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.

ā€œWe went for two months thinking that the kids’ schools would be reopened in California, and they weren’t,ā€ Larter recalled. ā€œAnd 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.ā€

The decision to stay in Idaho grew from that experience. ā€œAnd that was a huge thing for US because we just wanted her to be around other children and have that kindergarten experience,ā€ Larter said.

She described how the family met ā€œamazing families just organically by the school,ā€ and spent time skiing together. ā€œWe really spent a tremendous amount of time together as a family.ā€

After a summer back in Los Angeles, Larter realized the city’s demands were overwhelming.

ā€œThere are so many demands as an actor,ā€ she said. ā€œYou’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.ā€ That realization solidified their move back to Idaho, prioritizing a family-focused lifestyle.

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On set, Larter plays Angela, Billy Bob Thornton’s recently reconciled ex-wife. She described her preparation process as key to embodying the character:

ā€œPreparation leads to relaxation,ā€ she said, noting the work includes dialect coaching, acting exercises, fitness, and self-care. ā€œI 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.ā€

Off-screen, Larter enjoys Idaho life with her kids. She looks forward to ā€œkids pick up and drop off,ā€ family dinners, and the holiday season.

ā€œWe really do family dinners. So I’m home cooking…fire’s going, stews and chilies and Bolognese,ā€ 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.