Actors Who Astonishingly Still Live in Completely Average Houses

While many Hollywood stars choose to reside in sprawling estates with multi-million dollar price tags, a surprising number of successful actors opt for a more grounded lifestyle. These individuals often prioritize privacy, community, and simplicity over the typical luxuries associated with fame. From modest apartments in Brooklyn to unassuming suburban homes in the Midwest, these residences reflect a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy despite global recognition. The following list highlights male actors who have chosen to live in homes that are remarkably average compared to those of their industry peers.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood is widely recognized for his portrayal of Frodo Baggins in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Despite the massive success of the franchise, Wood chose to settle in a Victorian-style home in Austin, Texas, which he purchased for a relatively modest sum compared to California real estate. The residence is located in a quiet neighborhood and lacks the high gates and security details common to celebrity mansions. He has often spoken about his appreciation for the local culture and the ability to live a regular life away from the Hollywood spotlight. This choice reflects his long-standing commitment to maintaining a low-profile career and personal life.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy, known for his intense performances in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Oppenheimer’, maintains a quiet life with his family in Dublin, Ireland. After living in London for several years, he moved back to his home country to ensure his children could grow up with an Irish identity. The actor resides in a Victorian terrace house that is considered modest for a person of his international stature. He is frequently spotted by locals performing everyday tasks like grocery shopping without the need for an entourage. Murphy has consistently prioritized his privacy and expressed a preference for the normalcy of his Dublin neighborhood over the glamor of Los Angeles.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi has built a prolific career with roles in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘Fargo’. For decades, he has lived in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, in a brownstone that fits seamlessly into the residential surroundings. He is a well-known figure in the local community and famously returned to his former job as a firefighter to assist during the aftermath of 9/11. His home does not feature the ostentatious amenities found in typical celebrity dwellings, reflecting his blue-collar roots and humble demeanor. Buscemi continues to be an active part of his neighborhood, often seen walking the streets like any other resident.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo is a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe through his role in ‘The Avengers’, yet his primary residence is far from the glitz of Hollywood. He lives with his family on a farm in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, focusing on a sustainable and rural lifestyle. The property is modest and centers on family life and environmental activism rather than luxury. Ruffalo has often shared his preference for the quiet, natural setting as a place to raise his children away from the influence of the entertainment industry. This lifestyle aligns with his public image as an advocate for environmental protection and social justice.

John Goodman

John Goodman has enjoyed a long and successful career in projects ranging from ‘Roseanne’ to ‘The Big Lebowski’. Instead of living in a gated community in Los Angeles, he has resided in New Orleans, Louisiana, for many years. His home is a traditional residence in the Garden District that, while beautiful, is consistent with the middle-to-upper-class homes of the area. He moved to the city to find peace away from the paparazzi and has become a staple of the local community. Goodman’s choice of location highlights his desire for a life centered on family and a city with a distinct cultural identity.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage gained worldwide fame for his role as Tyrrell Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’. He chooses to live in a modest home in the Hudson Valley area of New York, rather than in a high-profile metropolitan area. The actor values the seclusion and the natural environment that the rural location provides for his family. His residence is a standard country house that allows him to maintain a high degree of anonymity. Dinklage has mentioned in various interviews that he prefers the quietude of the countryside over the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City or Los Angeles.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is a critically acclaimed actor known for his work in ‘Westworld’ and ‘The Batman’. He has spent many years living in a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn, where he is viewed more as a neighbor than a celebrity. His home is a typical urban dwelling that lacks the flashy features of a Hollywood estate. Wright is often involved in local community initiatives and enjoys the authentic atmosphere of his neighborhood. By choosing to stay in Brooklyn, he maintains a connection to the cultural fabric of the city that informs much of his professional work.

Michael Cera

Michael Cera rose to prominence in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Superbad’ but has always maintained a low-key personal life. He is known to live in a relatively average apartment in New York City, avoiding the luxury penthouses favored by many of his peers. Cera is often seen using public transportation and walking through the city, blending in with the general population. His living situation reflects his overall approach to fame, which he treats with a degree of detachment and humor. This modest lifestyle has allowed him to focus on independent film projects and personal interests without the pressures of maintaining a high-cost lifestyle.

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg is recognized for his intellectual roles in films like ‘The Social Network’. He has lived in several modest locations, including a period in Indiana and a standard apartment in New York City. His residences are functional and devoid of the luxury hallmarks typically associated with Oscar-nominated actors. Eisenberg is known for his humility and has often expressed a preference for environments where he can focus on writing and acting. His choice of housing is a direct reflection of his practical nature and his desire to stay connected to real-world experiences.

