Josh Hartnett reveals one of the real reasons he left Hollywood nearly 20 years ago

While many love the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Josh Hartnett was less impressed and explained why he gave that type of life up almost 20 years ago.

When it comes to living and working in Hollywood, some people can’t imagine there being a better life.

Casually bumping into celebrities, getting a big break on a TV show, the parties, the events, the whole shebang is enough to have thousands of people uproot their lives and try living in the city.

However, even if you do star in TV shows and films, the Hollywood life just might not be for you.

Actor Josh Hartnett is one of those people, living in a local village in the Hampshire, UK countryside with his wife, four children and a whole hobble of other animals, including several guinea pigs, chickens and goats.

Hartnett says he likes the village life compared to living in Hollywood.(John Nacion/FilmMagic)

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Hartnett explained some of the reasons why he left Hollywood behind. Hartnett has not starred in as many films and shows as others in the industry, and he seems happy with the decision, turning his back on mega fame.

While there are a host of reasons for leaving, one is particularly concerning and eerie.

He said: “People’s attention to me at the time was borderline unhealthy.”

Explaining further, he spoke about stalking incidents and how it contributed to his decision to take a step back. He continued: “Well, look, I don’t want to give this a lot of weight.

“There were incidents. People showed up at my house. People that were stalking me.

“A guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun, claiming to be my father. He ended up in prison.”

The incident happened 19 years ago and at the time, Hartnett was only 27.

“There were lots of things. It was a weird time. And I wasn’t going to be grist for the mill.”

Hartnett spoke about a stalking incident contributed to his desire to get out of Hollywood.(River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images)

So... yeah that seems to be a very good reason to kind of get away from the odd fans.

Hartnett also spoke about not wanting to get swallowed up by his work.

“I just didn’t want my life to be swallowed up by my work,” he says now.

“And there was a notion at that time you just kind of give it all up. And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it. I didn’t want that for myself.”

Relaxing how much you work and getting to spend time with your family, friends, and chickens, sounds good to me.

Josh Hartnett's new film by M. Night Shyamalan, Trap, releases in cinemas August 2.