Actor Jason Priestley discussed his family’s move from Los Angeles to Nashville.
He and his wife Naomi decided to relocate if their two children got into schools in Nashville, which they did.
“My wife and I just said to each other, ‘If the kids get into the school, we’re going to Nashville!'” Priestley said. “And lo and behold, they both got in, so we moved, and we love it.”
Priestley noted life is easier to navigate in Nashville compared to LA, and they enjoy the distinct four seasons rather than LA’s homogeneous weather.
“We get four seasons instead of one season,” he said. “Because you have markers, and you know what time of year it is, it seems to make time go a little bit slower. There was something about the homogeneity of Los Angeles, where it was, ‘Is it March or is it October? I don’t know, I can’t really tell.’ So time just kind of evaporates. Whereas living here, with four very distinct seasons, you have to take advantage of what the season is offering.”
He and Naomi met in London while Priestley was working abroad and Naomi had just graduated college.
“I met Jason whilst I was working for a new media agency after recently graduating from University with a BA degree in Fine Arts (painting),” Naomi wrote. “Jason and I became inseparable and when his job came to an end in England, we took the jump, and I moved back to New York with him….then Vancouver, Calgary, Indianapolis, Toronto, LA….ok, you get the picture.”
They married in 2005 and have since moved around for Priestley’s acting career, including stints in New York, Vancouver, Calgary, Indianapolis and Toronto.
Priestley began his career as a child actor in commercials in Vancouver and faced more bullying than others.
“Being a kid actor in Canada meant I got beat up more than normal kids,” Priestly said. “The older kids just beat me up a lot more. ‘Hey, I saw you on TV in a commercial, kid.’ Boom!”
He moved to LA at 17, where he landed his iconic role on Beverly Hills, 90210.
