Luke Grimes traded the fast-paced world of Hollywood for the quiet landscapes of Montana, but the Yellowstone star has revealed that his move away from Los Angeles has not been as simple as he imagined.

The actor, best known for portraying Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone and continuing the character’s story in the spin-off series Marshals, recently opened up about his experience settling in Montana and admitted that some residents have reacted negatively to his arrival.

During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Grimes explained that while he has embraced the slower pace and privacy of life outside Hollywood, he has also encountered unexpected tension from certain locals who are frustrated by the growing number of newcomers moving to the state.

Leaving Los Angeles Behind for a Quieter Life

After spending many years in Los Angeles, Grimes eventually decided that Montana offered the kind of lifestyle he wanted for himself and his family. The actor and his wife, Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, chose to make the state their permanent home after spending significant time there because of his work on Yellowstone.

The couple first experienced Montana while filming the hit Western drama, and over time they became increasingly attached to the area’s natural beauty, peaceful surroundings and sense of distance from the entertainment industry.

Grimes explained that moving away from Hollywood allowed him to leave behind the constant pressure of the industry. Unlike his years in Los Angeles, he said he no longer feels the fear of missing out and enjoys having more time to focus on family, rest and personal interests.

Some Montana Residents Have Not Welcomed the Move

Although Grimes has fallen in love with his new home state, he admitted that some locals have not been pleased with the arrival of people from California and other parts of the country.

The actor suggested that the popularity of Yellowstone has contributed to increased attention on Montana, inspiring many viewers to consider moving there after seeing the state’s landscapes and lifestyle portrayed on television. However, that popularity has also created frustration among some longtime residents who feel their communities are changing too quickly.

Grimes recalled one incident involving friends who visited him from California. After they parked their vehicle during an outdoor trip, someone had written a hostile message in the dust on the car, targeting them because of their California license plates.

The actor said experiences like that have made him more careful about revealing exactly where he lives, as he believes some people have strong feelings about newcomers arriving from other states.

Avoiding Conflict in His New Community

Grimes also admitted that the attention surrounding his move has changed the way he interacts with certain parts of local life. He explained that he has become cautious about visiting some public places because he worries that his celebrity status and connection to Yellowstone could attract unwanted confrontations.

Despite those challenges, the actor emphasized that he does not regret his decision. For Grimes, Montana represents a major improvement in his quality of life and a place where he feels more connected to himself and his family.

A Life Inspired by Yellowstone

The irony of Grimes’ situation is that the very series that helped make him famous also played a role in increasing attention on Montana. Yellowstone, created by Taylor Sheridan, became a cultural phenomenon with its portrayal of ranch life, land disputes and the rugged beauty of the American West.

Grimes’ character Kayce Dutton became one of the show’s most popular figures, helping establish the actor as a recognizable face within the modern Western genre. He later returned to the role in Marshals, continuing the story within the same universe.

For many fans, Grimes’ real-life move to Montana appears to mirror the themes of Yellowstone — a desire to escape crowded cities, reconnect with nature and search for a simpler way of living.

Finding Happiness Away From Hollywood

Despite receiving criticism from some residents, Grimes remains positive about his choice. He has said that Montana has given him a sense of peace that he struggled to find while living in Los Angeles.

The actor continues to balance his Montana lifestyle with his acting career, returning to television as Kayce Dutton in Marshals. While fame brought him opportunities, Grimes appears determined to maintain the quieter life he built away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

For Luke Grimes, leaving Los Angeles was not simply a change of location — it was a decision to prioritize family, privacy and a different vision of success.