Aaron Paul

Aaron Paul became a household name following his performance in ‘Breaking Bad’. While he owns a home in Los Angeles, he also maintains a residence in Boise, Idaho, which is modest and grounded in his home state’s culture. The house is designed with a rustic aesthetic but remains an average-sized family home for the region. Paul often shares his love for Idaho and the ability to escape the intensity of the film industry by returning to a simpler environment. His Boise home serves as a sanctuary that keeps him connected to his roots and his family.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston, the star of ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Your Honor’, lives in a sustainable beach house in Ventura County, California. While the location is desirable, the house itself was designed with a focus on environmental efficiency rather than size or opulence. It is a “platinum LEED” certified home that functions as a modest, modern residence for him and his wife. Cranston was heavily involved in the planning of the eco-friendly structure, prioritizing green living over traditional luxury. This home represents his commitment to environmental responsibility and a manageable, non-pretentious lifestyle.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen has built a massive comedy empire through films like ‘Pineapple Express’ and his work as a producer. Despite his wealth, his primary residence in Los Angeles is noted for being relatively modest and decorated with his own handmade pottery. The house feels like a creative workspace and a comfortable home rather than a showpiece for wealth. Rogen often shares glimpses of his domestic life on social media, emphasizing his hobbies and his dogs over expensive amenities. This approachable living situation is consistent with his public persona as an everyman who happened to find great success.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd is one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood, known for ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Clueless’. He lives in a quiet area in Rhinebeck, New York, where he and his family lead a very normal life. Along with fellow actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, he even co-owns a local candy shop in the town to help keep it in business. His home is a standard family residence that allows him to integrate into the small-town community. Rudd’s preference for Rhinebeck over a Hollywood mansion highlights his desire for a stable and humble environment for his children.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver has transitioned from ‘Girls’ to major film roles in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Marriage Story’. He lives in a Brooklyn apartment that is typical for a successful professional in the city but far from a sprawling estate. Driver is notoriously private and avoids the celebrity social scene, preferring the anonymity that a standard New York residential building provides. He has often spoken about the importance of his time in the Marine Corps in shaping his perspective on life and luxury. His modest living arrangements reflect a focused and disciplined approach to his craft.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is a staple of American cinema, known for the ‘Before’ trilogy and ‘Training Day’. He has long resided in a townhouse in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. The home is integrated into a row of similar houses, and Hawke is frequently seen engaging with the local community and frequenting neighborhood shops. He has chosen to raise his family in an environment that values culture and community over the isolation of a gated property. Hawke’s home is a reflection of his artistic sensibilities and his preference for an authentic urban life.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield, known for ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’, has often opted for modest living arrangements in both London and New York. He is frequently spotted using the subway and walking in public without the need for security or luxury vehicles. His residences are generally described as comfortable but average for the high-end real estate markets of the cities he inhabits. Garfield has expressed a desire to remain a “student of life,” which involves staying connected to the experiences of ordinary people. This grounded perspective is evident in his choice of unpretentious housing.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen is a major international star with roles in ‘Hannibal’ and ‘Casino Royale’. Despite his global fame, he maintains a primary residence in Copenhagen, Denmark, that is modest by Hollywood standards. The house is a typical Danish family home, reflecting the cultural value of “janteloven,” which discourages displays of individual wealth or superiority. Mikkelsen is known to live a very normal life in his home country, often seen cycling or visiting local cafes. His residence serves as a grounding force that allows him to step away from the pressures of international film sets.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, yet he spends much of his time on his ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While the property covers significant acreage, the main house is a sturdy, traditional structure that prioritizes function and comfort over modern luxury. Ford is known to perform much of the maintenance on the property himself and is an active member of the local community. The ranch allows him to pursue his passion for aviation and the outdoors in a setting that feels worlds away from Los Angeles. This choice demonstrates his lifelong preference for privacy and a rugged, independent lifestyle.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis is legendary for his immersive acting in films like ‘There Will Be Blood’. When he is not working, he lives a secluded life in a quiet village in County Wicklow, Ireland. His home is a traditional farmhouse that is integrated into the rural landscape, far from any celebrity enclaves. He is known to engage in woodworking and shoemaking, living a life of quiet craftsmanship. This modest and isolated residence is essential to his process of decompressing from the intense demands of his film roles.

Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl, though primarily a musician, has a significant presence in film and television through documentaries and acting cameos. He lives in a standard, large suburban home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles. While spacious, the house is a far cry from the architectural marvels or historic estates owned by other rock stars and actors. Grohl has often emphasized that he views himself as a regular father and husband who happens to have a high-profile job. His home serves as a family-centric space where he hosts barbecues and practices music in a relatively normal domestic setting.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is a major leading man known for ‘La La Land’ and ‘Barbie’. He and his partner, Eva Mendes, are known for their extremely private lifestyle and their choice of a modest family home in Los Angeles. The couple avoids high-profile events and focuses on raising their daughters in a grounded environment. Their residence lacks the ostentatious features typical of A-list stars, reflecting their mutual desire for a quiet life. Gosling’s ability to maintain a sense of normalcy despite his massive fame is largely attributed to his unassuming home life.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman, famous for his role as Wolverine in the ‘X-Men’ series, lived for many years in a functional apartment in the West Village of Manhattan. While the neighborhood is expensive, the living space was modest compared to the vast estates of his contemporaries. Jackman is frequently seen walking his dog and interacting with fans in a friendly, unpretentious manner. He has recently moved to a larger space, but for the majority of his peak career years, he chose a residence that allowed him to be part of the city’s daily rhythm. This choice reflects his reputation as one of the most down-to-earth individuals in the entertainment industry.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is well-known for his humble lifestyle despite his success in ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. For many years, he did not own a home at all, preferring to live in hotels or modest apartments. When he finally purchased a house in the Hollywood Hills, it was a relatively simple, modern structure compared to the nearby mansions. Reeves is often photographed using public transportation and is known for his extensive charitable donations. His living situation is a testament to his lack of interest in the material trappings of celebrity culture.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been in the public eye since childhood, starring in ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and ‘Inception’. He lives in a mid-century home in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles that is considered modest and tasteful. The actor has always prioritized his creative projects and his collaborative platform, HitRecord, over a flashy lifestyle. His home reflects his artistic and intellectual interests, serving as a comfortable retreat rather than a status symbol. Gordon-Levitt’s choice of neighborhood and housing aligns with his image as a thoughtful and independent-minded actor.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm achieved stardom later in life through his role in ‘Mad Men’. During the height of the show’s success, he continued to live in a modest penthouse apartment that he had occupied for years. Even as his wealth grew, he remained in a residence that was relatively average for a successful professional in Los Angeles. Hamm has spoken about the importance of staying grounded and not letting sudden fame change his fundamental lifestyle. His housing choices have consistently reflected a practical and unpretentious approach to his career.

David Spade

David Spade is a comedic veteran known for ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Tommy Boy’. He has been known to live in a modest bungalow in Beverly Hills that is significantly smaller and less ornate than the surrounding properties. Spade often pokes fun at his own lifestyle and has maintained a relatively simple living situation for much of his career. His home is focused on comfort and personal style rather than impressing visitors with scale or luxury. This choice is consistent with his self-deprecating humor and his long-standing presence in the comedy world.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, is a multi-talented actor and musician creator of ‘Atlanta’. He is known for his minimalist aesthetic and has resided in homes that prioritize creative space over luxury. Glover often keeps his living arrangements private, but those who have worked with him describe his environments as functional and unpretentious. He has expressed a desire to avoid the “celebrity trap” of overconsumption and high-maintenance living. His focus remains on his diverse artistic output rather than the acquisition of large-scale real estate.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire, the star of the original ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, has often opted for smaller, more manageable homes in the Santa Monica area. While he has owned several properties, he is known for choosing residences that are architecturally significant but not excessively large. Maguire has maintained a relatively low profile since his superhero days, focusing on producing and his personal life. His choice of housing reflects a desire for a sophisticated but grounded lifestyle near the coast. This approach has allowed him to transition into a more private phase of his career with ease.

Jack Black

Jack Black is a beloved comedic actor known for ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Tenacious D’. He lives with his family in a home in Los Angeles that is described as a comfortable, lived-in family residence rather than a Hollywood showpiece. Black is often seen around his neighborhood engaging in typical fatherly activities and maintaining a friendly rapport with locals. His home is filled with musical instruments and memorabilia, reflecting his genuine passions rather than a desire for opulence. This authentic living situation is a key part of his enduring appeal as a relatable and sincere performer.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray is a cinematic icon known for ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Lost in Translation’. He famously does not have an agent or a traditional PR team and spends much of his time in Charleston, South Carolina. His residence there is an average home in a historic district where he is known to be an active and approachable member of the community. Murray is frequently spotted at local minor league baseball games and community events, living a life that is remarkably devoid of celebrity pretense. His choice to live in Charleston reflects his lifelong commitment to doing things his own way and avoiding the Hollywood bubble.

What do you think about these actors choosing to live in more modest homes compared to their famous peers?