Caitlin O’Connor and Joe Manganiello Leave L.A. for Pittsburgh

Caitlin O’Connor and her fiancé, Joe Manganiello, have said goodbye to Los Angeles. The TV host revealed in December that they decided to leave the city where they had lived for over two decades and return to their roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to reports, the couple has settled in Mount Lebanon, which is a suburb in the area.

“Crime in Los Angeles is really high right now,” the 36-year-old shared with FOX News Digital. “We considered it for a while, and then found the ideal house during a visit. It just felt right for us.”

O’Connor further elaborated, “L.A. has lost its status as the entertainment capital. Many actors don’t audition there anymore, and casting directors have moved on. Most things are happening over Zoom now, and big premieres have shifted to New York. Studios are popping up in New Jersey, and there’s a noticeable trend of projects being filmed abroad—even by those who’ve spent their lives in L.A.” It seems, for her, the industry has changed significantly and perhaps not for the better.

Reflecting on the past few years, O’Connor noted that the landscape of Hollywood has altered dramatically, especially after the pandemic and various industry strikes. “It’s clear that you can now work from just about anywhere,” she mentioned, signaling that their choice to move was also about adapting to these new changes.

Beyond just a change of scenery, the couple’s relocation is tied to a commitment to give back. They are focused on supporting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, a cause that is particularly meaningful to Manganiello, who has been involved with the hospital since 2011. He has hosted fundraising events and has visited patients over the years.

O’Connor recalled their first encounter at the hospital, which left a lasting impression on her. “I participated in their telethon; it was heartwarming,” she said. “It’s important for us that no child is turned away for lack of funds.” Indeed, Manganiello even raised $200,000 on “Wheel of Fortune” for the same cause.

While they are setting down roots, O’Connor expressed a bittersweet feeling regarding friends left behind in L.A. Yet she’s excited about what lies ahead. The couple looks forward to experiencing the changing seasons again and building a life grounded in community. “Pittsburgh is full of wonderful, kind people,” she remarked, deeply moved by her conversations with locals eager to help.

Having grown up in Uniontown, O’Connor shared her affection for Pennsylvania. “It was a magical experience,” she recalled. Looking back, she felt that her upbringing was “like living in a postcard,” a sentiment many cherish from their own childhoods.

Despite a fondness for California, both she and Manganiello are embracing their new life, filled with winter snow and the friendly faces of their neighbors.

But not everything is perfect. Their dog, Bubbles, who moved from California, is struggling to adapt to the colder climate. “She prefers staying cozy indoors,” O’Connor joked, highlighting the challenges of acclimating.

As they juggle work commitments in Los Angeles and New York, it’s clear Pittsburgh is their newfound home. The couple hopes to cultivate a lifestyle that reflects their values of community and commitment to giving back. “You don’t need a bustling city to pursue your dreams,” O’Connor emphasized, underscoring the importance of following one’s happiness—not where you live. “Times have truly changed.”