Trading the Red Carpet for the Great Outdoors
For many celebrities, the allure of Los Angeles is irreplaceable. However, for Ali Larter, the star of the hit series Landman, the call of the wild proved stronger than the call of the city. In a recent candid conversation at the Newport Beach TV Fest, Larter opened up about her decision to relocate her family to Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2020, and why this change has been a breath of fresh air for her children.
A Simpler Summer: Life in Sun Valley
Since making the move, Larter describes her summers as being “totally different” and significantly “simpler” than her previous life in California. While the hustle of LA is a distant memory, her days are now filled with genuine family connection and nature. Instead of industry parties, her summer itinerary now includes:
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- Outdoor Adventures: Trading hiking boots for bike rides and refreshing cold plunges in the river.
- Family Traditions: Backyard barbecues and playing with the family dogs.
- Local Treats: Enjoying classic ice cream cones at Leroy’s.
- Active Parenting: Cheering on her daughter during volleyball games.
Larter highlighted the beauty of the Idaho landscape, noting that the long summer days—with the sun staying out until 10 PM—provide the perfect backdrop for spending quality time with her children, Teddy (15) and Vivienne (11).
The Turning Point: Prioritizing Family Over Fame
The transition wasn’t planned from the start. Like many, Larter and her husband, Hayes MacArthur, moved to Idaho during the COVID-19 lockdown, initially believing it was a temporary escape. However, the reality of the pandemic changed their perspective.
The deciding factor was education. While California schools remained closed, Idaho’s schools were open, allowing their daughter to experience kindergarten in person. This organic integration into a community of amazing families, coupled with skiing and shared adventures, solidified their desire to stay.
“There are so many demands as an actor,” Larter explained, referring to the constant cycle of auditions and the pressure to attend charity events and social gatherings. “We just didn’t want to do that. We wanna be with our children.”
Back in the Spotlight: Ali Larter in ‘Landman’
Despite her preference for a quiet life, Larter continues to captivate audiences on screen. She currently stars in Landman, where she portrays Angela, the “wildcat” ex-wife of Billy Bob Thornton’s character.
Larter admitted that while she enjoys the peace of Idaho, there is a part of her that admires Angela’s fiery spirit, wishing she could channel a bit more of that “wildcat” energy into her everyday routine.
Ali Larter’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that success isn’t always measured by the spotlight, but by the quality of the moments we spend with those we love.
