Inside Amanda Seyfried's Shocking Decision To Leave Hollywood

“I moved upstate long before I had a family,” Amanda, 38, told 'Forbes' magazine in an interview published Nov. 3. “Staying here was the best decision for privacy, peace and nature. It offers a more balanced life than the city does.”

And having the escape has made it easier when she has to jump into work, which often includes “the faster lifestyle of the city, the high-energy of press events and life on-set.” Plus, it’s where she unwinds afterwards. Indeed, as she admitted, the day after a glamorous trip, Amanda can be found "home and even happier in my boots in the mud feeding the animals.”

Seyfried's transition to rural living was not just about escaping the urban grind; it was also a strategic move for her well-being. The actress, who shares two children with her husband Thomas Sadoski, has found that living amidst nature has been "essential for my mental health."

The open spaces and slower pace have provided her with a sanctuary that supports her emotional and psychological health. This lifestyle change underscores the growing trend of individuals seeking more meaningful and less stressful living environments away from city centers.

Despite her rural retreat, Seyfried continues to engage with her demanding career, frequently traveling for work. The actress appreciates the balance her farm life provides, allowing her to recharge before diving into the "faster lifestyle of the city, the high-energy of press events and life on-set."

This dual existence offers her the best of both worlds, enabling her to maintain a successful career while nurturing her personal life in a peaceful setting. Seyfried's story highlights the possibility of achieving harmony between professional obligations and personal well-being.

In many ways, we have seen Amanda grow up on the screen and she has evolved into her own woman. Her mentality has changed and so has her approach to acting and the kind of roles she wants to take on now.

Seyfried took on more mature roles in the years that followed, one of which was her portrayal of adult film star Linda Lovelace in ‘Lovelace’. In this biographical drama, Seyfried portrayed the troubled "Linda Lovelace," who became infamous for her role in the adult film 'Deep Throat'. The film explored her traumatic experiences in the adult film industry and her eventual escape from it. Seyfried's performance was lauded for its depth and complexity, showing her ability to take on darker, more dramatic roles. Seyfried also appeared in ‘The Big Wedding’, a romantic comedy about a dysfunctional family coming together for a wedding. She played "Lyla," the adopted daughter of the main couple, adding to her growing portfolio of romantic and comedic roles.

In recent years, Seyfried has continued to diversify her acting portfolio, taking on a mix of independent films and mainstream projects. She starred in ‘First Reformed’, an intense drama directed by Paul Schrader. In this film, Seyfried played "Mary," the wife of a young man seeking spiritual counsel from a troubled priest (Ethan Hawke). Her performance was subtle yet poignant, showcasing her ability to take on more nuanced and complex roles. Seyfried also starred in the thriller ’Anon’, where she played "The Girl," a mysterious figure in a near-future world where privacy and identity are completely transparent. Her performance was a departure from her previous roles, reflecting her continued growth as an actress.

In 2020, Seyfried appeared in ‘Mank’, a black-and-white drama directed by David Fincher about the making of ‘Citizen Kane’. Seyfried played "Marion Davies," the actress and mistress of media mogul William Randolph Hearst, portrayed by Charles Dance. Seyfried's portrayal of Davies was both luminous and tragic, and she earned widespread acclaim for her role, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.