Introduction
Hollywood’s biggest names are packing their bags and moving abroad in droves. From pandemic-prompted relocations to political discontent, stars are choosing new homes overseas for safety, family, or a more sane lifestyle.
At a Glance
- James Cameron moved to New Zealand during COVID.
- Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi settled in the Cotswolds after the 2024 election.
- Richard Gere sold his Connecticut house to live in Spain.
- Why it matters: The trend reflects how global events shape celebrity living choices.
James Cameron
James Cameron first fell in love with New Zealand in 1994, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that he decided to move his family there. He explained, “made myself a promise. ‘I’m going to come live here someday,'” and added, “New Zealand had eliminated the virus completely.” He noted, “They actually eliminated the virus twice. The third time when it showed up in a mutated form, it broke through. But fortunately, they already had a 98% vaccination rate. This is why I love New Zealand. People there are, for the most part, sane as opposed to the United States where you had a 62% vaccination rate, and that’s going down – going the wrong direction.” When asked if the U.S. was still a good place, he responded, “Is it?” and concluded, “I’m not there for scenery, I’m there for the sanity.”
Robin Wright
Robin Wright told a panel that the last three years of her American productions were shot in England because of tax incentives. She said, “All of the American productions I have done in the last three years have shot in England because of the tax break.” She added, “It’s better than anywhere in Canada.” Wright also expressed concern about the U.S. political climate, noting, “I’m troubled, like many of us are, about this state of our country,” and explained her move as a quest for tranquility: “It’s not the reason, I just – I’m so tranquil over there.”
Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi
In a July 20, 2025 interview, Ellen DeGeneres confirmed the couple’s permanent move to the English countryside, citing the 2024 election. She recalled, “the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, … And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.'” DeGeneres described their new life as “just a simpler way of life.” She praised the UK’s treatment of animals and politeness, saying, “Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here.”
Fisher Stevens
Succession actor Fisher Stevens revealed that he and his wife Alexis Bloom moved to London about eight weeks ago. “I moved my family to London about eight weeks ago,” he said. “We have a 12 and 9 year old, and my wife and I decided it was time to get out of the U.S. for a minute, see what it’s like in Europe and the U.K.” He added, “It’s pretty nice! My wife and I make documentaries, so there are a couple things we’re working out on there, and my wife’s parents live in London too, so that’s been good.”
Gabriel Macht
After the 2019 finale of Suits, Gabriel Macht told a media outlet that he keeps his residence private. “I don’t tell anybody where I live because I like to keep that under wraps,” he said. “I got out of town and we’re exploring the world.”
Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell posted a TikTok in March 2025 confirming her move to Ireland with her 12-year-old child Clay. She said, “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 added, “I’m happy. Clay is happy,” and expressed longing for her U.S. friends: “I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country and when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.” She noted, “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.” In response to a threat from Trump, she posted, “I’m good, I’m safe here in Ireland. I’m out of the reach of the Tangerine Mussolini.”
Richard Gere
Richard Gere sold his $11 million New Canaan, Conn., home in October 2024 to relocate to Spain with his wife Alejandra Silva and two sons. He told Vanity Fair Spain, “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends and her culture.” He added, “She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.” Gere also mentioned that he still owns a countryside house near New York and plans to return after a few years in Spain.
Courtney Love
Courtney Love, who has lived in London since 2019, announced she is pursuing British citizenship. She described the current U.S. political climate as “frightening” and said, “In terms of Trump, and particularly this group… it’s like emperor-core. Like, wearing million-dollar watches. Emperor-core is going on at Mar-a-Lago.”
Eva Longoria
In a November 2024 interview, Eva Longoria clarified that her family’s split time between Spain and Mexico was for work, not politics. She stated, “I’m a proud American. I’ve always been a proud American. Proud Texan, proud American,” and added, “I didn’t want it to be taken that I left because of Trump – absolutely not – or because of the elections.”
Amber Heard
After her 2023 defamation trial, Amber Heard moved from the U.S. to the Spanish island of Mallorca and later to Madrid for privacy. The move was prompted by death threats and online harassment.
Lily Collins
Lily Collins and husband Charlie McDowell relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2023. Collins described life in Denmark as “everything!” and praised the calm, colorful, and bike-friendly environment.
Josh Lucas
In 2019, Josh Lucas revealed he was living in Indonesia, where his son attended an environmentally focused school. He explained, “I have this very special 7-year-old child, and I think all of us are trying to figure out how to have an impact in the world, and for myself, the best thing I could do is give my son this extraordinary experience.”
Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson returned to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 2020, citing a desire to escape public perception. She said, “I was not in a good space when I moved back to Canada.” Anderson also noted her earlier stint in Marseille, France.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan moved to Dubai in 2014 and welcomed her first son, Luai, there. She explained that the Middle East offered serenity: “I love living in New York, but I do love the serenity and peace that I find living in the Middle East because there are no cameras in Dubai and I can actually focus on what I want to do in life.”
Tina Turner
Tina Turner relocated to Kusnacht, Switzerland, in 1998. She purchased the Villa Algonquin for a reported $76 million after becoming a citizen in 2013. The singer died at the estate in 2023.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain’s main residence is near Lake Geneva. After a decade in Switzerland, a train was named in her honor: the “Shania Train.”
Christina Milian
Christina Milian revealed that she and husband Matt Pokora decided to settle overseas after their children reached school age. She said, “I love it out there!” and added, “So our children, they’re 3, 4, and of course Violet is 14, they’re all going to school in Paris.”
Melissa George
Melissa George moved from New York to Paris in 2016 and now owns a 17th-century home in Provence, which she showcased in 2020.
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Key Takeaway: Hollywood’s international migration is driven by a mix of pandemic safety, political unrest, tax incentives, and personal wellbeing. The trend signals a broader shift in how public figures choose their living environments in response to global events.

