Jonathan Rhys Meyers settles into quiet life on Wexford farm
Superstar actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has traded the bright lights of West Hollywood for the more idyllic existence of farm life in rural Ireland, Extra.ie can exclusively reveal.
Cork native JRM, who shot to global fame for his critically acclaimed portrayal of King Henry VIII in the historical series The Tudors, has moved home to the quiet Wexford countryside.
Speaking to Extra.ie on the IFTA red carpet on Friday night, JRM detailed his relocation, saying: ‘I’m living on a farm in Wexford now.’ Rhys Meyers told Extra.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Jonathan Rhys Meyers attends Randall Slavin’s “We Want Something Beautiful” book launch event hosted by Nathan Fillion on November 09, 2019, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Sarah Morris/Getty Images)
The actor, who had hitherto flitted between London and Los Angeles, said rural life provides a refreshing, slower pace, saying; ‘Southern Ireland and Hollywood are not the same thing,” he quipped.
While he has ostensibly embraced farm life, he has not abandoned his on-screen career.
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers at the IFTA Awards 2026. Pic: Brian McEvoy
‘It’s a farm, but I don’t farm anything,” he admitted. “I think you have to be born into farming to get it right. I have some horses, and I basically let them run around on the farm.’
Despite his Malibu home literally going up in flames recently, a disaster which Rhys Meyers referred to as ‘cathartic, he appears genuinely delighted to be back on home turf, despite being admittedly out of his depth.
He said he wasn’t an alcoholic; rather, he was allergic to alcohol. Pic: Getty Images
‘I’m failing miserably at the whole ‘successful stable and tractor stuff,’ but I’m an actor, and I believe you have to be one or the other. So I’m an actor who lives on a farm, not a farmer who acts.’
This shift to life as a country squire marks a significant turning point for the Match Point star, whose personal life has often been as dramatic as his brooding on-screen roles.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Carnival Film And Tv/Flame Ventures/Nbc Universal Tv/Playground/Sky Living/Universal
The move comes in the wake of his quiet separation from wife Mara Lane. The couple, who wed in 2016, reportedly split three years ago, with Mara recently confirming the end of their marriage while praising Jonathan’s ongoing journey with sobriety.
Despite the split, the pair remain dedicated to co-parenting their son, Wolf, born in December 2016.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Mara Lane. Pic: Gary Gershoff/WireImage/Getty Images
Indeed, JRM has been seen embracing his role as a doting dad on Irish soil, recently spotted enjoying a low-key family break with his children at Center Parcs in Longford, looking every inch the relaxed family man.
Since returning to Ireland, the Golden Globe winner has been fully immersing himself in the local culture. He has been spotted soaking up the atmosphere at a Wexford GAA match and was seen mingling with traditional music lovers at the Wexford Fleadh, seemingly relishing the anonymity that the Irish countryside provides.
VENICE, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, his wife Mara Lane and their son Wolf attend the Celebrazione Party by Chopard and Generali To Honor The 75th Venice Film Festival at Palazzo Morosini on August 30, 2018, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images)
However, the road to this rural peace has been rocky. The move follows a string of high-profile incidents, including a 2020 DUI arrest in Malibu and a 2018 incident at LAX following a heated mid-air row. Rhys Meyers has always been candid about his “allergy” to alcohol, previously telling the Mail: ‘I’ve let myself down by relapsing, and it’s my responsibility.’
Now, away from the temptations of Tinseltown, the actor appears to have found his sanctuary. With the ‘cathartic’ loss of his Malibu abode seemingly behind him, Wexford’s newest resident seems focused on the quiet life, even if he still hasn’t quite mastered the tractor.
