Michael Sheen has revealed why he left Hollywood behind to live in his hometown in Wales.
The actor, 55, is well known for his Welsh roots and grew up in the town of Port Talbot, where his parents still live.
He previously lived in Los Angeles, where the acting industry is largest, but a few years ago he decided to return to his home country.
Michael lives with his girlfriend Anna Lundberg, 30, and their two daughters, Lyra, four, and Mabli, 21 months, on the outskirts of Port Talbot.
In a new interview, the Good Omens star opened up about the reasons for her move and admitted that she would “have a hard time” returning to the United States.
Michael Sheen has revealed why he left Hollywood to live in his hometown in Wales (pictured in Port Talbot in 2022).
The actor, 55, is well known for his Welsh roots and grew up in the town of Port Talbot, where his parents still live (pictured in 2020).
He previously lived in Los Angeles but returned to Wales with his girlfriend Anna Lundberg, 30, and their two daughters Lyra, four, and Mabli, 21 months (pictured with Anna in October).
speaking to Sunday weather On why he gave up his Hollywood lifestyle, he said, “It’s home.” I feel a deep connection with it.”
Michael explained that while working on a play in Port Talbot in 2011, he saw local people in his hometown struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis and job cuts.
His time there made him aware of high-profile initiatives and charities that needed help and support, and he realized the impact he could have.
He said: ‘Once you realize the difficulties in the area you come from, you don’t have to do anything. You can live somewhere else, visit your family for Christmas and turn a blind eye to injustice.
‘It doesn’t make you a bad person, but I had seen something I couldn’t unsee. I had to work hard and it may not have the impact I would like, but all I can say is that I am doing things. I know, I’m paying for it!’
And he added: “It would be very difficult for me to return to work in the United States; my life is elsewhere.”
In 2021, Michael revealed that he had become a “non-profit” actor and was using his future earnings to fund charities and social projects.
After the £2 million funding The 2019 Homeless World Cup in Cardiff failed, he stepped in to fund the project and sold his two mansions.
Michael explained that while working on a play in Port Talbot in 2011, he saw local people in his hometown struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis and job cuts (pictured Port Talbot in 2022 ).
His time there made him aware of high-profile initiatives and charities that needed help and support, and he realized the impact he could have (pictured last week).
speaking to The big problem For his Letter to My Younger Self in 2021, Michael admitted that the decision It was “scary and incredibly stressful” and she would be “paying for it for a long time.”
But he added: ‘But when I came out the other side I realized I could do this kind of thing and if I can keep making money it won’t ruin me.’
This inspired him to continue using his wealth and profile to help with similar ventures to “make a difference to someone’s life” and he decided to move to Wales to focus on campaigns that help the Welsh.
Michael said he invests “large amounts of money in this or that” because he feels he will be able to get it back again.
The star has already pledged £50,000 over five years to fund a scholarship to help Welsh students go to Oxford University.
Speaking about her decision to move to Wales, she explained: “I met people and organizations within my home town that I didn’t know existed – small groups trying to help young carers, who were funded enough to do a little difference in a kid’s life by setting aside one night a week to go out and go bowling or watch a movie and just be a kid.
“I would return to visit three or four months later and discover that the funds had run out and that organization no longer existed.”
After meeting people and organizations, Michael realized what a difference funding could make and said he didn’t want to just be a “sponsor” or a “supporting voice” because he wanted to do more to help the community.
In 2021, Michael revealed that he had become a “non-profit” actor and was using his future earnings to fund charities and social projects (pictured in 2019).
Michael is known for his compelling portrayals of real people: he previously played former Prime Minister Tony Blair, broadcaster David Frost, football manager Brian Clough and presenter Chris Tarrant.
He will next take on the controversial role of Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal, which revolves around the Prince’s infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in November 2019.
Speaking about the upcoming three-part series, Michael told The Daily Mail: “The story talks a lot about the Falklands War and Andrew’s involvement in it,” explains Sheen.
“This is about a man who had a high point in his life (he was the dream prince when he returned from the Falklands) but feels like he’s been falling ever since.”
Sheen adds: “It’s also about America and Epstein: how they offered Andrew the chance to feel great about himself again and how he was drawn into that world.”
Michael is known for his compelling performances of real people – he previously played former Prime Minister Tony Blair (pictured), broadcaster David Frost, football manager Brian Clough and presenter Chris Tarrant.