Actress Patricia Heaton recently shared her reasons for leaving Los Angeles in a podcast interview with host Dave Rubin on “The Rubin Report.” Heaton highlighted issues such as high crime rates, homelessness, and soaring taxes as key factors in her decision to relocate. She mentioned that while filming her movie “Unexpected” in Oklahoma, she realized that she was working more outside of LA than within the city, prompting her and her family to make the move to Nashville.
Heaton expressed her concerns about the drastic changes she noticed in LA, especially after working on popular sitcoms like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Middle.” She mentioned that many writers from her shows had also left the city and returned to their hometowns. The actress shared that she received emails from former colleagues affirming that she had made the right choice by leaving LA.
Furthermore, Heaton shed light on the empty soundstages in LA, citing the impact of the pandemic and strikes on the entertainment industry. She highlighted the Warner Ranch where “The Middle” was filmed, which now stands empty due to the lack of productions taking place.
In addition to her professional reasons for leaving LA, Heaton also expressed her disappointment in the city’s response to crises such as the wildfires earlier this year. She criticized local and state officials for being ill-prepared and not effectively managing the situation. Heaton emphasized the importance of community involvement and taking responsibility for one’s own well-being, rather than solely relying on government assistance.
Comedian and actor John O’Hurley echoed similar sentiments during an interview on Fox News, expressing his reluctance to continue living in LA due to the dwindling film industry and lack of opportunities. He mentioned that most of his recent projects were filmed in other states like Georgia, Tennessee, and New York, signaling a shift away from California as a hub for entertainment production.
In conclusion, Heaton and O’Hurley’s experiences reflect a broader trend of individuals in the entertainment industry opting to leave Los Angeles in search of better opportunities and quality of life elsewhere. The challenges faced in LA, including high costs, crime rates, and homelessness, are prompting many to reconsider their ties to the city and explore new possibilities in different locations.
