Jonah Hill Reveals Why He Left Los Angeles After Welcoming Kids With Wife Olivia Millar

Actor Jonah Hill has revealed the key reason behind his decision to leave Los Angeles and relocate his family to a small town in San Diego. Speaking during a live taping of the SmartLess podcast on April 25, 2026, Hill, 42, explained that becoming a parent prompted the move, which he described as a deliberate choice to raise his children away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

“I live in a very small town in San Diego, and it’s amazing, and my neighbors are incredible people,” Hill said. “When we had our first kid, we moved out there three years ago. I wanted to leave L.A. And raise a family outside of Los Angeles.”

Parenthood as the Catalyst for Change

Hill and his wife, Olivia Millar, welcomed their first child in June 2023. While the exact birthdate of their second child remains undisclosed, Hill confirmed in an Interview magazine profile earlier in April 2026 that he is now a father of two. The couple, who were first spotted together in August 2022, sparked engagement rumors in 2023, though details about their wedding have remained private. During the SmartLess taping, Hill publicly acknowledged Millar as his wife for the first time, calling her his “best friend” and directing a shout-out to her in the audience.

The actor’s decision to leave Los Angeles reflects a growing trend among celebrities seeking privacy and a more grounded lifestyle for their families. Hill’s move aligns with a broader shift in Hollywood, where high-profile figures increasingly prioritize stepping back from the industry’s relentless public scrutiny. For Hill, the transition appears to have been seamless, thanks in part to his new community’s indifference to his fame.

A Community That Doesn’t Treat Him Like a Celebrity

During the SmartLess podcast, Hill praised his neighbors in San Diego for their lack of interest in his celebrity status. “They never treat me weird or ask me about my job or anything,” he said. “And my neighbor is one of my great friends, Dr. Sean, he never asked. He’s here tonight. He never bothered me or was like, ‘Oh, what’s this person like?’”

The actor’s appreciation for his new environment underscores the challenges of raising a family in Los Angeles, where the constant presence of paparazzi, industry pressures, and public attention can overshadow personal life. By contrast, Hill’s small-town setting offers a sense of normalcy, allowing him to focus on his family without the distractions of fame. His neighbor, Dr. Sean, attended the SmartLess taping, further highlighting the genuine connections Hill has formed outside of Hollywood.

Nostalgia for L.A.’s 1990s Culture

Despite his enthusiasm for his new life in San Diego, Hill reflected fondly on his upbringing in Los Angeles during the 1990s. “L.A. Was such a cool place to grow up in the ’90s because you could go skateboard downtown or you could sneak into a movie premiere or you could go sneak into a comedy club and see Chris Rock or something,” he recalled. “You had access to show business stuff, but you had access to punk and skating and graffiti and all the naughty stuff.”

Hill’s nostalgia for the pre-internet era of his youth contrasts with his current lifestyle, where privacy and simplicity take precedence. The actor’s ability to separate his professional life from his personal one has become a defining aspect of his post-Hollywood identity. While he remains deeply involved in his career—particularly in the editing room, which he described as “dessert every day”—his family now occupies the central role in his life.

A Shift in Priorities for Hollywood’s Elite

Hill’s move is part of a larger pattern among celebrities who have chosen to distance themselves from Los Angeles in recent years. Figures like James Van Der Beek and Chrissy Metz have also relocated, citing similar reasons: a desire for privacy, a slower pace of life, and a more stable environment for their children. For Hill, the decision appears to have been the right one. “I have two kids now,” he told Interview magazine. “The only thing that could ever separate me from my family is the editing room.”

The actor’s ability to maintain a low profile while still engaging with his career highlights a growing trend in Hollywood, where stars are increasingly rejecting the traditional trappings of fame in favor of a more balanced, family-centered existence. Hill’s story serves as a reminder that even in an industry built on visibility, some of its most prominent figures are choosing to step back—and finding fulfillment in the process.

As Hill continues to navigate fatherhood and his career, his experience offers a glimpse into the evolving priorities of Hollywood’s elite. While Los Angeles remains a cultural hub, the allure of a quieter, more private life is proving irresistible for many. For Hill, the move to San Diego was not just a change of address—it was a deliberate step toward a life defined by family, community, and personal happiness over public recognition.