Chrissy Metz is saying farewell to Hollywood.

Years after wrapping up her hit series, the 44-year-old actress has traded the glitz of Los Angeles for the charm of Nashville, Tennessee. Best known for her role alongside Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley, and Milo Ventimiglia from 2016 to 2022, Chrissy says she’s found a sense of connection and community in Music City that truly resonates with her.

“I moved to Nashville,” the This Is Us actress told People. “I was in LA for 21 years, but my family is in Florida, where I’m from, and during the pandemic, I could drive to them from here. It’s just a better quality of life here. Everything is 15 minutes away, and it’s just so much less stress.”

“There’s a lot going on,” Metz said. “There’s obviously great music, great food. I grew up in the South, so I’m used to sort of that hospitality—it feels more communal here. In L.A. it was always like, ‘Oh, you have an audition? What’s it for? Oh, you have an audition? What for?’ It was all very dog eat dog.”

And speaking of Music City, Chrissy has been turning the spotlight from acting to music. Fans recently got a taste of her vocal talent during her stint as the Poodle Moth on The Masked Singer.

After her unmasking during the May 8 quarterfinals, the When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings author opened up about what inspired her to take on the challenge and step into the musical spotlight.

Chrissy Metz is an American actress, singer, and author best known for her Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated role as Kate Pearson on the critically acclaimed NBC drama This Is Us. Born on September 29, 1980, in Homestead, Florida, Metz moved around frequently during her childhood before settling in Gainesville. She got her start in acting after accompanying her sister to a casting call and landing an agent herself.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chrissy Metz (@chrissymetz)

Before her breakout role on This Is Us (2016–2022), Metz appeared in a number of television series, including Entourage, My Name Is Earl, and American Horror Story: Freak Show. Her raw and emotional performance as Kate—a woman navigating weight struggles, family dynamics, and personal growth—earned her widespread praise and made her a household name.

In addition to acting, Chrissy is also a passionate singer. She showcased her vocal talents in the faith-based film Breakthrough and has since pursued a music career, blending country, gospel, and soul influences.

Metz is also a best-selling author. Her 2018 memoir, This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today, explores her journey through rejection, body image struggles, and self-acceptance with honesty and heart. She followed it up with a spiritual book, When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings, aimed at helping children connect with their emotions through prayer.