Josh Duhamel: Embracing a Quiet Life Away from Hollywood
These days, Josh Duhamel trades the glitz of Hollywood for a quieter lifestyle in Minnesota and North Dakota, where he enjoys time with his family. Far removed from the bright city lights, Duhamel is deeply rooted in his Midwestern upbringing, which has shaped who he is both personally and professionally.
The Role of a Hitman in "London Calling"
Duhamel is currently busy on the set of his latest film, "London Calling," where he plays Tommy, a hitman trying to escape the chaos of his life. After a job goes awry in London, Tommy finds himself heading to Los Angeles to complete a dangerous assignment. This gripping narrative juxtaposes Duhamel’s real life, where he grapples with balancing his career and family amidst the challenges of being in the film industry.
In "London Calling," Tommy’s path takes an unexpected turn when he must babysit his crime boss’s son, Julian, portrayed by Jeremy Ray Allen. As he attempts to teach Julian the ropes of becoming a man, viewers can expect a blend of tension and emotional depth, a hallmark of Duhamel’s performances.
A Reminder of Home
Reflecting on his journey, Duhamel shares how his roots in Minot, North Dakota, shaped his identity. “I grew up in North Dakota all the way up until I was 22 years old and couldn’t wait to get out of there,” he said, emphasizing his eagerness to explore the world. However, he has come to appreciate the lessons learned during his formative years.
As he has grown older, Duhamel has begun to recognize the value of his hometown and its impact on his life. “I really started to appreciate what that state and what the people there meant to me,” he noted. His relationships with long-time friends and family keep him grounded, serving as an anchor amidst the chaos of Hollywood.
The Allure of Nature and Family Time
Duhamel’s decision to move away from the bustling life of Hollywood stems from his desire for simplicity and privacy. He describes his 26-acre lakeside cabin in Minnesota as "doomsday" ready, where his family can disconnect from the fast-paced world. “We try to spend as much time as we can out there,” he shared. This retreat is not just a vacation home; it’s a sanctuary where cherished memories with his wife, Audra Mari, and their sons, Axl and Shepherd, can flourish.
Living deep in the woods—about 40 miles from the nearest grocery store—has inspired Duhamel to get back to basics. He fondly recalls the early years of homesteading there, where he and his family learned to rely on their instincts and resourcefulness. “Make sure you bring enough in. You make sure you got enough wood for the fire,” he recounted, expressing a sense of fulfillment in embracing a more rustic lifestyle.
Grounded by Humility
At 52, Duhamel recognizes a shift in his priorities. The desire for privacy and a back-to-basics lifestyle has driven his choices in recent years. He appreciates having a close-knit community that treats him like anyone else, which has helped him stay true to himself throughout his career. “They don’t treat me any differently than they do anybody else,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of authenticity and humility in his life.
Look Forward to "London Calling"
As Duhamel continues to juggle acting and family life, he is excited about sharing "London Calling" with audiences. Set to hit theaters on September 19, the film promises to showcase his versatility as an actor while illustrating the depth of his character in a narrative that resonates with the complexities of human relationships. Josh Duhamel’s journey reminds us that no matter how far one travels, the values of home and family remain essential parts of who we are.