Inside Ryan Gosling’s New Life in Hampstead: Hollywood Heart-Throb Turns North London Village Into His Own School-Gate Run and Café Parade After Fleeing U.S. Political Storm
It seems even Hollywood’s most beloved stars can’t resist the quiet charm of North London. Actor Ryan Gosling, known for his effortless cool and iconic roles in films like La La Land, Drive, and The Notebook, has officially swapped Los Angeles glitz for leafy Hampstead, where his new life has locals doing double-takes over cappuccinos and school drop-offs.
Sources close to the star say Gosling, 44, recently moved to the UK with longtime partner Eva Mendes and their two daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, in search of a calmer, more grounded life away from the political chaos of the United States. “They wanted normality, privacy, and good schools for the kids,” a friend told The Daily Mail. “Hampstead offers all of that — it’s peaceful, cultured, and full of families who mind their own business.”
But peace and anonymity are easier said than done when you’re Ryan Gosling. Locals say the Oscar-nominated actor has been spotted dining discreetly at Hampstead’s most beloved eateries, including the bustling Gail’s Bakery and the romantic Italian spot Villa Bianca. “You just don’t expect to look up from your latte and see him,” one astonished diner shared. “It’s surreal — people pretend not to stare, but everyone notices.”
The real stir, however, is happening at the school gates, where Gosling is said to accompany his daughters in the mornings. “He’s the most handsome dad you’ve ever seen,” one parent joked. “All the mums suddenly look a lot more glamorous when Ryan’s around.”
Neighbors describe Gosling as “polite, grounded, and very normal.” He’s reportedly been seen jogging on Hampstead Heath, browsing books at Daunt Books, and shopping for organic groceries at Whole Foods Market — always friendly but keeping a low profile. Despite his global fame, he seems determined to offer his family an ordinary London life.
The move also comes as part of a broader trend among American stars relocating to the UK amid rising political tensions in the United States. According to insiders, Gosling has privately expressed frustration with the current political climate and sought a more “balanced environment” for raising his children. “He loves America, but he wanted a change,” said a close friend. “The UK gives them a chance to breathe.”
Professionally, Gosling remains as busy as ever, with upcoming projects including the highly anticipated The Fall Guy sequel and a rumored return to the musical genre that made him a global sensation. But for now, it appears the actor is perfectly content blending school runs with tea breaks — a refreshing twist for one of Hollywood’s most private stars.
As one amused café owner put it, “He’s just another dad in Hampstead — except this one happens to be Ryan Gosling.”
