The Captain America: Brave New World star Anthony Mackie revealed that moving back to his hometown of New Orleans in 2008 was a pivotal decision that positively impacted both his personal life and acting career.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Mackie, 46, shared that the realization came after spending a day fishing with friends and golfing with his uncle in New Orleans. "Moving to New Orleans slowed my career in a way," Mackie admitted. "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."
The move has allowed Mackie to bring his work closer to home. His recent projects, including the 2023 Netflix thriller "We Have a Ghost" and Peacock series "Twisted Metal," were both filmed in New Orleans.
His "Twisted Metal" co-star Stephanie Beatriz praised Mackie's dedication to his hometown and his role as a caretaker on set. "Anthony is a real caretaker on set. He is constantly checking in on the crew," Beatriz noted. "One of the things that Anthony loves is New Orleans."
Beyond his professional life, Mackie maintains a strong focus on providing normalcy for 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," Mackie explained. "I want my kids to be normal."
The actor's decision to leave Hollywood for New Orleans reflects his commitment to maintaining authenticity both in his personal life and his craft, even as he takes on increasingly high-profile roles in the entertainment industry.