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Josh Duhamel Embraces Off-Grid Living in Minnesota, Leaving Hollywood Behind
Renowned Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel has traded the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles for a more tranquil existence. The 52-year-old star has relocated to a secluded Minnesota residence, a project he dedicated 15 years to constructing, opting for an off-grid lifestyle far from the bustle of Hollywood.
Seeking Simplicity in Rural Minnesota
In a recent interview with Parade, Duhamel, known for his roles in “Safe Haven” and the “Transformers” franchise, explained his move to the remote abode. “Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything,” he stated, highlighting his desire to escape the constant distractions of city life.
He further elaborated on the isolated nature of his Minnesota home, noting, “The closest store is 40 miles away.” This remoteness, however, is part of the appeal, fostering a close-knit environment focused on “everybody taking care of each other – making memories, spending time with family and friends.”
Returning to Basics and Family Focus
Building his off-the-grid retreat was a lengthy endeavor, but Duhamel expresses gratitude for the opportunity it provides to “get back to the basics.”
The actor emphasized the reduction of distractions in his new environment, telling Parade, “You’re not consumed by all these other distractions. When you’re out there, it’s really about having fun, making sure everybody’s warm, everybody’s got food and water.”
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Family Life in Seclusion
Duhamel shares his Minnesota sanctuary with his wife, Audra Mari, and their young son, Sheperd, along with his elder son, Axl, from his previous marriage with Fergie. He cherishes the experiences his children are gaining in this natural setting.
“My son is going to have memories of this place forever. He’s not on his iPad when he’s out there,” Duhamel commented about his son Axl. “He’s out there in the boat with me, or he’s playing soccer on the beach, or he’s out there in the woods doing whatever I’m doing.”
Looking ahead, Duhamel hopes to pass this legacy to his children. “Someday, I hope to pass this on to them [so] they’re able to share it with their kids. It’s really important to me that they have this. It’s not just about having all the amenities and all the luxuries that we become so used to. It’s really about family. It’s about legacy,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of family and heritage over material possessions.
Disenchantment with Hollywood Lifestyle
Duhamel’s shift away from the spotlight was also discussed in a 2023 interview with “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” where he revealed his long-standing unease with the Hollywood scene.
“I don’t think I ever really got comfortable with all of it. It was just a lot. I missed the simplicity of who I really am,” he confessed. He admitted to struggling with the demands of fame, stating, “I’m just not a guy who is comfortable doing red carpets, doing all the Hollywood stuff. I don’t hate it, I’m better at it now than I was, but it just took me a long time to really feel like I belong, like I fit in.”
He further cautioned about the potential downsides of the entertainment industry, saying, “You know Hollywood and L.A., that whole lifestyle can suck the soul out of you if you’re not careful.”
Career Trajectory and Personal Evolution
Duhamel’s career began in modeling before transitioning to acting, notably with a role in “All My Children.” His breakthrough role came with “Las Vegas,” which ran for five seasons. He cemented his Hollywood presence through his role as Colonel William Lennox in the popular “Transformers” film series.
Divergent Paths from Ex-Wife Fergie
Duhamel addressed how his contrasting approach to fame compared to his former wife, Fergie, played a role in their divorce after eight years of marriage. The pair wed in 2009 and officially divorced in 2019 after separating in 2017.
“We had a great time, but I think we kind of just outgrew each other and had very different interests,” he reflected. “The older I got, the more I wanted to come back here … [but] this is not for her. But I’ve got no hard feelings for it. I truly don’t.”
He concluded with positive sentiments about his former spouse, “I’m very lucky that she’s a kind human, I really am.”