Mexican actor and comedian Eugenio Derbez is exploring a possible lifestyle shift. He is evaluating a relocation from Los Angeles, California, to Madrid, Spain. After spending more than a decade building his career in the United States, the CODA star is reassessing his long-term personal goals, creative direction, and the sacrifices required to maintain a Hollywood-centric lifestyle.
During a recent interview with the media outlet La Script, Derbez discussed his recent visit to the Spanish capital. He explained that his journey to Madrid was intended to evaluate whether the city could become his family’s new home. However, the actor clarified that he has not yet announced a definitive moving date or presented the potential relocation as a finalized decision involving his wife, Alessandra Rosaldo, and their daughter, Aitana.
Reassessing Hollywood and the American Dream
Derbez moved to Southern California approximately 12 years ago. This move opened doors to major English-language film and television productions following his historic Spanish-language box-office success, No se aceptan devoluciones (Instructions Not Included). Over the last decade, his U.S. credits expanded to include How to Be a Latin Lover, Overboard, and a supporting role in the Academy Award-winning Best Picture CODA (2021).
Despite these professional milestones, Derbez admitted that his perspective on the U.S. entertainment industry has evolved. He noted that while Hollywood still offers avenues for career growth, the relentless pace and demands of California life no longer align with his emotional well-being.
“Ya vine a explorar Madrid porque ya, ya no me está gustando tanto ese mundo como lo imaginé,” Derbez said during his interview with La Script. “Quizá lo idealicé demasiado. Creo que ya cumplí el sueño de Estados Unidos, el sueño americano.”
The actor also pointed to the career paths of celebrated Spanish actors Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem. He observed how both performers successfully navigated international markets in Hollywood while maintaining strong professional and personal anchors in their home country, returning regularly to projects that resonate with them on a personal level.
Evaluating Lifestyle and Career Priorities
Derbez’s reflections on moving to Spain echo candid remarks he shared in early October on the YouTube program De Estreno. At the time, he remarked on feeling a disconnect between his professional success and his personal happiness, questioning whether he needed to continuously prove his capabilities at the expense of enjoying life.
In addition to seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle, Derbez expressed a desire to refocus on film direction-an ambition he pushed aside following his initial move to Los Angeles due to language and cultural adjustments.
- Career Evolution: Transitioned from dominant Mexican television and film to major Hollywood commercial projects and independent cinema.
- Key Milestone: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 9, 2016.
- Directorial Ambitions: Expressed a strong desire to direct English-language feature films for a global audience in his next career phase.
While the prospect of relocating to Madrid remains under consideration, Derbez has not indicated that a potential move would entirely sever his professional ties to the United States. For now, the acclaimed comedian and producer is carefully weighing his options as he seeks a greater balance between his creative aspirations and personal peace of mind.
