Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron recently explained on the Adam Carolla Podcast that he left California for Tennessee to escape the state's "horrible politics" and "all the other things that make raising a family difficult.".
«"When you're a kid in California, it's great because your parents pay for everything," Cameron said. "So you go to the beach, relax, ski, eat a burger from In-N-Out, get hot dogs in downtown Hollywood. It's great. You have a great time.".
More from Variety
-
ABC filed a broadcast license renewal application with the Federal Communications Commission "in protest," claiming the agency's decision is "unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional.".
-
The 2027 Grammy Awards nominees and broadcast date have been announced. The broadcast will air on ABC and Hulu.
-
ABC's Fall 2026 Schedule: 'High Potential' Surprisely Moved to Midseason; 'Scrubs' Gets Fall Slot.
He continued, "But then, like my children, they finally left and started living on their own, and they realized how expensive it was. They realized how terrible the politics were there and all the other factors that make raising a family difficult. And suddenly they realized, 'Oh my God, we need to move. We need to go somewhere where we can actually thrive and maybe even just survive.'".
Cameron said he "hopes to return someday" to California, adding that "when you compare everything on its merits, I think California has a lot to offer.".
Speaking about the benefits of living in Nashville, Cameron said, "There are so many creative people here with good values. They love their families. They're proud of their country—and the whiskey here is excellent. So if you like whiskey and spicy chicken, Nashville is the place to be.".
Cameron played Mike Seaver, the eldest son of the Seaver family, for all seven seasons of Growing Pains, which ran for 167 episodes and aired on ABC.
The best of variety
-
What's Coming to Disney+ in June 2026?
-
What's Coming to Netflix in June 2026?
-
Tony Awards Predictions: Early Predictions Including 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Lost Boys,' Plus Possible Records for Squibb, Lithgow, and Apple.
Subscribe to the Variety newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. .