Academy Award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has made a surprising revelation about her career trajectory, stating that her decision to leave Hollywood behind has not been detrimental to her professional journey. In a candid interview with E! News, the celebrated performer shared that she harbors no regrets about stepping away from the entertainment capital and establishing her life on the East Coast.
A Strategic Move to New York
Catherine Zeta-Jones, known for her memorable roles in films like Chicago and The Mask of Zorro, has provided rare insight into her life in New York with husband Michael Douglas. The couple, who have been married for nearly 26 years, currently reside approximately 40 minutes outside New York City after selling their Westchester County home in June 2024.
"It's interesting whether it's been detrimental to my career," the actress reflected during the interview. "I never quite know because I've never been in L.A. schmoozing." This honest admission highlights her unconventional approach to maintaining a successful acting career without being physically present in Hollywood's traditional networking circles.
Family Life and Global Properties
The power couple shares two children: son Dylan, 25, and daughter Carys, 22. With their children now having left home, Zeta-Jones previously indicated they planned to spend more time in Bermuda and Europe. The family has owned properties in several international locations, including Bermuda, Wales, California, and Majorca, demonstrating their global lifestyle.
New Social Circles and Professional Perspectives
Despite no longer being based directly in New York City, Zeta-Jones maintains an active social life that differs significantly from traditional Hollywood gatherings. "I spend more time with New York business people, Wall Street people, art people," she explained, noting that her interactions and social environment would be substantially different if she were living in Los Angeles.
This shift in social circles has provided the actress with fresh perspectives and connections outside the entertainment industry, potentially enriching her approach to roles and career decisions. Her experience suggests that success in acting doesn't necessarily require constant immersion in Hollywood's exclusive social scene.
Joining a Growing Trend
Zeta-Jones joins an increasing number of actors who have chosen to step away from Hollywood while continuing to pursue their careers actively. This trend reflects changing attitudes toward work-life balance in the entertainment industry and demonstrates that geographical location no longer dictates professional success in the digital age.
The actress's journey offers valuable insights for performers considering similar moves, showing that career fulfillment can be achieved through diverse paths. Her experience in New York has allowed her to maintain a thriving acting career while enjoying a different quality of life and social environment than what Hollywood typically offers.
