The US entertainment industry has primarily been based in and around the thirty-mile zone (TMZ), centered in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles County, since the early 20th century. Filmmakers saw in southern California an ideal mix of favorable weather—mild climate with plenty of sunshine—varied terrain, and a large labor market.
Los Angeles quickly became synonymous with high-profile films, TV shows, and recording studios, and celebrities began moving to the city to take advantage of networking opportunities and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle within the privacy of gated communities.
However, a number of stars have chosen to say goodbye to the United States and seek career opportunities abroad— whether out of love, political disagreements, a desire to escape intrusive paparazzi, or to connect with their roots.
Here are 25 well-known celebrities who moved out of the States, either recently or at some point in their careers.
#21 Amber Heard– Spain
Amber moved from Los Angeles to Mallorca after losing the trial against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.
She moved to focus on raising her daughter, Oonagh Paige, whom she welcomed via surrogacy.
Her search for privacy in Europe has reportedly made her go by a different name: Martha Jane Cannary, the real name of American frontierswoman and sharpshooter Calamity Jane.
Her current home is in the capital city of Madrid. “Regarding my past, I don’t feel like thinking or talking about it because I’m happy and at peace,” she told a paparazzo last September.
She moved to focus on raising her daughter, Oonagh Paige, whom she welcomed via surrogacy.
Her search for privacy in Europe has reportedly made her go by a different name: Martha Jane Cannary, the real name of American frontierswoman and sharpshooter Calamity Jane.
Her current home is in the capital city of Madrid. “Regarding my past, I don’t feel like thinking or talking about it because I’m happy and at peace,” she told a paparazzo last September.
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9points
#22 Robert Pattinson – UK
Robert and his fiancée, model Suki Waterhouse, split their time between Los Angeles, where they own a $5.3 million Spanish Colonial-style home, and West London, where she owns a spacious flat.
The 39-year-old British actor previously moved to Los Angeles after making a name for himself as Edward Cullen in Twilight.
The couple’s 1930s LA abode is based in a gated community. Its renovation by designer Jeff Lewis was documented on the Bravo show Flipping Out, as per Hello! Magazine.
The 39-year-old British actor previously moved to Los Angeles after making a name for himself as Edward Cullen in Twilight.
The couple’s 1930s LA abode is based in a gated community. Its renovation by designer Jeff Lewis was documented on the Bravo show Flipping Out, as per Hello! Magazine.
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8points
#23 Rosie O’donnell – Ireland
Rosie left the US for Ireland in January 2025. “I was never someone who thought I would move to another country. That's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are,” she said on social media.
The talk show host revealed that she was in the process of securing her Irish citizenship, as her grandparents emigrated to America from Ireland.
“When, you know, it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will consider coming back,” the 63-year-old explained.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know.”
The talk show host revealed that she was in the process of securing her Irish citizenship, as her grandparents emigrated to America from Ireland.
“When, you know, it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will consider coming back,” the 63-year-old explained.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know.”
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7points
#24 David Duchovny– Canada
In 1997, David got on Vancouverites’ bad side after complaining about the city's weather during an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
"Vancouver is a very nice place if you like 400 inches of rainfall a day," the New Yorker quipped. "It is kind of like a tropical rain forest without the tropics."
The actor lived in Canada for five years while filming The X-Files. He now resides in New York City with his partner, Monique Pendleberry.
"Vancouver is a very nice place if you like 400 inches of rainfall a day," the New Yorker quipped. "It is kind of like a tropical rain forest without the tropics."
The actor lived in Canada for five years while filming The X-Files. He now resides in New York City with his partner, Monique Pendleberry.
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3points