Full Breakdown
Catherine Zeta-Jones Reflects on Life Away from Hollywood
2/3/2026, 11:37:58 PM
Impact of East Coast Living on Career
Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Oscar-winning actress, has shared insights into how her decision to live in New York rather than Los Angeles has influenced her career. In a recent interview with People, Zeta-Jones, 56, expressed uncertainty about whether her choice to avoid Hollywood's social scene has been detrimental to her professional trajectory. “It’s interesting whether it’s been detrimental to my career,” she stated, noting, “I never quite know — because I’ve never been in L.A. schmoozing.”
Zeta-Jones has spent decades on the East Coast with her husband, actor Michael Douglas, 81. The couple, married since 2000, has raised their two children, Dylan, 25, and Carys, 22, away from the Hollywood spotlight. They currently reside approximately 40 minutes outside New York City, having recently listed their 11,653-square-foot riverfront estate in Irvington, New York, as their children have moved out.
Social Circles and Professional Connections
Zeta-Jones emphasized that her social interactions differ significantly from those of her Hollywood peers. “I spend more time with New York business people, Wall Street people, art people,” she explained, contrasting her current social circle with that of typical Hollywood figures. She clarified that this is not a critique of Los Angeles but rather an acknowledgment of her unique lifestyle: “I swing in a few different roundabouts here in the city.”
Her connection to New York's art world is particularly strong, as she describes herself as “a bit of an eclectic collector.” This passion for art has influenced her latest role in the film "The Gallerist," where she portrays Marianne, a powerful art consultant. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024.
Upcoming Projects and Career Continuity
Despite her distance from Hollywood, Zeta-Jones remains active in the film industry. She is set to reprise her role as Morticia Addams in Netflix’s series "Wednesday" and will also star in Prime Video’s upcoming thriller "Kill Jackie." Her ability to maintain a successful career while living outside the traditional Hollywood environment highlights her adaptability and commitment to her craft.
Criticism and Opposition
While Zeta-Jones has expressed no regrets about her lifestyle choices, some industry observers may argue that her absence from Hollywood's social scene could limit her opportunities. However, Zeta-Jones maintains that her current lifestyle has not hindered her career, as evidenced by her ongoing projects and public presence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve lived on the East Coast and for many, many years with Michael, and it's interesting whether it's been detrimental to my career.” — Catherine Zeta-Jones
- “I never quite know because I've never been in L.A. schmoozing.” — Catherine Zeta-Jones
- “Our friends and our people we bump into are different than I would be if I was in L.A. And that's not detrimental to L.A. and people who live there at all; it's just I swing in a few different roundabouts here in the city.” — Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones continues to navigate her career and personal life on her own terms, demonstrating that success can be achieved outside the conventional Hollywood framework.
