After a successful career in Hollywood, actor Glen Powell has returned to his roots in Austin, Texas, citing a desire for authenticity and a separation from the superficiality of the entertainment industry.
Co-host Jimmy Failla of "The Five" recently discussed the backlash faced by actress Sydney Sweeney for the theme of her recent family birthday party. However, this article focuses on the departure of actor Glen Powell from Hollywood and his move back to his home state of Texas.
Glen Powell, 35, has relocated to Austin, where he plans to be closer to his family and pursue his degree at the University of Texas. The decision was influenced by fellow Texan and actor Matthew McConaughey, who advised Powell on the contrasting realities between Hollywood and his home state.
"Hollywood is the Matrix, man. You plug in and it’s all fake world. Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It’s all real. Those are my friends, that’s my family, my actions matter there," McConaughey told Powell.
Powell, who originally hails from Austin, moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. After making his film debut in 2003's "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over," he landed a role in Denzel Washington's 2007 movie "The Great Debaters."
Despite struggling for years, Powell eventually gained recognition with leading roles in "Set It Up" and "Anyone But You." However, he faced discomfort with the newfound fame and felt a "fishbowl feeling" from his life in LA.
"I like choosing when I’m out in front. And I’m more than happy to be on a press tour. I love it. I love going on a Jimmy Fallon — you walk out, you sign autographs, you do the whole thing," Powell said.
However, he expressed unease with the constant attention in Hollywood. "Suddenly you’re there for, like, someone’s tequila launch and all of a sudden there’s a photographer and you’re like, ‘Wait, what are we doing here?'"
Powell feels a sense of relief in returning to his family in Austin. "Getting to this point in Hollywood is that I can now leave Hollywood," he said. "It’s like I’ve earned the ability to go back to my family."
Powell believes his move will benefit his well-being. "I think this is going to be good for my head, heart and soul," he said.
Despite his career success, Powell remains committed to completing his degree at UT. "I think it’s really important to my mom and it’s more of an emotional thing for me," he said. "Plus, I’m so close, I can taste it."
Powell's departure from Hollywood highlights the allure of authenticity and the desire for a separation from the superficiality of the entertainment industry. By moving back to his hometown, he seeks a life that is more grounded and connected to his values.
