Ali Larter is embracing a quieter life back in Idaho, where she can focus on family while continuing her acting career.
According to Fox News, during an interview with the outlet, the 49-year-old actress spoke about season two of Paramount+’s hit show Landman and the moment she and her husband, Hayes MacArthur, decided to make Idaho their home.
“We went for two months thinking that the kids’ schools would be reopened in California, and they weren’t,” Larter recalled. “And so they were doing online, and the schools there were open. And so we were able to put our 6-year-old daughter in kindergarten for the spring semester.”
The decision to stay in Idaho grew from that experience. “And that was a huge thing for us because we just wanted her to be around other children and have that kindergarten experience,” Larter said.
She described how the family met “amazing families just organically by the school,” and spent time skiing together. “We really spent a tremendous amount of time together as a family.”
After a summer back in Los Angeles, Larter realized the city’s demands were overwhelming.
“There are so many demands as an actor,” she said. “You’re expected to show up for so many things, including parties and charity events. We just didn’t want to do that. We wanna be with our children.” That realization solidified their move back to Idaho, prioritizing a family-focused lifestyle.
On set, Larter plays Angela, Billy Bob Thornton’s recently reconciled ex-wife. She described her preparation process as key to embodying the character:
“Preparation leads to relaxation,” she said, noting the work includes dialect coaching, acting exercises, fitness, and self-care. “I usually have a private room where I can just take time for myself before I have to walk out and really kind of own that moment.”
Off-screen, Larter enjoys Idaho life with her kids. She looks forward to “kids pick up and drop off,” family dinners, and the holiday season.
“We really do family dinners. So I’m home cooking…fire’s going, stews and chilies and Bolognese,” she said, highlighting the simple pleasures that help her unwind between filming and press tours.
For Larter, balancing career and family has become a new rhythm — one she’s eager to maintain amid the beauty of Idaho and the busy world of Hollywood.
