Josh Hartnett, once a ubiquitous presence in Hollywood, has notably stepped back from the limelight. However, his passion for acting hasn't waned, even if his focus has shifted primarily to his off-screen life.
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In the early stages of his career, Josh was a sought-after young heartthrob with significant acting talent. His Hollywood debut came in 1998 with Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, opposite Jamie Lee Curtis. This was just the beginning, as he soon landed numerous notable roles. By 2001, Josh had starred in an impressive six films, including Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbor. Other memorable projects from the early 2000s include 40 Days and 40 Nights, Sin City, Lucky Number Slevin, and August.
Despite his success, Josh chose to step back from the intense spotlight at the height of his fame. This decision left many fans wondering: what is Josh Hartnett up to now?
Josh Hartnett’s Current Endeavors
Although Josh isn't as omnipresent in Hollywood as he once was, he's still very much involved in the entertainment industry. In 2023, he played a significant role in Oppenheimer, one of the year's biggest films. Additionally, he has appeared in popular series such as Black Mirror, Penny Dreadful, and The Fear Index. His latest project, Trap, released in August 2024, features him as a serial killer—a role that showcases his versatility as an actor.
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Why Did Josh Hartnett Leave Hollywood?
In a 2017 interview with The Huffington Post, Josh revealed his reasons for distancing himself from Hollywood. At the peak of his career, he moved back to his home state of Minnesota, seeking to escape what he described as "an unhealthy environment."
"To get so consumed with chasing a goal that doesn't necessarily have to define you is a fool's errand," he explained. "I wanted to have a healthy perspective on it. Not only on the fame itself, but the pursuit of wealth and the pursuit of surface values."
Josh still loves the industry and remains active, but he keeps it at arm's length to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This balanced approach has allowed him to maintain a presence in the industry without succumbing to its pressures.
Josh Hartnett and wife Tamsin Egerton in 2022
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Family Life
A significant reason for Josh's step back from Hollywood was to focus on his family. He and his wife, Tamsin Egerton, have four children together. In a 2021 interview with Yahoo, Josh shared that his shift to smaller films was a conscious decision to spend more time with his family.
"I didn't really take any major hiatuses that were planned; I just had kids," he said. "I started doing smaller films [since] the films didn't take me away from the kids very often."
At the 2024 SAG Awards, Josh mentioned how his life in the countryside, away from the Hollywood hustle, is filled with either working or taking care of his children. Despite the reduced visibility, he remains a beloved figure, with many fans still holding a torch for him.
While Josh Hartnett may not be as prolific in the film industry as he once was, this is largely by design. He continues to act in carefully selected projects, ensuring that his passion for the craft remains intact while prioritizing his family life. For his fans, Josh will undoubtedly remain a cherished celebrity crush for years to come.
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