Former reality television star Jacob Roloff has revealed insights into his life and experiences a decade after his complicated exit from the TLC series *Little People, Big World*. Joined by his wife Isabel, the couple sat down for an extensive interview with *People* magazine to discuss their journey into parenthood, the return to farming, and their married life together.
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Jacob Roloff, who gained fame as a cast member on *Little People, Big World* at the tender age of nine, made headlines in 2016 when he opted to leave the show that catapulted him to stardom. Following his departure, he shared troubling allegations about his time on set, which included claims of inappropriate conduct by a former producer and concerns about his compensation. TLC responded at the time by expressing its distress over the allegations and committing to cooperating with authorities regarding the claims.
Now at 29 years old, Jacob has returned to Roloff Farms, where he resides with Isabel, 30, and their four-year-old son, Matteo. Reflecting on the shift in their lives, he stated, “It’s certainly a new era.” His previous aversion to the spotlight was profound; he distanced himself from the public eye by relocating to Humboldt County in California, where he sought a life away from cameras, working normal jobs such as trimming weed. “Those people were not watching reality TV,” he recounted. “I was like, ‘That’s beautiful. I’ll stay here.’”
Isabel commented on Jacob’s desire for normalcy during that period, noting, “I think he just really craved being a normal person for a while.” However, a compelling draw back to Roloff Farms emerged; Jacob described the land’s soil as “the best soil on Earth.” This connection, along with encouragement from a colleague, motivated the couple to make the decision to return.
Today, Jacob and Isabel are actively involved in the operation of Roloff Farms, tending to 70 acres of land dedicated to growing pumpkins and caring for approximately 60 animals. Jacob’s cousin Max also assists with running the farm, while his brother Jeremy lives nearby. “It’s kind of the same old, but it’s me doing the work now instead of whomever else,” Jacob explains of his new role.
Notably, raising Matteo on the farm brings unique significance to Jacob, as his son experiences many of the same activities he did during his own childhood. “Seeing him pick the fruit from some of the same trees that I picked fruit from on the farm here, that has been incredible,” he expressed. Jacob shared that his own memories from pre-show life are scarce, making it particularly poignant to witness Matteo at the same age.
Isabel added depth to their parenting philosophy, stating, “He’s got a big personality and he speaks his mind and we’re raising him that way.” She emphasised the importance of recognising Matteo as an individual, rather than merely an extension of their own identities. “A lot of parents have so many expectations of who they want their kids to be,” she observed.
Looking ahead, the couple expressed aspirations for the future of Roloff Farms. Isabel articulated her hope for the land to flourish and remain within the family for generations to come, envisioning a day when Matteo might continue the legacy. “We’re hoping that Mateo and the family can keep enjoying it,” she said, adding a desire for broader family involvement in the future.
Jacob Roloff’s return to the family farm marks both a personal and professional revival for the former reality star. Despite the turmoil of the past, he has embraced a new chapter filled with familial bonds, shared experiences, and a deep connection to the land that shaped his early life. As he focuses on nurturing his son and contributing to the farm’s legacy, it appears that Roloff Farms is poised for a thriving future, rooted in love and tradition.