Why Some Celebrities Are Leaving the U.S. for Life Abroad
While many hopefuls head to America with dreams of stardom in Hollywood, there’s a growing trend of well-known celebrities who are choosing to leave the U.S. for new beginnings in foreign lands.
These celebrities have various reasons for relocating internationally, ranging from escaping the intense focus of the media to immersing themselves in new cultural experiences. Their decisions reflect a desire for change, influenced by personal, professional, and social factors.
Eva Longoria: Balancing Work and Heritage
Eva Longoria now spends her time between Spain and Mexico, influenced by her work commitments and her husband José Bastón’s cultural background. Despite rumors, Longoria emphasized on The View’s Behind the Table podcast that her move was not politically motivated but was a result of her professional life. She expressed to Marie Claire that her life in California felt complete and different post-pandemic, citing changes in the social environment as factors for her relocation.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: A New Home in the Cotswolds
In 2024, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were captivated by a property in England’s picturesque Cotswolds area and decided to move. Insider sources told The Wrap and TMZ that their decision was influenced by the outcomes of the 2024 presidential election, although the couple has not confirmed these claims publicly.
Lindsay Lohan: Seeking Privacy in Dubai
Driven by privacy concerns, Lindsay Lohan chose Dubai as her new home in 2014, a place where laws strictly limit paparazzi activities. In a 2024 interview with Flaunt magazine, Lohan shared that her daily life in Dubai is quite ordinary and revolves around her family and routine activities, much like any other mother would experience.
Janet Jackson: Settling Down in London
Pop legend Janet Jackson has called London home since around 2016. Following her split from businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2017, she stayed in London to better co-parent their son, as reported by The Guardian. Jackson has often said that becoming a mother is her greatest achievement and priority.
Lily Collins: Embracing Life in Copenhagen
Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2023. Collins told Elle Denmark how she adores the calm, vibrant lifestyle and the city’s commitment to cycling and openness, which has made their life there delightful.
Britney Spears: Escaping Harsh Media in Mexico
In a 2024 Instagram post, Britney Spears disclosed that harsh treatment by the U.S. media prompted her to move to Mexico. She expressed her distress over how the paparazzi portrayed her, likening it to wearing a mask due to the unflattering photos often taken of her.
Richard Gere: Moving for Family Happiness in Spain
Richard Gere relocated to Spain in 2025 to be closer to his wife Alejandra Gere’s family roots. After selling his property in Connecticut for $11 million, Gere shared with Elle España that living in Spain has brought great joy to both him and his wife, enhancing their happiness.
Christina Milian: Settling in France
Christina Milian moved to France in 2023 with her family after frequently commuting between the U.S. and France with her French husband, singer Matt Pokora. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, Milian discussed their decision to settle down, particularly for their children’s education, and her love for Parisian life.
Josh Hartnett: Choosing Tranquility in Rural England
Josh Hartnett opted for the quiet of rural Hampshire, England, where his wife, Tamsin Egerton, originates. He appreciates the privacy and normalcy this location offers compared to the career-focused environments of U.S. cities. Hartnett enjoys a balanced life, focusing on his family while selectively continuing his acting career, as he explained to The Guardian in 2024.
Tina Turner: A New Citizen of Switzerland
The iconic Tina Turner relocated to Switzerland in 1995 with her then-boyfriend, later husband, Erwin Bach. She explained to CNN in 1997 that her move was influenced by her personal relationships and career success in Europe. Turner embraced her new life fully, becoming a Swiss citizen in 2013 and living there until her death in 2023.
Pamela Anderson: Returning to Her Roots
Pamela Anderson moved back to Vancouver Island, British Columbia in 2020, seeking a deeper connection with her origins after feeling out of place in Hollywood. She described to Better Homes & Gardens how cultivating her garden was symbolic of reconstructing her life, highlighting the therapeutic effect of returning to her roots.
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
