Actor and comedian Jonah Hill has shared the motivations behind his decision to depart Los Angeles with his wife, Olivia Millar. The couple relocated to a “very compact town” in San Diego to raise their two children away from the Hollywood hub, a move Hill says has allowed him to lead a more relaxed and normal life.
A Shift Toward Privacy and Family
Since relocating in 2023, the 42-year-old actor and his spouse have maintained a low profile. Hill only revealed the couple’s marriage earlier this year, focusing his energy on his family rather than public headlines.
During a live taping of the “SmartLess” podcast on April 25, Hill provided a glimpse into this new chapter. Appearing alongside hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Hill took a moment to shout out his wife, Liv, who was present in the audience.
Rediscovering Comedy through Fatherhood
Hill explained that his move to San Diego coincided with the arrival of the couple’s first child. He noted that he had long intended to raise a family outside of Los Angeles, despite having grown up in the city.
The actor also revealed that his family life has revitalized his professional ambitions. After a period of feeling “all serious” and unhappy, Hill credited his children with helping him rediscover his passion for comedy.
“If you’re happy, the first thing I thought about when I had my kids and was so stoked, it was like I connected to back when I was just like 12 and I was just being funny for fun,” Hill stated, adding that he now wants to “be funny again.”
Community and Nostalgia
A significant part of Hill’s satisfaction with the move stems from his neighbors in San Diego. He praised them for being respectful of his family’s privacy and for not treating him differently due to his career.
Hill specifically mentioned his friendship with a neighbor he called Dr. Sean, noting that he appreciates not feeling as though he is being spied on. He expressed gratitude that his neighbors do not ask him about his job or treat him “weird.”
Despite his current preference for small-town living, Hill spoke fondly of growing up in Los Angeles during the 1990s. He recalled the freedom of skateboarding downtown, sneaking into comedy clubs to see Chris Rock, and having access to “punk and skating and graffiti” before the era of the internet.
Future Outlook
As Hill looks forward, balancing his home life in San Diego with his professional obligations is likely to be a primary focus. He currently travels between the city and his home for perform and may continue to integrate this commute as he throws himself back into the film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jonah Hill leave Los Angeles?
Jonah Hill and his wife, Olivia Millar, moved to a very small town in San Diego to raise their two children and achieve a more normal, relaxed life away from the Hollywood hub.
How has fatherhood impacted Jonah Hill’s career?
Hill stated that having children helped him rediscover his passion for comedy. He noted that being happy through his family allowed him to reconnect with the joy of being funny for fun, similar to how he felt when he was 12 years old.
What happened to Jonah Hill’s Malibu property?
Hill purchased a four-bedroom, four-bathroom Malibu home in 2022 for $15.4 million. He listed the property in 2024 for $16.7 million and sold it in 2025 for $14.5 million.
Do you think moving away from a professional hub is necessary for celebrities to find a true sense of normalcy?
