Josh Hartnett, a celebrated actor renowned for his portrayal in notable films like Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, recently reflected on his decision to leave Hollywood almost two decades ago.
During that time, there was a prevailing notion of giving up everything, Hartnett shared. Many individuals had experienced devastating consequences as a result. I was determined not to let that happen to myself.
Now 46, Hartnett gained fame in the late 90s for his heartthrob roles in movies such as Halloween H20: 20 Years Later and The Faculty.
Despite being at the pinnacle of his career, the actor turned down significant roles in various superhero films, including Superman Returns. Instead, the Minnesota native embarked on an 18-month-long hiatus in the early 2000s, leaving behind the glitz of Tinseltown to return to his hometown.
Hartnett cited harassment and stalking by fans as additional factors influencing his decision to distance himself from Los Angeles.
The level of attention I received at that time was almost unhealthy, Hartnett admitted. There were instances where people showed up at my house, individuals who were stalking me.
In 2023, Hartnett starred in the critically acclaimed blockbuster film Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan. This star-studded biopic thriller earned immense recognition during awards season, including seven Oscars, including Best Picture, seven BAFTAs, and five Golden Globes, among others.
The film’s ensemble cast, featuring accomplished actors such as Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Casey Affleck, was also honored with the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Feb 24, 2024, held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
In an interview with The Guardian, Hartnett expressed his thoughts on fatherhood and his family’s life in the English countryside. “I never would have expected it. And time passes quickly,” he remarked.
“I was like, gosh, this is the perfect guy, at the perfect time in his life because he really is an old-school superstar,” the director explained, drawing comparisons between Hartnett and established actors like Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis.
“We’re talking about the Robert Downey Jr.s, the Bryan Cranstons, the Anthony Hopkinsthe group that reinvented themselves,” he added. “They found themselves as human beings in a journey separate from the movies and then brought that strength back to their characters. And we can feel it as they’re exploding onscreen and letting us see their empathy and confidence in the portrayal of these characters.”
“Life brought them to a complex and beautiful point of view, and we feel it as the audience member,” the director continued. “They’re coming from this really special place, and Josh is coming from that place.”