Many people are enamored with the allure of Hollywood, but actor Josh Hartnett revealed why he left that lifestyle almost two decades ago.
For some, living and working in Hollywood represents the ultimate dream. The environment offers countless opportunities, from randomly encountering famous faces to landing significant roles on TV shows, attending exclusive parties, and participating in high-profile events. This allure compels thousands to relocate in pursuit of that dream.
However, even if you achieve success in the entertainment industry, Hollywood may not be the right fit for everyone.
Josh Hartnett, for instance, chose a different path. Instead of the bustling Hollywood scene, he resides in a quaint village in the Hampshire countryside in the UK, living with his wife, four children, and a menagerie of animals, including several guinea pigs, chickens, and goats.
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Hartnett shed light on the factors that prompted him to leave Hollywood behind. Although he hasn’t appeared in as many films and TV shows as some of his peers, he seems content with his decision to forgo the pursuit of mega fame.
One particularly unsettling reason stands out.
He remarked, “People’s attention to me at the time was borderline unhealthy.”
Elaborating further, Hartnett recounted experiences of being stalked, which heavily influenced his choice to step back. He explained, “Well, look, I don’t want to give this a lot of weight. There were incidents. People showed up at my house. People that were stalking me.”
He continued, “A guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun, claiming to be my father. He ended up in prison.”
This alarming event occurred 19 years ago when Hartnett was just 27 years old.
“There were lots of things. It was a weird time. And I wasn’t going to be grist for the mill.”
Indeed, that seems like a compelling reason to distance oneself from overzealous fans.
Hartnett also discussed his desire to avoid being consumed by his career.
“I just didn’t want my life to be swallowed up by my work,” he stated. “And there was a notion at that time you just kind of give it all up. And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it. I didn’t want that for myself.”
Taking a step back from an overbearing work schedule to enjoy time with family, friends, and even chickens, sounds like a wise decision.
Josh Hartnett’s upcoming film, Trap, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, will be released in cinemas on August 2.