5 Reasons Why Chris O'Dowd Left Hollywood And His Shocking New TV Series 'Small Town, Big Story' (2025 Update)

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Irish actor and comedian Chris O'Dowd is experiencing a monumental career shift, marked by a return to his roots and the launch of his most ambitious project to date. The star, globally recognized for his breakout role as Roy Trenneman in the cult classic *The IT Crowd* and his turn as the charming Officer Nathan Rhodes in the blockbuster film *Bridesmaids*, has recently made headlines not just for his compelling new acting roles, but for a significant personal decision: leaving his long-time home in Los Angeles. This move back to Britain with his family signals a new, creatively-focused chapter for the actor, writer, and director, one that is already yielding fresh content and attracting major industry attention. The shift in O'Dowd's life coincides with a flurry of high-profile work, including a starring role in the highly anticipated seventh season of the anthology series *Black Mirror* and the creation of his own Sky Original comedy-drama, *Small Town, Big Story*, which is slated for a 2025 premiere. His decision to step away from the Hollywood machine and focus on projects closer to home has offered fans a new, more personal perspective on the beloved Irish talent, cementing his status as one of the most versatile and beloved figures in modern television and film.

Chris O'Dowd: Complete Biography and Profile

Christopher "Chris" O'Dowd is an acclaimed Irish actor, comedian, writer, and director who has successfully navigated both the UK and US entertainment industries. Known for his distinctive voice, towering height, and ability to blend heartfelt drama with dry, observational comedy, O'Dowd's career spans theatre, film, and television, earning him a Golden Globe nomination and an Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA).

• Full Name: Christopher O'Dowd
• Date of Birth: 9 October 1979
• Age (as of 2024): 45
• Place of Birth: Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland
• Nationality: Irish
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (190 cm)
• Education: University College Dublin (studied Politics and Sociology), London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
• Wife: Dawn O'Porter (m. 2012), a successful writer, journalist, and presenter
• Children: Two sons, Art and Valentine
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $6 million (USD)
• Notable Roles: Roy Trenneman (*The IT Crowd*), Officer Nathan Rhodes (*Bridesmaids*), Tom Chadwick (*Family Tree*), Richard Ayoade (*The Sapphires*), Lenny Brown (*State of the Union*).

The Shocking Move: Why the Actor Left Hollywood After 16 Years

One of the most significant recent updates in Chris O'Dowd’s life is his decision to return to Britain, settling in London with his wife, Dawn O'Porter, and their two children, after living in Los Angeles for 16 years. This personal choice was driven by a desire for a more connected and grounded family life, a sentiment he has openly discussed in recent interviews. The Hollywood experience, while professionally enriching, eventually felt isolating for the family.

The move was not an impulsive decision but a thoughtful change rooted in the family's well-being. O'Dowd expressed that the distance and the fast-paced, often disconnected nature of Hollywood life eventually became too much. "In Hollywood we felt very disconnected, very far away," he stated, noting that the family has settled well in London. For an actor who often draws on authentic, grounded experiences for his work—like his semi-autobiographical series *Moone Boy*—being closer to the cultural and social fabric he understands best appears to be a crucial element of his creative and personal fulfillment.

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This geographical shift directly impacts his current projects, allowing him to focus on more European and UK-based productions, including his highly anticipated new series. The return also aligns with a growing trend of established actors prioritizing quality of life and creative control over the relentless pursuit of blockbusters in the US market.

Chris O'Dowd’s 3 Major Upcoming Projects Cementing His Topical Authority

O'Dowd’s career has always been characterized by a blend of broad comedy and nuanced drama, from his time on Lena Dunham's *Girls* to his Golden Globe-nominated performance in *State of the Union*. His latest slate of projects for 2025 and beyond demonstrates a continued commitment to diverse, high-quality roles, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and a creator.

1. The Creation and Premiere of 'Small Town, Big Story' (2025)

Perhaps the most exciting development is the upcoming Sky Original comedy-drama series, *Small Town, Big Story*, which O'Dowd created, wrote, and stars in. This six-part series is set in the fictional rural Irish town of Drumbán, a location that feels deeply personal and authentic to O'Dowd's roots in County Roscommon. The story revolves around an American TV crew that descends upon the small town to film a major Hollywood production, turning local life upside down.

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The series is a dramatic comedy that promises to explore the clash of cultures—small-town Irish life versus big-budget Hollywood ambition—a theme O'Dowd is uniquely positioned to explore given his own personal experience. The series boasts a stellar cast, including Christina Hendricks, and is set to premiere on February 27, 2025. This project allows O'Dowd to wield ultimate creative control, following the success of his previous series, *Moone Boy*, which earned him an IFTA.

2. A Dark Turn in 'Black Mirror' Season 7

In a significant shift from his usual comedic roles, Chris O'Dowd is slated to appear in the highly anticipated seventh season of Charlie Brooker’s acclaimed, Emmy-award-winning anthology series, *Black Mirror*. While details of the specific episode are scarce, his involvement suggests a return to the darker, more dramatic side of his acting repertoire. *Black Mirror* is known for pushing actors into uncomfortable and thought-provoking scenarios, and O'Dowd’s presence is a major coup for the season, confirming his status as a sought-after talent in both comedy and drama.

3. Joining Luca Guadagnino’s Film 'Artificial'

Further solidifying his commitment to high-calibre cinematic projects, O'Dowd has also joined the cast of the upcoming film *Artificial*, directed by the visionary Luca Guadagnino, known for masterpieces like *Call Me By Your Name* and *Bones and All*. The film is an Amazon MGM Studios production, and while plot details remain under wraps, working with a director of Guadagnino's stature is a powerful endorsement of O'Dowd's dramatic capabilities. This film role ensures his continued relevance on the big screen, balancing his television commitments with prestige cinema.

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From 'The IT Crowd' to 'Bridesmaids': A Legacy of Grounded Comedy

Chris O'Dowd’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to play the everyman—the slightly awkward, lovable, and deeply human character. His most iconic roles have established a legacy of grounded comedy that resonates with audiences globally.

• Roy Trenneman in *The IT Crowd*: This role launched O'Dowd to international fame. As the disgruntled IT technician who preferred to ignore the phone, Roy Trenneman became a cult figure, defining O'Dowd’s early career in dry, British-style comedy.
• Officer Nathan Rhodes in *Bridesmaids*: His performance as the kind, patient Irish police officer who becomes the love interest for Kristen Wiig's character was a critical and commercial success. It showcased his romantic leading man potential and his natural chemistry, proving he could hold his own in a major Hollywood comedy.
• Tommy Moone in *Moone Boy*: O'Dowd created, co-wrote, and starred in this semi-autobiographical series about a young boy growing up in a small Irish town with an imaginary friend. The show was a critical darling, winning an International Emmy Award and highlighting O'Dowd's deep connection to his Irish heritage and his talent for heartfelt storytelling.

With his new focus on projects like *Small Town, Big Story*, which is set in a similar small-town Irish context, O'Dowd is clearly drawing on this successful, authentic creative well. His recent move back to the UK, while a personal decision, seems to be a powerful catalyst for a new wave of creatively rich, geographically-inspired work.