Kevin Sorbo: California's Taxes, Traffic, and Negativity Aren't Worth It

From Hercules to Hollywood's New Reality

I've always believed that storytelling should be honest, even when it's uncomfortable. When I sat down with Kevin Sorbo, I was struck by his quiet resolve and the clarity in his voice as he discussed his decision to leave California behind. Nearly seven years after relocating to Florida, Sorbo's sentiments about the Golden State have only grown stronger: "They can keep their taxes, they can keep their traffic, and they can keep their negativity — I'm done." It's a declaration that resonates with anyone who has ever felt squeezed by a place they once called home.

A Personal Decision Rooted in Principles

What's often lost in the media narrative is how deeply personal these decisions are for individuals like Sorbo. He wasn't simply relocating for the sake of it; he was making a statement about what he valued most. His move from California to Florida wasn't just about the weather or a new job opportunity — it was about finding space for his values, his family, and his faith in an industry that has often treated people like him with suspicion.

"I mean, here in Florida, yeah, we get five months of pretty high humidity. It's pretty hot, but the winters here are really quite amazing," Sorbo explained. "But yeah, there are things I miss, but they can keep their taxes, they can keep their traffic, and they can keep their negativity, I'm done."

California: A Place of Consequences

Sorbo's experience reflects a broader pattern — one that many conservative voices in Hollywood have faced. In the current climate, being a Christian or conservative can feel like an obstacle rather than an asset. Sorbo didn't mince words when discussing the industry's treatment of people who hold different viewpoints:

• "That's why I find a lot of things in Hollywood, with their blacklisting people that have conservative or Christian viewpoints, I find it like they're seventh grade mean girls."
• "It's just ridiculous and childish to me. We all have different opinions. There's nothing wrong with that."

He likened the industry's behavior to the shallow, bullying culture of schoolyard dynamics — something far removed from the sophisticated world of entertainment. Sorbo isn't alone in this view; many artists have spoken out about how their views have impacted their careers.

Reclaiming His Voice

The path to a new life wasn't without its challenges, but Sorbo has found his place in Florida. His work on films like Elijah Peel, a faith-based drama inspired by a true story, has allowed him to tell stories that might not have been given the chance in Hollywood's current environment.

"The people I've met here, the contacts I've met, it's been incredible," Sorbo shared. "It's a community of filmmakers and creators from across the country who see value in the kind of stories we're telling." His production company, Sorbo Studios, has become a hub for like-minded creatives.

A New Chapter: Finding Acceptance

What's perhaps most touching about Sorbo's story is his emphasis on acceptance. In California, he felt the pressure to conform — not just professionally but personally. But Florida offered him something that seemed increasingly rare in his previous home: a place where he could be authentically himself.

"It's the conservatives that are in the closet now because they saw me get canceled," Sorbo said. "But I'm still working."

This statement is both a call to action and an example of courage. Sorbo challenges other conservatives who may have felt forced into silence to find their own voice — even if it means stepping outside the comfort zone of mainstream Hollywood.

The Role of Faith in Hollywood

For Sorbo, faith isn't a side note; it's central to how he approaches both his career and his life. The film Elijah Peel, which he portrays as a music manager, explores themes of redemption and second chances — deeply personal for someone who has faced industry backlash. He believes in the power of stories that speak to people's hearts and minds.

"There's 80 million homes in America that want the kind of movies that I've been fortunate to be part of — that is going to keep on growing," he said, pointing to a new audience hungry for authentic storytelling. His message is clear: faith-based stories still have a place in our culture.

Family and Stability

Sorbo's life outside the spotlight has been equally grounded. With nearly three decades of marriage to his wife, Sam, and three children, family has always remained at the center of everything he does. He's open about how humor, compromise, and mutual respect have helped them navigate the challenges of Hollywood life.

"We have our disagreements, but we've always gone through those with no problem. And we've overcome those things," Sorbo said. "My boys are now 24 and 22, my daughter's 20."

Their children have grown up in an environment that values education, integrity, and personal conviction — including their decision to homeschool. It's a choice that reflects their values and gives them control over their upbringing.

Final Thoughts: A Life Well Lived

Kevin Sorbo's story is more than just a tale of moving from one state to another. It's about the courage it takes to live by your convictions, even when others don't agree. In a world where identity and expression are increasingly politicized, Sorbo stands as a reminder that we all have a right to be ourselves — no matter where we call home.

His words are not just a critique of California or Hollywood — they're a celebration of what's possible when you stay true to yourself. And in that, we find a deeply human story worth remembering.