Chris Harrison Reflects on Departure from ‘Bachelor’ Franchise and Relocation from Los Angeles
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Experienced television host and former face of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, Chris Harrison, recently sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss his departure from the popular reality TV show and his new life away from the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
Harrison bid farewell to ‘The Bachelor’ franchise in 2021 after being a prominent figure for almost two decades. He hosted the show since its inception in 2002 and was a familiar presence in its various spin-offs like ‘The Bachelorette’ and ‘Bachelor in Paradise’. However, amidst controversy in 2021, Harrison officially parted ways with the franchise after 19 years, leading to a significant turning point in his life.
In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Harrison shared that leaving the show brought him an unexpected sense of relief. He expressed, “It feels wonderful, and thanks for asking that because I wasn’t sure it would. When you do something every single day for two decades, and it’s so popular around the world, there is a pressure to that, and there’s a spotlight and a microscope that you don’t even realize you’re under until you kinda get off that merry-go-round.”
The seasoned presenter reflected on the initial unease he felt after stepping away from the show but found solace in the newfound freedom. He revealed that the change allowed him to explore different facets of life, especially after moving to Austin from Los Angeles in 2020 with his wife, Lauren Zima. The couple’s decision to relocate to Austin stemmed from both a desire to be closer to Harrison’s hometown of Dallas and the burgeoning opportunities the city offers.
Harrison expressed his excitement about Austin being a hub for diverse industries like tech, music, food, and entertainment. He emphasised the creative vibe of the city, likening it to a new Hollywood where endless possibilities await those with an open mind and heart. The former host credited the city’s vibrant energy and his supportive relationship with Zima as sources of inspiration for their future endeavours.
The dynamic duo, who tied the knot at Ranch Austin two years ago, recently hosted a charity event, “Experience: Austin,” which raised over $800,000 to fund the nonprofit’s inaugural Texas location. Zima, who became involved with the organisation after experiencing her own loss, expressed her pride in being part of a cause that supports grieving children.
Harrison applauded Zima’s dedication to helping children cope with loss and highlighted the transformative impact of Experience Camps on participants. The event attracted several members of ‘Bachelor Nation’ including Ben Higgins, Kelley Flanagan, and Raven Gates, among others, showcasing the community’s support for a meaningful cause.
As Harrison and Zima embark on a new chapter in their lives, the couple remains tight-lipped about their upcoming creative projects but teased exciting developments on the horizon. Harrison playfully dodged questions about specifics, promising future revelations while alluding to collaborative ventures with Zima.
The pair’s evolving journey post-‘Bachelor’ serves as a testament to embracing change and pursuing fresh opportunities beyond the confines of reality television. Harrison’s candid reflections on finding joy and purpose after bidding adieu to a long-standing career underscore the power of resilience and adaptation in navigating life’s transitions.