What Happened to This 2000s Heartthrob Who Moved Away from the Spotlight & Became a Father of 2?

This former child star once called Hollywood a “very dark place.” Despite mixed feelings about showbiz, he’s continued his passion while keeping a low profile. Here’s a look at his life today.

The actor first stepped into the spotlight at seven and became a global sensation as Frodo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Since then, he’s carved out a steady career in entertainment and also became a parent, all while shying away from the media.

Following his role as Frodo, the actor turned away from Hollywood’s blockbuster scene, embracing smaller, indie films that offered a more intimate creative space. New Zealand, where he spent four formative years filming “The Lord of the Rings,” holds deep meaning for him.

Looking back on that time in an interview, the star shared, “I was there when I was 18 and left when I was 22, and there will never be an experience quite like it in my life. […] I kind of grew into being a man.”

This actor found fame as a child, but he has kept a low profile over the years. | Source: Getty Images

The actor rose to stardom after his stint in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on his career, he sees it as a journey guided by instinct rather than a set plan. “I can recognize a pattern, but I don’t strategize,” the Iowa native once explained, adding that his choices come from the heart, leading him to unexpected opportunities.

When asked if his acting approach has evolved, he admitted he hasn’t changed much since “The Lord of the Rings” days. Instead, it’s his personal growth and life experiences that now subtly inform his performances in ways that are hard to put into words.

Meanwhile, his perspective on Hollywood remains nuanced. “It can be a very dark place, but it can also be wonderful. At its best it’s an opportunity to create great art. It’s capable of that. At its worst it can destroy and bring out the worst in people,” said the former child star in another interview.

When asked about his acting strategy once, the actor shared it is solely based on instinct. | Source: Getty Images

The actor also reflected on his years on “Lord of the Rings” and admitted that nothing has changed since with regard to his acting approach. | Source: Getty Images

His approach to fame is intentional, steering clear of paparazzi hotspots in Los Angeles and staying away from the club scene. This low-profile lifestyle has kept him largely out of the tabloids.

In an interview, the celebrity credited his mother’s influence for keeping him grounded, sharing that she was “always concerned about how [he] would turn out as an adult.” Aware of the pressures in showbiz, she emphasized humility and ensured he didn’t define himself solely by his career.

“I had a sense of normalcy outside the context of work,” the movie star explained, noting that this upbringing provided a strong foundation for a balanced life. Privacy remains important to him, as he once stated, “I want to have as much privacy as I can.”

The actor has also been vocal about life in Hollywood and mentioned that one can be led astray in the industry. | Source: Getty Images

While he pointed out the downside of fame in showbiz, he also acknowledged that it can help one be creative. | Source: Getty Images

Now at 43, Elijah Wood treasures family life and rarely opens up about his personal affairs. He and his partner, Mette-Marie Kongsved, have two children, and Wood enjoys the day-to-day routines of fatherhood, including making breakfast for his son and daughter.

Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he expressed, “The silver lining of the pandemic has been that it’s enabled me to enjoy fatherhood in a way I might not have done. I love being a father. It’s all-consuming and it’s everything.”

Dedicated to preserving his family’s privacy, Wood keeps his Instagram account private, allowing him to post photos without sharing them with the world. He noted that having a public account would ultimately influence what he shares.

This commitment to a low-profile lifestyle aligns with his connection to Austin, Texas. After purchasing a home there, Wood became a regular at the South by Southwest festivals and found himself drawn to the city’s unique mix of big-city energy and small-town warmth.

His bond with Austin began in the late 1990s while filming “The Faculty.” Moreover, his connection to the city deepened as his brother lived in Austin for five years, working in the video game industry, which introduced Wood to local treasures like the Alamo Drafthouse and Fantastic Fest.

Feeling a strong sense of belonging, Wood shared that Austin’s welcoming nature has always made him feel like a local. Despite buying a home away from Hollywood, the public figure still finds time to reconnect with his former castmates.

In May 2022, he enjoyed a nostalgic reunion with some of his “Lord of the Rings” co-stars. Dominic Monaghan, who portrayed Merry Brandybuck in the trilogy, shared a snapshot of the gathering on Instagram.

The photo captured Monaghan, Wood, and two other castmates smiling together, commemorating their enduring friendship.

Elijah Wood’s journey from child star to beloved actor has been marked by a rare blend of humility, passion, and a deep appreciation for privacy. Whether embracing fatherhood, cherishing close friendships, or enjoying the vibrant yet laid-back lifestyle of Austin, he continues to live life on his own terms.

By following his heart and staying true to himself, Wood has managed to build a lasting legacy that extends beyond his iconic roles. As he balances family, career, and his connection to a city he loves, Wood’s story is one of growth, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to what truly matters.