Young Actresses Who Maintain a Down-to-Earth Lifestyle

In an industry often defined by excess and extravagance, a growing number of young actresses are choosing to live remarkably grounded lives. Despite earning multi-million dollar salaries and achieving global fame, these stars prioritize practicality over luxury, often eschewing the typical trappings of wealth. From driving modest vehicles and shopping at discount retailers to maintaining strict personal budgets, these women demonstrate that Hollywood success does not have to equate to a lavish lifestyle. Their commitment to staying connected to the real world resonates with audiences and sets them apart in the spotlight.

Jennifer Lawrence

Despite being one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, Jennifer Lawrence is frequently noted for her budget-conscious habits. She reportedly drove a Chevrolet Volt for several years after her career took off and lived in the same apartment she occupied before becoming a household name. In interviews, she has mentioned her preference for bargain hunting and her habit of using discount coupons while shopping. Her practical approach to fame includes staying in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where a hospital wing now bears her name thanks to a $2 million donation.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley is well-known for her minimalist lifestyle and environmental activism. At the height of her fame with ‘The Divergent Series’ (2014–2016), she reportedly gave away most of her possessions and lived out of a single suitcase. She has expressed a preference for making her own health products, such as toothpaste and soap, and frequently shops at second-hand stores. Woodley avoids the traditional Hollywood party scene, opting instead to spend her time on environmental causes and grassroots organizing.

Zendaya

Zendaya has maintained a reputation for being remarkably grounded despite her massive success in ‘Euphoria’ (2019–present) and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. She famously revealed that her very first red carpet outfit was purchased at Target, and she is still frequently spotted shopping at the same retailer for everyday essentials. The actress is known for her privacy and her close-knit relationship with her family, who often accompany her to events. She has stated in interviews that she views her public appearances as a job and prefers a low-key personal life.

Sydney Sweeney

‘Euphoria’ star Sydney Sweeney has been open about her working-class upbringing and her cautious approach to money. She manages her own finances and has admitted to feeling financial anxiety due to her family’s past experiences with bankruptcy. Instead of buying luxury sports cars, she has a passion for restoring vintage vehicles, such as her 1969 Ford Bronco, which she fixes herself. Sweeney has noted that she avoids reckless spending because she wants to ensure long-term stability for her family.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley is famous for setting a strict annual allowance for herself to stay connected to her peers and avoid the isolation of wealth. She has stated that maintaining a lifestyle within a specific budget allows her to socialize with people who are not in the high-income bracket. The actress famously wore a recycled Chanel dress for her wedding ceremony, emphasizing her stance against unnecessary extravagance. She chooses to live a quiet life in London and avoids the flashiness often associated with A-list celebrity status.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has built a strong connection with fans through her relatable social media presence, particularly her ‘Cooking With Flo’ series. In these videos, she prepares meals in a normal-sized kitchen without the help of a professional staff. She remains deeply involved with her family’s restaurant business in the United Kingdom and often brings her family members to award ceremonies. Pugh is known for her candidness about the industry and her refusal to conform to traditional Hollywood beauty standards.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri, known for her award-winning role in ‘The Bear’ (2022–present), maintains a public persona that many find refreshing and approachable. She often shares her honest, humorous thoughts on platforms like Letterboxd, engaging with film as a fan rather than a distant celebrity. Edebiri frequently highlights her parents’ immigrant work ethic as the foundation for her grounded perspective on success. She avoids the typical paparazzi-heavy hotspots and focuses on collaborative, indie-leaning projects.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is recognized for her incredible talent in films like ‘Lady Bird’ (2017) and for her desire to lead a private life. She lives a quiet existence in Ireland and London, intentionally avoiding social media to maintain a sense of normalcy. Ronan has been described by colleagues as incredibly polite and professional, with no interest in the perks of celebrity culture. She focuses almost entirely on the craft of acting, often retreating from the public eye as soon as her promotional duties are finished.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson has used her wealth and platform from the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise to advocate for sustainability and gender equality. She is a proponent of ethical fashion and often chooses to wear sustainable brands on the red carpet. Watson has stayed away from the typical Hollywood lifestyle, choosing instead to pursue a degree from Brown University and continue her education. Her personal life is kept strictly private, and she is known for living a relatively modest life in London and New York.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega has described herself as an introvert who prefers staying home over attending high-profile Hollywood parties. Despite the massive success of ‘Wednesday’ (2022–present), she remains close to her large family and credits them with keeping her grounded. She has been vocal about the pressures of the industry and the importance of maintaining a “sane” vision of fame. Ortega often dresses in a relatively understated style and focuses on the technical aspects of her work, including producing.

Sadie Sink

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–present) star Sadie Sink is known for her quiet and professional demeanor on and off set. She lives a low-key lifestyle and is a dedicated vegan, often using her platform to promote animal rights rather than luxury goods. Sink has managed to navigate childhood stardom without the public scandals typically associated with young actors. She remains focused on challenging roles in film and theater, maintaining a public image that is both mature and modest.

Millie Bobby Brown

Despite being the head of her own beauty brand, Millie Bobby Brown is often described by her co-stars as remarkably grounded. She spends much of her free time on her farm with her numerous pets and family members, away from the Hollywood spotlight. Brown has spoken candidly about the difficulties of growing up in the public eye and the importance of maintaining a normal childhood. She often shares unpolished, behind-the-scenes moments on social media that highlight her sense of humor.

Emma Myers

Emma Myers gained international fame for her role in ‘Wednesday’, but she remains a dedicated fan of K-pop and other relatable interests. In interviews, she comes across as enthusiastic and down-to-earth, often discussing her hobbies with the same passion as a typical fan. She has avoided the “it girl” lifestyle of constant luxury brand endorsements, focusing instead on her acting projects. Myers maintains a modest social media presence that focuses more on her work and friends than on material displays.

