Anthony Mackie Got 'Peace of Mind' Leaving Hollywood

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

Ingrid Vasquez

Published on January 30, 2025 08:12PM EST

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Anthony Mackie attends "Captain America: Brave New World" photocall at Hotel De La Ville — Anthony Mackie attends the 'Captain America: Brave New World' photocall at Hotel De La Ville on January 27, 2025 in. Photo:
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Anthony 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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Esquire Anthony Mackie. — Anthony Mackie on the cover of 'Esquire'.
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“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.

Anthony Mackie during the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California — Anthony Mackie attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
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His 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.”

Anthony Mackie attends the photocall for "Captain America: Brave New World" in Trafalgar Sq on January 30, 2025 in London, England — Anthony Mackie attends a photocall for 'Captain America: Brave New World' on January 30, 2025.
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The 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.