Catherine Zeta-Jones Reflects on Moving Away from L.A.

The actress discusses how leaving Hollywood has impacted her career.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:39pm

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In a recent interview, Catherine Zeta-Jones opened up about the impact of moving from Los Angeles to New York City on her acting career. The 56-year-old actress, who primarily lives just outside of Manhattan with her husband Michael Douglas, said she's not sure if the move has been "detrimental" to her career, as she spends more time with "New York business people, Wall Street people, art people" rather than Hollywood contacts. Zeta-Jones described herself as an "art buff" and said she enjoys being involved in the creative scene in the Big Apple.

Why it matters

Zeta-Jones' comments provide insight into how an actor's location and social circles can influence their career trajectory, especially for those who have achieved major success in Hollywood. Her perspective highlights the tradeoffs and adjustments that come with moving away from the entertainment industry's epicenter.

The details

Zeta-Jones, who is known for her roles in films like "Chicago" and "The Mask of Zorro", said she and Douglas primarily live just outside of Manhattan, about "40 minutes" away. She revealed that she spends more time "with New York business people, Wall Street people, art people" compared to her Hollywood counterparts. Zeta-Jones described herself as an "art buff" and said she enjoys being involved in the creative scene in the Big Apple, including "looking at people's art in their fancy houses in the Hamptons."

  • In August 2025, Zeta-Jones opened up about splitting her time between four homes outside of Hollywood.
  • In June 2024, Zeta-Jones and Douglas put their Irvington, New York home on the market for $12 million.

The players

Catherine Zeta-Jones

A 56-year-old actress known for her roles in films like "Chicago" and "The Mask of Zorro", who has primarily lived in New York City with her husband Michael Douglas in recent years.

Michael Douglas

An 81-year-old actor who has been married to Catherine Zeta-Jones since 2000 and primarily lives with her just outside of Manhattan.

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What they’re saying

“It's funny. I've lived on the East Coast and for many, many years with Michael [Douglas], and it's interesting whether it's been detrimental to my career. I never quite know, because I've never been in L.A. schmoozing.”

— Catherine Zeta-Jones, Actress

“Our friends and our people we bump into are different than I would be if I was in L.A. And that's not detrimental to L.A. and people who live there at all; it's just I swing in a few different roundabouts here in the city.”

— Catherine Zeta-Jones, Actress

The takeaway

Zeta-Jones' experience highlights how an actor's geographic location and social circles can impact their career, even for those who have achieved major success in Hollywood. Her perspective provides insight into the tradeoffs and adjustments that come with moving away from the entertainment industry's epicenter.