Yet another celebrity is leaving Los Angeles for a new way of life.
Danica McKellar, best known for her role in “The Wonder Years” but has more recently become a darling of the Hallmark Channel, announced that she’s ditching Los Angeles to pursue a different kind of life in rural Tennessee. She also said the movies she’s been working on helped inspire the decision.
“My husband and I have been wanting more nature for a long time. We were kind of ready to not be in a city anymore,” the actress told People magazine in a recent interview. “I am just loving the fact that my Christmas movie characters have rubbed off on me. I think it’s just a wonderful example of life imitating art.”
McKellar, one of many stars who recently switched from The Hallmark Channel to the new Great American Family network, has lived in L.A. for most of her life but knew it was time to make a change. Working on Christmas movies has also gotten her excited for the holiday season.
“I’m gonna have a Christmas tree up probably next week. Let’s get this going,” she told People.
The publication noted that the actress and her husband, Scott Sveslosky, moved to a Nashville suburb as they are still interested in the arts and music scene.
“Memphis and Nashville are both entertainment cities. They’re known for music. Being from L.A. and being an entertainer, it’s nice to have creative people around,” she said.
“For me, honestly, it’s mostly about the backyard,” McKellar, who has a 12-year-old son from her previous marriage, told People. The “Wonder Years” alum said she especially enjoys the changing seasons, including the leaves turning different colors during fall.
McKellar joins a growing list of celebrities who have been vocal about leaving California for various reasons. Matthew McConaughey and wife Camila Alves moved their three children to Texas.
“It’s been great,” Alves said of the change. “It really embodies our belief system, especially the ones I grew up with, like going to church every Sunday, saying ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no, sir.’”
Singer Katy Perry said the same about moving to Kentucky, explaining how it made her realize, “Hollywood is not America.”
“Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek moved his wife and five kids to a 36-acre ranch in Texas. “We’re so happy right now,” he said of the move. “It’s been really good for all of us.”