British actress Lesley-Anne Down has relocated her family from Malibu, California, to a rural area outside Atlanta, Georgia, citing the state's escalating wildfires and its increasingly liberal political climate as primary reasons for the move. Down, 72, who is known for her roles in "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" and "The Great Train Robbery," described her new life as a peaceful existence in what she calls the "suburban countryside."
Down, who lived in Southern California for decades, recalled that while the beauty of areas like Malibu was once idyllic, the environment, both natural and political, began to change. She noted a significant increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires, recalling being evacuated multiple times. The Woolsey fire in 2018 was a particularly impactful event, leading her to state, "I can’t take this anymore."
Beyond the natural disasters, Down expressed concerns about California's political direction. She observed a growing polarization, stating, "You can’t appear to be right-wing today, because if you appear to be on the right, or you have any right-wing political views whatsoever, they take that, and they twist it, and they use it to turn you, strangely enough, into some kind of Nazi." She added that this environment made open discussion of differing views challenging.
Down also commented on the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, suggesting a shift toward a more politically charged atmosphere where expressing conservative views could impact career opportunities. "I don’t think I’ve ever made any secret of where I feel and where I land politically... the chances of me ever working — even if I wanted to — in this industry, because of my politics, are slim to none," she said.
Her husband, cinematographer and director Don E. FauntLeRoy, had existing work ties to Georgia, which also influenced their decision. The move was also motivated by a desire for their son, George, to establish his own life and career path. Down mentioned that her son, who enjoyed surfing in Malibu, is now pursuing work in the industry, and Georgia offered a potentially more conducive environment.
Despite leaving California, Down recently took on the role of Margaret Thatcher in the biopic "Reagan," a project she described as "old school" and a positive experience. The film is scheduled for a wide re-release in approximately 600 theaters on September 25.
Down shared that her family's move was prompted by a combination of factors, including the fires, the political climate, and her son's need to establish his life. She now finds contentment in her new surroundings, enjoying the natural beauty and the company of her neighbors. She also noted that while she does not miss the fires or the politics of California, she cherishes the memories of her time there.