Celebrities are taking a back-to-basics approach, as stars like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Cate Blanchett and Jennifer Garner trade the limelight for the humble joys of raising chickens in their backyards. Meanwhile, the name game is shifting in Hollywood, with icons such as The Weeknd and Ariana Grande now embracing their birth names, signaling a trend toward authenticity and simplicity. On the personal front, Garner and ex-husband Ben Affleck continue to excel in their coparenting journey as their relationship evolves further into a deep friendship.

In addition, Brad Pitt‘s commitment to sobriety after his divorce from Angelina Jolie underscores a newfound tranquility and a focus on a quieter life. Across these stories, stars are making unexpected life choices that reflect a desire for genuine connections and personal growth.

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists from Us Weekly.