Actor Joe Manganiello, known for roles in Magic Mike and True Blood, decided to leave Los Angeles alongside his fiancée, Caitlin O’Connor. Their reason? The rising crime rates and a perception that the city is losing its prominence as the “entertainment capital of the world.”
O’Connor shared with Fox News that the couple chose to move from the West Coast to the Pittsburgh suburb of Mount Lebanon, seeking a safer atmosphere.
“Crime in Los Angeles is at an all-time high,” she mentioned. “We considered this for a long time and ultimately found the perfect house. We went to Pittsburgh to explore options, and it just felt right for us.”
“Additionally, Los Angeles isn’t the entertainment capital anymore,” she continued. “Many actors don’t even audition there like they used to. A lot of casting directors have left, and most things are done via Zoom now. Premieres often happen in New York, and studios are cropping up in New Jersey. It feels like a lot of the industry has shifted overseas. Even seasoned professionals have noticed many projects being filmed abroad. The landscape has changed.”
She expressed that the coronavirus pandemic and the recent WGA/SAG strike have really transformed the industry.
“I think after the pandemic and the strike, things have evolved quite a bit,” she said. “That’s really influenced our decision to make Pittsburgh our home.”
O’Connor also mentioned that their move aims to support UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Their connection to the hospital reportedly started in 2011 when Manganiello hosted an event relating to the HBO series finale of True Blood. “We donate all of our profits and visit the kids there several times a year,” she said.
“In 2015, he took on the honorary chairman role for the Foundation’s 125th-anniversary celebration, marking its recognition as one of the leading children’s hospitals in the country. He’s currently on the hospital’s board and actively helps raise funds for crucial programs,” added the report.
