Anthony Mackie Says Leaving Hollywood for New Orleans Gave Him 'Peace of Mind'

Mar. 15, 2025

Anthony Mackie attends the ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ photocall at Hotel De La Ville on January 27, 2025 in.Photo:Ernesto Ruscio/Getty

Ernesto Ruscio/Getty

Anthony Mackieis proud of his roots.In a cover story interview withEsquire, theCaptain America: Brave New Worldstar, 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.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!Anthony Mackie on the cover of ‘Esquire’.Alexander Saladrigas“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 2023Netflix thrillerWe Have a Ghostwas shot in New Orleans, as wasthe Peacock seriesTwisted Metalreleased the same year.Anthony Mackie attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.Gilbert Flores/GG2025/Penske Media via GettyHisTwisted Metalcostar,Stephanie Beatriz, toldEsquirethat 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 a photocall for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ on January 30, 2025.Mike Marsland/WireImageThe Falcon and the Winter Soldieractor also seeks a sense of normalcy in his role as afather to his four sons,whom he shares with ex-wifeSheletta 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.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Captain America: Brave New Worldwill be released in theaters on Friday, Feb. 14.

Anthony Mackieis proud of his roots.

In a cover story interview withEsquire, theCaptain America: Brave New Worldstar, 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.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Anthony Mackie on the cover of ‘Esquire’.Alexander Saladrigas

Alexander Saladrigas

“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 2023Netflix thrillerWe Have a Ghostwas shot in New Orleans, as wasthe Peacock seriesTwisted Metalreleased the same year.

Anthony Mackie attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.Gilbert Flores/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Gilbert Flores/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

HisTwisted Metalcostar,Stephanie Beatriz, toldEsquirethat 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 a photocall for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ on January 30, 2025.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Mike Marsland/WireImage

The Falcon and the Winter Soldieractor also seeks a sense of normalcy in his role as afather to his four sons,whom he shares with ex-wifeSheletta 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.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Captain America: Brave New Worldwill be released in theaters on Friday, Feb. 14.

source: people.com