Mexican actor and filmmaker Eugenio Derbez is seriously considering leaving Los Angeles after living in the United States for 12 years. The acclaimed star recently visited Madrid, Spain, to explore the city and evaluate whether it could become his next home. He noted that his priorities have shifted toward finding a better balance between his career and personal life.
Speaking to the interview space La Script, Derbez explained that his perspective on living in the U.S. has evolved. Although Hollywood continues to offer professional opportunities for him to scale further in the industry, the comedian admitted that his vision of the American lifestyle may have been idealized. “I came to explore Madrid because I am no longer enjoying that world as much as I imagined,” Derbez said. “Perhaps I idealized it too much. I think I have already fulfilled the United States dream, the American dream.”
Looking to the Careers of Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem
To articulate his changing professional trajectory, Derbez pointed to the examples of prominent Spanish actors Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem. Both international stars have successfully balanced global projects while returning to their native roots to pursue artistic endeavors that deeply resonate with them personally.
Derbez noted that while he could still push further into the Hollywood machinery, he now understands why artists of that caliber choose to anchor themselves closer to home. Madrid offers an opportunity to merge international work with a cultural environment that feels closer to his current worldview, moving away from the relentless pace of California.
The potential move involves his wife, Alessandra Rosaldo, and their daughter Aitana, with whom he has lived in California for over a decade. However, sources and public statements confirm that no definitive relocation date or final family decision has been officially set yet.
Reflecting on Work-Life Balance and Past Successes
The contemplation of a move to Spain follows other recent reflections by the actor regarding his lifestyle. In early October, during an appearance on the YouTube program De Estreno, Derbez questioned whether he wanted to keep maintaining a grueling professional pace. “I have a life that I don’t enjoy, even though I could enjoy it,” he remarked candidly.
Since his pivotal crossover into the American market with the 2013 hit film No se aceptan devoluciones-which he directed, co-wrote, and starred in-Derbez has built an impressive resume in the United States. His milestone achievements include:
- No se aceptan devoluciones (2013): Became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in U.S. history, grossing over $100 million globally.
- Cómo ser un Latin Lover (2017): His first English-language studio starring role alongside Salma Hayek.
- CODA (2021): Played music teacher Bernardo Villalobos in the heartwarming drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022.
- Acapulco (2021-2025): Starred and executive produced the bilingual comedy-drama series for Apple TV+.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Awarded a star on March 9, 2016, becoming the 88th Latino actor to receive the honor.
Unfinished Ambitions: Returning to Directing
Amidst thoughts of relocating to Madrid, Derbez is also eager to focus on a long-delayed professional dream: directing feature films on an international scale.
He explained that upon first arriving in the United States, language and cultural barriers prompted him to step back and focus strictly on acting and production roles out of caution. Now, the actor wants to reclaim that ambition. “I have a dream that I want to direct, because I feel it is something I have very overdue,” Derbez stated. “By moving to the United States out of fear of not knowing the language or culture, I took a back seat. So, I want to resume that, but now in English and for the entire world.”
While an eventual move to Madrid remains contingent on further exploration and family discussions, Derbez’s recent admissions signal a profound transitional chapter focused on personal fulfillment, emotional well-being, and artistic freedom.
