Patricia Heaton Shares Reasons for Leaving Los Angeles

In a recent podcast interview, actress Patricia Heaton opened up about her departure from Los Angeles, pointing to issues like crime, homelessness, and high taxes as key factors.

Speaking with “The Rubin Report” host Dave Rubin, Heaton discussed her experiences filming “The Unexpected” in Oklahoma and other locations outside of Los Angeles. She reflected, “I was working in Oklahoma, then somewhere else, and it hit me—the taxes are steep, there’s a lot of crime and homelessness, and frankly, I work outside of Los Angeles more than I do here. So, why stick around?”

She explained that the decision to move to Nashville came naturally, as they were familiar with the area and had friends there. “We never really looked back,” she added.

Now, upon returning to Los Angeles, she sometimes ponders whether she feels differently because she no longer works there or if she has genuinely changed. “There’s a bit of sadness about that, but it feels real. It’s not just tied to my experiences,” Heaton noted.

She mentioned that many writers from her past shows, like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Middle,” have also left the city, returning to their own hometowns. A writer recently emailed her, saying, “You left at the right time,” highlighting a sense of shared experience among those who have departed.

Heaton pointed out that the once-bustling Warner Ranch soundstage, where “The Middle” was filmed, has become a shell of its former self. It used to feature iconic sets like the houses from “Friends” and “Lethal Weapon,” but now, post-pandemic and following industry strikes, it’s mostly empty.

After fires ravaged parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, Heaton collaborated with the LA Dream Center to support affected residents. She was critical of local officials’ responses, noting that the city seemed unprepared for such disasters, like those that began on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades. “If a major fire breaks out, of course it’s going to cause destruction,” she stated, emphasizing the need for better preparedness and accountability regarding how funds are used in Los Angeles.

Heaton expressed that Californians shouldn’t rely solely on the government for solutions. “It’s about communities coming together to advocate for change. Unfortunately, it’s a very tough lesson,” she concluded.

In another recent discussion, comedian John O’Hurley mentioned in an interview that he still lives in Los Angeles, albeit reluctantly, and doesn’t see it as a long-term situation. He noted that much of his work is voice acting, allowing him the freedom to travel. He shot five films this year, none of which were in Los Angeles, and pointed out that the dwindling film industry in California has led many to pursue work elsewhere, like Georgia, Tennessee, and New York.