Maya Hawke

As the daughter of two famous actors, Maya Hawke has been vocal about her privilege while maintaining an artsy, indie-focused lifestyle. She lives in New York City and is often seen traveling by public transport or walking like any other resident. Her fashion choices often lean toward vintage and thrifted pieces rather than high-end designer labels. Hawke focuses heavily on her music and theater work, which often takes place in smaller, more intimate venues.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is a celebrated actress and model who remains deeply connected to her roots in activism and the arts. She often prioritizes projects that have social significance over those that offer the highest paycheck. Schafer’s public image is defined by her creativity and her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community rather than a desire for wealth. She maintains a relatively private personal life and uses her platform to highlight other artists and activists.

Rachel Zegler

‘West Side Story’ (2021) star Rachel Zegler is known for her extremely active and relatable presence on social media. She frequently interacts with fans and shares the realities of being a young actor in a way that feels authentic to her generation. Zegler has been open about the emotional toll of fame and her appreciation for the simple things in life. She remains focused on her theatrical roots and continues to share her love for musical theater in a way that feels accessible.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi has managed to balance a successful acting career with a commitment to her education at Harvard University. She is known for her intelligence and her focus on social justice through her organization, Eighteen x 18. Shahidi’s lifestyle is often described as family-oriented and grounded, with her mother frequently serving as her business partner. She avoids the typical celebrity scandals and focuses her energy on community building and academic pursuits.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has consistently used her platform to discuss important social issues and promote diversity in film. She chooses her roles carefully, often opting for indie films and projects with a strong message over blockbuster hits. Stenberg’s personal style is eclectic and often involves thrifted or sustainable clothing. She maintains a low-key lifestyle and is known for being thoughtful and articulate in her public appearances.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023) star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has maintained her Canadian roots and a very relatable public persona. She often shares her love for video games and her close relationship with her family on social media. Ramakrishnan is known for being outspoken about South Asian representation and for her refusal to change her name for Hollywood. She remains grounded by her friends from home and her commitment to staying authentic to herself.

Joey King

Joey King has been acting since she was a child, yet she has managed to maintain a very normal and approachable image. She often shares videos of herself spending time with her family and her husband, focusing on domestic life. King is known for her work ethic and her willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles. She avoids the “diva” behavior sometimes associated with former child stars and remains a professional presence on every set.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein is recognized for her warm personality and her focus on the craft of acting rather than the fame that comes with it. She has built a successful career on Broadway and in film while staying away from the typical celebrity lifestyle. Feldstein is known for being incredibly supportive of her colleagues and for her humble approach to her success. She keeps her personal life relatively private and focuses on projects that bring her joy.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever has quietly become one of the most respected actresses of her generation by focusing on high-quality scripts. She lives a relatively low-profile life and is rarely the subject of tabloid news or paparazzi attention. Dever is known for her professionalism and her grounded nature, often choosing to spend time with her family and friends away from the industry. She focuses on the work itself, which has earned her numerous award nominations and critical acclaim.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning has been in the spotlight for most of her life, yet she has managed to avoid the pitfalls of early fame. She is known for her whimsical yet professional public presence and her close relationship with her sister, Dakota. Fanning remains focused on her work, often taking on demanding roles in independent films. She has a reputation for being polite and friendly on set, with no interest in the more extravagant aspects of Hollywood life.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning transitioned from a successful child actress to a stable and respected adult performer. She moved to New York City to attend university and has lived a relatively normal life there for many years. Fanning is known for her intelligence and her ability to keep her private life completely out of the tabloids. She continues to work steadily in both film and television while maintaining a grounded and professional reputation.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld has successfully balanced a career in both acting and music while remaining family-oriented. Her parents and brother are frequently by her side, and she credits them with helping her stay grounded in a tough industry. Steinfeld is known for her hard work and her lack of interest in the “party” side of fame. She maintains a professional and positive public image, focusing on her creative projects and her fans.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy is known for her unique roles and her quiet, polite demeanor in interviews. She has stated that she often feels like an outsider in the glamorous world of Hollywood and prefers a more low-key lifestyle. Taylor-Joy is very private about her personal life and focuses her energy on her demanding filming schedules. She has earned a reputation for being incredibly hardworking and dedicated to the technical aspects of her performances.

Bella Ramsey

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–present) star Bella Ramsey is known for being extremely humble and for avoiding the spotlight when not working. They continue to live in their hometown and have expressed a lack of interest in the traditional “movie star” lifestyle. Ramsey is praised by co-stars for their maturity and their focus on the emotional truth of their characters. They use their platform to speak about mental health and neurodiversity in a way that is honest and grounded.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced remains deeply connected to her Peruvian heritage and her family, who play a central role in her life. She is known for her versatility as an actress and singer, as well as her professional and humble attitude. Merced often shares her experiences of traveling and spending time with her loved ones, rather than showing off luxury purchases. She focuses on being a positive role model for young people and on telling stories that resonate with her community.

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley is recognized for her quirky personality and her preference for a simple life in New York City. Despite being the daughter of Andie MacDowell, she has carved out her own path by focusing on challenging indie roles. Qualley is often seen walking around the city or engaging in dance, which was her first passion. She maintains a low-key public profile and is known for being genuinely kind and approachable in person.

Thomasin McKenzie

New Zealand actress Thomasin McKenzie has stayed true to her roots while achieving international success in films like ‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019). She continues to live in New Zealand and maintains a very quiet, private life away from the Hollywood machine. McKenzie is known for her intense focus on her roles and her lack of interest in the “celebrity” aspect of her career. She often chooses projects based on their artistic merit and the opportunity to work with interesting directors.

Please share your thoughts on which young actresses you find the most relatable in the comments.