Amanda Seyfried on Why Moving Out of Hollywood Was “the Best Decision”

Published: Nov 13 2024

Amanda Seyfried has discovered the pinnacle of work-life harmony. Years ago, the actress swapped the dazzling allure of Hollywood for the bustling hustle of New York City, yet even that metropolis turned out to be overwhelming, prompting her to ultimately plant her roots on a serene farm nestled in Upstate New York. Now, blessed with a husband and two cherished children, she wouldn't dream of altering her idyllic life for anything.

"I relocated upstate well before my family came along," Seyfried recently revealed to Forbes. "Choosing to stay here was the ultimate decision for privacy, tranquility, and immersion in nature. It offers a far more balanced existence than the city ever could," she continued, emphasizing that this serene setting is "crucial for my mental wellbeing."

Amanda Seyfried on Why Moving Out of Hollywood Was “the Best Decision” 1

Despite her enduring love for her acting career and the thrill of the stage, the Mama Mia star noted that having this "peaceful haven to call home" allows her to seamlessly adapt to the city's fast-paced lifestyle, the exhilarating energy of press events, and the dynamic environment of film sets.

When not immersed in her professional endeavors, Seyfried, who is soon to star in director Paul Feig's adaptation of The Housemaid, finds herself engrossed in the care of a diverse array of animals, alongside her beloved Australian Shepherd named Finn. Sharing with Forbes, she admitted that, while there was an initial "learning curve," the farm life has been nothing short of "exhilarating" and has given her an immense sense of purpose.

The Dropout actress further added that her trips to the city now serve as delightful escapades, knowing that "the following day, I'll return home, even happier, with my boots splashed in mud as I feed my beloved animals."

It's not unusual for A-list celebrities to eventually trade in the frenetic pace of Hollywood for a more tranquil existence. Recently, Jason Segel shared his own transformation, relocating from Los Angeles to the tranquil town of Ojai, California, after realizing that "art is a mirror of one's experiences, and I wasn't truly living life."

The How I Met Your Mother star elaborated, "I moved to a quaint countryside town and began asking myself profound questions: 'What do you genuinely enjoy? What occupies your thoughts at this moment? Who do you aspire to be as a performer and an artist?'"

View all