Josh Duhamel has revealed the reason behind his decision to step away from the Hollywood spotlight. The actor said he felt a “calling” to return to his roots and focus on practical skills. Over the past decade, Duhamel has been building a lakeside cabin, which has allowed him to focus on the basics.
Josh Duhamel shares why he left Hollywood
Josh Duhamel has opened up about the decision to step away from Hollywood to lead a more relaxed, quieter life in Minnesota. While the Ransom Canyon actor still enjoys working in film and television, he said he felt a pull towards a more grounded way of living.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Duhamel explained, “I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, I truly do love it, but I had this calling to go and really do things with my hands again. Fix things, make things and just do the basic things that we take for granted.” He added, “I’m really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need in this world of massive technology.”
The actor purchased an empty half-parcel of land near Fargo, North Dakota, long ago. Over the years, he has worked steadily on the property, building what he calls his “doomsday cabin” along the lakeshore. Now, the project has reached a point where it is fully functional. “We’re at a place now where it feels done. It’s completely livable,” he said.
Duhamel explained that life at the cabin allows him to enjoy the fundamentals. He said, “I think that’s what this is for me — it’s an opportunity to get back to the basics and really enjoy the simple things in life, and that’s family, that’s friends, that’s making memories.” He added that the surroundings make the experience even more fun.
Duhamel also revealed the challenges of rural living. “We are constantly fighting the mice from getting into the cabins. That’s a constant man versus nature struggle we deal with,” he stated.
