener environment, indicating that they sought more nature surrounding them.

Hollywood Exodus

This shift is not unique to McKellar. She noted that her friends in the industry have also made similar moves. “I have a lot of friends that moved; Melissa Joan Hart has been in Tennessee for a long time, and my good friend Doug Ellin just up and moved to Nashville,” she said. The trend highlights a more significant exodus from Los Angeles, often fueled by the ability to work remotely.

Lessons Learned During COVID

During the pandemic, many realized that location was less critical for their careers. McKellar stated, “We also learned during COVID that you don’t really have to be in one particular place for jobs.” Such sentiments were echoed by friends like Jason Priestley, who now enjoys life in Nashville and describes the area as “so much easier to navigate.”

The New Normal for Work

McKellar pointed out that her husband continues to maintain a law firm based in Los Angeles, but he only flies back a few times each month to manage his work. This flexibility underscores how remote work has become standard practice in the entertainment industry. Other celebrities are taking similar approaches.

Lascher shared his observations of friends who have made similar relocations, including Scott Wolf, who has embraced life in Park City, Utah, while managing a career in entertainment. This relocation trend reflects a growing realization amongst celebrities that life outside of Hollywood can be fulfilling.

Decisions Centered on Family

Personal choices regarding location often revolve around family. Christine Taylor spoke about how her family moved out of LA when their children were younger, emphasizing that they wanted to avoid disrupting their kids’ social lives as they grew older. Taylor, who shares two adult children with actor Ben Stiller, expressed, “It was still challenging when they were 8 and 5 to do it. But it was the right decision for our family.” Such stories of relocation due to family priorities resonate with many in similar situations.

The Impact of Remote Work

In the current landscape, face-to-face meetings in the entertainment industry have diminished. Lascher mentioned that most interactions now occur via video calls, representing a shift in how the industry operates. McKellar agreed that while this change results from COVID, it also offers convenience that many find appealing.

More Stars Finding New Homes

Numerous celebrities have joined the migration wave. Names like Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone, and Jessica Simpson have publicly shared their experiences of leaving Los Angeles behind. Each of these stars emphasizes varying reasons for their decisions but similarly highlight the benefits of their new environments.

A Simpler Life

Ali Larter, known for her work in “Landman,” expressed her family’s positive experience relocating to Idaho. She described finding an amazing community that aligns with their values, noting, “It’s a simpler life with really generous people, and there’s an accountability when you live in a small town that we really loved raising our children in.” Such narratives paint a picture of a growing movement toward more tranquil lifestyles.

A Lasting Shift

The stories shared by McKellar and her peers indicate more than just a trend; they represent a shift in lifestyle and priorities among those in the entertainment business. It is evident that as technology continues to evolve, more individuals will prioritize holistic living and family-oriented decisions over conventional industry expectations. McKellar’s reflections resonate with many who yearn for a life that is not solely defined by the demands of Hollywood.