James Van Der Beek has left Hollywood behind for greener pastures down south. The former Dawson’s Creek star announced via Instagram on Oct. 13 that he and his wife, Kimberly, had made the decision to relocate their Los Angeles-based family of seven to Texas after a difficult year both personally and professionally.
On Sept. 30, Van Der Beek posted a series of photos of himself, Kimberly, and their five children saying goodbye to their former California home along with the caption, “Sometimes a fuller life begins with an empty house. Leaving Los Angeles incredibly grateful for all the friends and memories we’ve made here. Onto the next big adventure!”
This week, the actor posted a slideshow of photos of himself and his children from Texas, confirming that the family would be calling the Lone Star State their home permanently.
“In the last ten months, we’ve had two late-term pregnancy losses, each of which put @vanderkimberly in the hospital, we spent Christmas break thinking she had a tumor (the doctor was wrong, thank god), I was prematurely booted off a reality dancing show I was favored to win in front of the whole world, and my mom died. And a shut-down. All of that led to some drastic changes in our lives, and dreams, and priorities... and landed us here,” he captioned the photos, adding that he was “overflowing with profound gratitude” following the move.
Van Der Beek isn’t the only star who’s traded in the bright lights of Los Angeles for a quieter life, however—read on to discover which celebs have found happiness far from Hollywood. And for more insight into your favorite stars' lives, check out The Biggest Star Who's From Your State.
1 | Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Andrea Raffin/ShutterstockPower couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have chosen to raise their three daughters far from the pressures of Hollywood. The family of five has opted instead for a home in Bedford, New York, a New York City suburb known for its sprawling estates. And for more celebrities who’ve shied away from the spotlight, check out these 15 Stars Who Quit Acting After Hitting It Big.
2 | Meryl Streep
Shutterstock/s_bukleyDespite her decade-spanning career in the entertainment industry, Meryl Streep has decided against making Los Angeles her permanent residence. Instead, the Oscar winner has called Salisbury, Connecticut home since she purchased a massive estate there with husband Don Gummer in 1985. And for more great celebrity news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
3 | Jeff Daniels
ShutterstockNewsroom star Jeff Daniels has chosen life in a small Michigan city over Hollywood. The veteran actor and his family live in Chelsea, Michigan, a city with a population of just over 5,000, where Daniels grew up. And for more stars like Daniels, here are 24 Celebrities Who Still Live in Their Hometown.
4 | Zach Galifianakis
Kathy Hutchins/ShutterstockYou can also find comedian Zach Galifianakis back in his home state of North Carolina—he purchased a farm in Sparta, which he’s dubbed “Farmageddon.”
5 | Dave Chappelle
ShutterstockComedian Dave Chappelle has steered clear of the celebrity lifestyle since he walked away from his hit comedy series Chapelle’s Show in 2006. While he’s still releasing stand-up specials and making occasional TV appearances, Chappelle calls Yellow Springs, Ohio home these days. Since May, the star's even been hosting a socially-distanced comedy show from Yellow Springs' Wirrig Pavilion performance space, alongside special guests including Trevor Noah, Tiffany Haddish, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock, and John Hamm. And for more insight into your favorite stars’ lives, check out these 35 Celebrities You Didn’t Realize Grew Up Together.
