Why ’80s icon Kelly LeBrock left Hollywood for ranch life and how she raised her kids away from the spotlight.
Kelly LeBrock, the iconic ’80s superstar who mesmerized audiences in films like Weird Science and The Woman in Red, recently revealed she “ran away” from Hollywood rather than simply stepping away. The actress and former supermodel, now living a peaceful existence on a ranch, candidly shared her decision to prioritize her children and a life far from the relentless glare of the public eye. This deeply personal choice, made at the height of her fame, has allowed her to embrace a fulfilling, private world centered on family, nature, and personal growth.
In a recent interview with Fox News, LeBrock reflected on her unconventional path, explaining that Hollywood’s atmosphere felt “ugly” and inauthentic to her. Consequently, after her high-profile divorce from actor Steven Seagal in 1996, she moved her family to a ranch north of Santa Barbara, California. There, she deliberately created a haven for her three children, shielding them from the negative press and chaotic lifestyle that came with celebrity. She found herself at home in a rural lifestyle, surrounded by goats and the tranquility of nature, a stark contrast to the red carpets and movie sets she left behind. Her commitment to her children was absolute; she famously told Fox News, “I could always go back to a career, but I couldn’t go back to my children.” This powerful sentiment underlines her motivations and the profound change she made to protect her family.
Raising a Family Away from the Spotlight
Kelly LeBrock’s simpler life truly began when she embraced her role as a single mother on the ranch. LeBrock raised her three children with Steven Seagal: Annaliza, Dominic, and Arissa. Annaliza, born in 1987, was followed by Dominic in 1990, and their youngest daughter, Arissa, was born in 1993. According to a detailed PEOPLE profile, LeBrock successfully raised them largely outside the media frenzy. She provided them with a grounded, private upbringing, ensuring they developed without the pressures and scrutiny that had defined her own life.
This upbringing proved formative for the children. While Annaliza and Dominic have pursued private lives away from the public eye, their youngest, Arissa, has stepped into the spotlight in a new and empowering way. Meanwhile, LeBrock celebrates the anniversary of her seminal ’80s film, Weird Science, which turned 40 in 2025. It’s a poignant reminder of her past fame, contrasting sharply with the serene reality she has built for herself and her loved ones.
Arissa LeBrock’s Path to Stardom and Strength
Arissa LeBrock’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience and self-reliance her mother instilled in her. Arissa has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a model, but with a modern twist, advocating for body positivity and appearing on the docuseries Growing Up Supermodel with her mother. Furthermore, she channeled her formidable energy into another passion: Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Arissa has openly shared how her mother’s encouragement helped her persevere. Her dedication even led her to a WWE tryout, showing she possesses a fighting spirit both inside and out of the ring. This unexpected career path highlights her unique personality and her mother’s influence, demonstrating how a childhood away from Hollywood’s traditional path can lead to a truly authentic and powerful identity.
The Context of Steven Seagal’s Evolving Career
While Kelly LeBrock has found peace, her ex-husband, Steven Seagal, has followed a different and more public trajectory. Seagal, known for his blockbuster action films in the late ’80s and ’90s, later saw his career shift dramatically. His move away from major theatrical releases to a heavy output of direct-to-video films, combined with various public controversies, has significantly impacted his public profile.
Based on recent estimates from sources like CelebrityNetWorth and ComingSoon.net, Steven Seagal’s net worth is currently estimated at around $14 million. This figure reflects his diverse income streams, including acting, producing, and music, but also shows the effects of his declining mainstream career. While the exact number remains an estimate, it provides a crucial financial context to the story of his former wife, Kelly LeBrock, who chose happiness over Hollywood’s riches and drama. Her story demonstrates that success and contentment are not always measured in dollars, but in the quality of a life well-lived.
This interesting contrast between the two former spouses offers a compelling narrative. One chose to escape the industry’s trappings to find a simpler, more meaningful existence, while the other navigated the changing tides of fame, fortune, and public scrutiny. For Kelly LeBrock, the decision to leave it all behind for goats and grandchildren was a conscious and deeply rewarding choice, one she describes as fulfilling and worth every sacrifice.
