‘Countryman’ star Ali Larter reflects on a ‘simple, beautiful’ childhood – as she reveals why she left LA to move to rural Idaho

‘Countryman’ actress Ali Larter has opened up about her decision to trade the glitz and glamor of Hollywood for a quiet life in rural Idaho, as she reflects on her “simple, beautiful” childhood in an idyllic suburban home.

Larter, 49, has had a hugely varied career in front of the cameras, having shot to fame in the 1999 hit film ‘Varsity Blues’, which she followed up with a hugely successful run in the ‘Final Destination’ franchise.

But her introduction to the bright lights of Hollywood fame began when she was just 13 – and was spotted by a talent scout while enjoying a bowl of snapper soup near her parents’ home.

Speak with The Wall Street Journal about her upbringing in Cherry Hill, NJ, about 10 minutes from Philadelphia, Larter painted a perfect picture of suburban bliss, in which she enjoyed a “simple, beautiful and fun” childhood as a “sporty suburban kid.”

She grew up in a quaint “two-story white and brown house,” which she shared with her father. Thanmom, Margaretand sister.

“My bedroom was painted yellow and my mom and dad and older sister Kristen were my everything,” she remembers.

However, her whole world “changed” when she was a teenager and was approached by a talent scout looking for someone to appear in a commercial for the film. Philadelphia Phillies.

“When I was 13, my mom and I went to have snapper soup at Bookbinder’s in Philadelphia. A talent agent came by and asked if I wanted to be in a Philadelphia Phillies TV commercial. My mom and I said, ‘Oh my God, maybe.’

“He left his card, we followed up with him and I booked my first job in advertising. It was adorable. From that day on, everything changed. I started appearing in local clothing ads that kids saw at school. They kept their distance.”

Soon, Larter was ostracized by her peers, forced to “walk the halls alone” and eat her lunch “in the bathroom.”

“I didn’t know which table to sit at in the cafeteria. Even in high school, I wasn’t the most popular girl or the prom queen. I was too busy finding my way professionally,” she revealed.

After that, Larter’s career took off and her ‘normal life’ disappeared.

She began earning multiple modeling jobs and soon transitioned to acting on the big screen, taking center stage in “Varsity Blues,” before entering the world of horror with “Final Destination.” A role in “Legally Blonde” would cement her status in Hollywood.

But the trappings of fame were not all they seemed to be and Larter eventually made the decision to leave Los Angeles with her husband. Hayes MacArthurand their children, Teddy14, and Vivienne10.

Their move to Sun Valley, ID, was prompted by a visit to the area during the COVID pandemic, when they were all entranced by the beauty of the area – and the opportunity to enjoy wide, open spaces.

“There is magic in the mountains. When I walk there for three hours, I feel a special calmness. I feel better about myself now than ever before,” she said.

After deciding they were leaving Hollywood, Larter and MacArthur focused on building their dream home.

“The house we built on 2 acres has lots of windows and great mountain views,” she said.

In 2024, she opened the doors of her expansive home Rue Magazinetelling the outlet that the small town was a big change for her and her family.

“Neither of us had ever lived in a small town. People look out for each other. There is a real sense of community here and we are so happy to be part of that,” she said.

While building their 4,000-square-foot home, the actress noted that she wanted to create a home that “would fit into the natural geography of Sun Valley, but not have that traditional ‘cabin’ feel.”

It also included “walls of glass that showcase and invite the beautiful landscape into the home.”

She emphasized how the “quiet majesty” of the mountains and the soothing environment of Idaho help her remember to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

“Most of my life I feel like I’m going 1,000 miles an hour and these giant rocks are driving me crazy,” she said.

The actress told me later People that moving from California to Idaho was ultimately the best decision for her and her family.

“It’s incredibly calming and grounding to live in the mountains, and we love raising our children in a rural town.

“[It] was a gift to our family. It is important to me that I can be present with my children when I get home,” she added.