Josh Hartnett admits stalking incidents drove him to leave Hollywood

In a candid interview with The Guardian, actor Josh Hartnett revealed the terrifying stalking incidents that led him to quit Hollywood nearly two decades ago. From his estate in Hampshire, England, where he now lives with his wife, Hartnett spoke at length about the increasing fear he felt when people with guns showed up at his home and even at a movie premiere.

Hartnett recounted a particularly frightening incident in which a man claimed to be his father and showed up at a premiere armed. That man was subsequently arrested and detained. The actor admitted that these incidents were not the only reason he left Los Angeles, but they contributed significantly to his decision to put his safety and well-being first.

Although Hartnett continues to act in films, including M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming thriller Trap, he admits his career path could have been very different. His troubling experiences in Hollywood eventually led him to reevaluate his priorities and seek a quieter life away from the constant scrutiny of the spotlight.

Looking back on his decision, Hartnett expressed his satisfaction with his current career path and emphasized the valuable time he now spends with his children. He acknowledged that while his career could have taken a different path, he felt trapped by the intrusive nature of Hollywood and was compelled to choose a path that prioritized his personal life and peace of mind.