Why Amanda Seyfried Traded in Hollywood for Life on a Farm
Amanda Seyfried is living the dream—and it’s miles away from Hollywood! The Mama Mia actress found the perfect work-life balance not in the city but on a peaceful farm in Upstate New York, where she traded city lights for a more grounded, natural lifestyle.
Seyfried first left the Hollywood scene for New York City, but even that wasn’t quite the escape she wanted. Now, with a husband, two kids, and a host of farm animals, she’s finally found her “peaceful place to call home.” Reflecting on her decision, Seyfried told Forbes, “I moved upstate long before I had a family. Staying here was the best decision for privacy, peace, and nature. It offers a more balanced life than the city does,” adding that it’s been “essential for my mental health.”
Even though she’s far from the Hollywood buzz, Seyfried’s love for acting remains strong. She explained that her farm provides a calm retreat to recharge between press events and high-energy days on set. “It allows me to acclimate to the faster lifestyle of the city,” she shared, appreciating the balance this brings to her busy life.
Life on the farm isn’t just about slowing down—it’s been a true adventure. The Dropout star, who will soon appear in Paul Feig’s The Housemaid, has taken on the role of caring for all sorts of animals, including her loyal Australian shepherd, Finn. Although there was a “learning curve” in adjusting to farm life, Seyfried finds it “exhilarating” and claimed it has given her “so much purpose.”
Now, she finds trips to the city enjoyable, knowing she’ll soon be back at the farm, surrounded by nature and animals. “The next day I’ll be home and even happier in my boots in the mud feeding the animals,” she added.
Seyfried’s move isn’t unique among stars seeking a quieter life. Recently, Jason Segel shared his own escape from Hollywood to Ojai, California. In search of artistic inspiration, he realized he wasn’t experiencing enough real life to bring depth to his work. “I started to ask myself questions like, ‘What do you actually like? What are you actually thinking about right now? Who do you want to be as a performer and an artist?” the How I Met Your Mother actor reflected.
In a world where stars are constantly under the spotlight, Seyfried’s journey to peace and privacy reminds us that sometimes, stepping away from the hustle and bustle can be the best way to reconnect with one’s self.