Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Actor Josh Hartnett and his wife, Tamsin Egerton, prioritize protecting their children from the challenges of the entertainment industry, especially their daughters.

As a father of four, actor Josh Hartnett treasures the precious moments with his family, cherishing the innocence of his children and shielding them from the potential pitfalls of Hollywood's spotlight. In a recent interview with People Magazine, Hartnett revealed his unwavering determination to keep his children's upbringing as normal as possible, far removed from the relentless glare of the entertainment world.

"We don't bring [work] home," Hartnett emphasized. "Dad has to go to work, and they do know what I do, but they don't understand the thing yet. And I'm glad that they don't. We'll try and keep them away from it as much as possible because we want them to have normal upbringings."

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Hartnett's decision stems from his firsthand experience with the overwhelming attention that comes with fame, an experience that led him to leave Hollywood and seek a quieter life. He recalls, "I left Hollywood because it was getting borderline unhealthy… I didn't like the attention."

When asked about his children's potential aspirations to follow in his footsteps, Hartnett expressed a cautious stance, particularly for his daughters. "If they really wanted to [act], I wouldn't discourage it," he said. "Not to make it too simplified, but I do think the industry is really tough on girls, and I don't want that for my kids. I also think the industry is tough on actors. We're always waiting for people to say it's okay for us to do our job."

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Hartnett's priorities lie in ensuring that his children have a well-rounded and fulfilling childhood, free from the pressures and expectations that often accompany a life in the entertainment industry. "Our kids are getting older, and all that stuff is terrifying," he admitted. "I don't want them to get older too quickly. I want to keep them as little, squishy kids."

One of the joys of fatherhood for Hartnett has been discovering new interests through his children, particularly his elder daughter's passion for horse riding. "What's fun about being a dad is that your kids introduce you to new things that you didn't know you'd ever be interested in," he said. "You end up doing things that you never would do for yourself."

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

Josh Hartnett Shields His Children from Hollywood's Glare

After his breakout role in Sofia Coppola's "The Virgin Suicides" in 1999, Hartnett quickly rose to stardom, appearing in nine films in 2001 alone, including "Pearl Harbor," "Black Hawk Down," and "O." However, he later chose to step back from the Hollywood spotlight, turning down opportunities to star in major superhero movies.

Today, Hartnett lives a more balanced life, dividing his time between the United Kingdom and the United States. His marriage visa restricts his time outside the UK to a maximum of 180 days per year, a situation that allows him to prioritize his family and spend quality time with his children.

Josh Hartnett's unwavering commitment to shielding his children from the complexities of Hollywood is a testament to his dedication as a father. By fostering a nurturing and protective environment, he hopes to give his children the opportunity to explore their passions, develop their own identities, and navigate life's challenges without the undue influence of the entertainment industry.