Glen Powell Returns to Roots: Leaving Hollywood for Family and Texas Home

After 15 years in Los Angeles, actor Glen Powell decided to leave Hollywood to be closer to his family and complete his degree at the University of Texas. Inspired by Matthew McConaughey, Powell realized that he needed to separate his personal life from the artificial world of Hollywood.

Glen Powell, known for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Anyone But You," has left Hollywood to return to his roots in Texas. After over 15 years in Los Angeles, Powell decided to move back to Austin, where he can be closer to his family and finish his degree at the University of Texas.

Powell's decision to leave was inspired by fellow Texan Matthew McConaughey, who advised him that Hollywood is like "the Matrix" and that it's necessary to unplug and reconnect with reality. Powell realized that he wanted a separation between his professional and personal life, especially as his parents get older and his niece and nephew grow up.

Growing up in Austin, Powell moved to LA to pursue his acting career. After making his film debut in "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over," he landed a role in Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters" while still in high school. Washington's agent signed Powell as a client, and he moved to Hollywood after his first year of college.

However, Powell struggled for years before landing significant roles. His breakthrough came with the Netflix romantic comedy "Set It Up" in 2018, which led to his audition for "Top Gun: Maverick." Although he didn't land the role of Goose's son, Tom Cruise personally urged Powell to play Lt. Jake 'Hangman' Seresin, becoming his mentor throughout the project.

Despite the success of "Top Gun: Maverick," Powell began to feel uncomfortable with his newfound fame and the "fishbowl feeling" of life in Los Angeles. He missed being able to choose when he was in the public eye and felt pressured to attend events that didn't align with his values.

Powell's desire to be closer to his family was also a major factor in his decision to leave Hollywood. His parents, Glen Sr. and Cyndy Powell, still live in Austin, and he has close relationships with his sisters and their families. Powell has often shared that his family visits him on set, and his parents have even had cameo roles in his movies.

In Austin, Powell has purchased a home just half an hour away from his parents. He believes that this move will benefit his mental and emotional well-being. Despite his success, Powell still intends to complete his degree at UT, fulfilling a goal that is important to both him and his mother.

Powell's decision to leave Hollywood is a reminder that even successful actors value family, community, and a sense of belonging. By choosing to return to his roots, Powell is prioritizing his personal life over the demands of fame.