Glen Powell has decided to leave Hollywood behind and return to his home state of Texas. After more than 15 years in Los Angeles, the 35-year-old actor recently relocated to Austin to be closer to his family and finish his degree at the University of Texas.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Powell revealed that fellow Texan Matthew McConaughey inspired his move. “He’s like, ‘Hollywood is the Matrix, man. You plug in and it’s all fake world,’” Powell recounted. “Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It’s all real. Those are my friends, that’s my family, my actions matter there.”
Powell, originally from Austin, moved to LA to pursue his acting career. Despite a rocky start, he eventually gained recognition, notably starring in “Set It Up” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” However, the pandemic nearly wiped out his savings, and he struggled with aspects of fame and life in Hollywood.
“I like choosing when I’m out in front,” Powell said. “But the constant attention and the ‘fishbowl feeling’ of LA life made me uneasy.”
Returning to Texas, Powell is now half an hour away from his parents’ home and feels it’s beneficial for his “head, heart, and soul.” Despite his busy schedule, he remains committed to completing his degree, driven by a promise to his mother and a personal sense of accomplishment.
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