Yahoo Lifestyle Anthony Mackie Says Leaving Hollywood for New Orleans Gave Him 'Peace of Mind'
"I can bring a natural humanity into my roles and the things that I do," said Mackie about how moving to his hometown has affected his career
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Anthony Mackie attends the 'Captain America: Brave New World' photocall at Hotel De La Ville on January 27, 2025 inAnthony Mackie is proud of his roots.
In a cover story interview with Esquire, the Captain America: Brave New World star, 46, opened up about when — and why – he decided to leave Hollywood for a life in New Orleans, where he is originally from.
According to the outlet, the actor realized he wanted to move back to his hometown in 2008, after spending a day fishing with friends and golfing with his uncle.
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Anthony Mackie on the cover of 'Esquire'“Moving to New Orleans slowed my career in a way,” he said. "But it also gave me the peace of mind and the confidence, being outside of the business, that I can bring a natural humanity into my roles and the things that I do.”
One thing the move has allowed him to do is bring his work home with him. Mackie's 2023 Netflix thriller We Have a Ghost was shot in New Orleans, as was the Peacock series Twisted Metal released the same year.
Related: Captain America: Brave New World: All About the Marvel Movie Starring Anthony Mackie
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Anthony Mackie attends the 82nd Annual Golden GlobesHis Twisted Metal costar, Stephanie Beatriz, told Esquire that his passion for the city of New Orleans was evident on set.
"Anthony is a real caretaker on set. He is constantly checking in on the crew," she said.
"It's something that I’ve watched people that I admire in the industry do — Andre Gower, Ted Danson, Anthony — they really take care of and pay attention to the things that they love," continued Beatriz. "And one of the things that Anthony loves is New Orleans.”
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Anthony Mackie attends a photocall for 'Captain America: Brave New World' on January 30, 2025The Falcon and the Winter Soldier actor also seeks a sense of normalcy in his role as a father to his four sons, whom he shares with ex-wife Sheletta Chapital.
“I’ve always kept my personal life out of the business. I don’t allow people to photograph my kids. I don’t bring my kids around," said Mackie. "I want my kids to be normal.”
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Captain America: Brave New World will be released in theaters on Friday, Feb. 14.
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