**Tony Hale Discusses His Return to Acting and Life in Birmingham Following Relocation from LA**
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Actor Tony Hale, renowned for his role as Forky in the beloved Toy Story franchise, is gearing up for his return in the highly anticipated *Toy Story 5*. Hale, who moved with his family to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2024, has embraced a lifestyle shift, trading the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for a slower-paced environment.
In an interview with PEOPLE conducted at his home in Birmingham this March, the 55-year-old actor shared insights about his decision to relocate. “While I love being in L.A., it can be overwhelming to constantly think about what’s next,” Hale explained. “Down here, I’m not preoccupied with that as much.”
Hale has come to appreciate Alabama’s uncomplicated lifestyle, highlighting the area’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes. The actor described Birmingham as a fantastic town that offers many enticing features without the frantic pace found in larger cities. “Life is simpler here,” he noted, underscoring the benefits of living away from the industry’s constant demands.
Having spent 22 years in Los Angeles with his wife Martel, an Emmy-winning makeup artist, Hale’s move also kept family ties close. The couple has roots in the Southern states, and they felt a strong pull to relocate after their daughter, Loy, graduated from high school and began her college journey in the Southeast. “We love being close to her,” Hale remarked, though he acknowledged that Loy had mixed feelings about leaving her hometown. “She wasn’t thrilled about us moving from L.A. I understand that; that’s her home.”
Hale reflected on the contrasts between his life in California and his new home in Alabama. While he often finds himself defending both regions, he emphasised that Southern culture is not monolithic. “The South is an incredibly hospitable place,” he stated. “There are really good people here striving for kindness and understanding. However, there are also those who may be a bit closed-off.”
Despite the geographical shift, Hale remains active in the entertainment industry, recently attending the premieres of *Toy Story 5* and a new Netflix comedy, *Office Romance*, in which he stars alongside Jennifer Lopez. He is currently filming a new movie directed by Nancy Meyers, marking her first feature film in over a decade. The array of exciting projects keeps him connected to Hollywood, even from miles away.
In Birmingham, Hale has embraced the luxuries of simplicity, such as the easier logistics of parking. “In big cities like New York and L.A., you often find yourself worrying about where to park and if you need to move your car,” he shared. “Here, I rarely think about that, and that simplicity is refreshing.”
Though his time in L.A. cultivated meaningful relationships and a vibrant creative scene, Hale acknowledges he also misses certain aspects of it. He reminisces about the time spent in his car — a space that became sacred for calls, music, and podcasts. “You realise how much you cherished that time,” he confessed. “Here, everything is usually just ten minutes away, and I never expected to miss being in my car!”
As he prepares for his role in *Toy Story 5* and continues working on exciting new endeavours, Hale appears grateful for both his current surroundings in Birmingham and his enduring connections to California. This new chapter in his life exemplifies a balance between personal priorities and professional aspirations, allowing him to enjoy a more grounded existence while still thriving in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.