Kirk Cameron is opening up about the decision that led him to leave California after spending most of his life there.
The former “Growing Pains” star recently revealed on Adam Carolla’s podcast that he relocated to Tennessee two years ago, citing California’s high cost of living and political climate as key factors behind the move.
The actor’s comments also offered a glimpse into the values that have guided his family life, marriage, and parenting journey over the past three decades.
Kirk Cameron Explains Why Tennessee Became the Right Fit
During his conversation with Adam Carolla, Cameron said California was a great place to grow up but became more difficult as his children entered adulthood.
“When you’re a kid in California it’s great because your parents are paying for everything,” Cameron said. “So, you go to the beach, you’re hanging out, you’re going snow skiing, you get to eat an In-N-Out burger, you get to get some, you know, hot dogs downtown in Hollywood. It’s great. You’re having a good time.”
According to Cameron, his perspective changed as he watched his children establish their own lives.
“They realize how terrible the politics are and all of the other things that make it difficult to raise a family there,” he said. “And so all of a sudden it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, we gotta move. We gotta go someplace where we can actually thrive and maybe even just survive.’”
Although Cameron now calls Tennessee home, he made it clear he still appreciates his home state.
“I hope to return someday, because pound-for-pound, I think California has just so much to offer,” he said.
He added that Tennessee’s popularity continues to grow.
“There’s so many creatives here that have good values. They love their family,” Cameron said. “They’re proud of their country â and the whiskey is great. So, if you like whiskey and hot chicken, Nashville is the place to be.”
The ‘Growing Pains’ Star and Chelsea Cameron’s Marriage Has Lasted More Than Three Decades
Long before the move to Tennessee, Cameron met his future wife while starring on “Growing Pains.”
Speaking with Fox News, Cameron recalled how their relationship began.
“I met Chelsea on ‘Growing Pains,’” he said. “She was Mike Seaver’s girlfriend on the show, so I like to tell people that I stole Mike’s girlfriend and I married her.”
The couple married in July 1991 and have remained together for more than three decades.
Cameron has frequently discussed the role faith plays in their marriage. In a 2025 interview with Focus on the Family, he described marriage as a lifelong commitment.
“Marriage is a covenant relationship between me, my wife and Jesus,” Cameron said. “And there is no exiting out of that covenant relationship.”
He shared a similar perspective when discussing his 2008 film “Fireproof.” Cameron explained that he did not want to film a romantic kiss with co-star Erin Bethea because of a promise he made to his wife.
“There’s nothing make-believe about kissing an actress,” Cameron said. “You’re kissing her. I made a commitment not to kiss any actress, ever. That’s reserved for my wife.”
To complete the scene, the production used Cameron’s wife as a stand-in while filming the moment in silhouette.
“God defines the terms,” Cameron said. “We don’t. It’s a union built entirely on trust.”
Family Has Remained at the Center of Kirk Cameron’s Life
Family has long been a priority for Cameron and his wife.
The actor told Movieguide that adoption became part of their family plans early in their marriage because of Chelsea’s personal experience.
“It came up pretty naturally because my wife Chelsea is an adopted child,” Cameron explained. “This was something that was always a part of her life, and something she’s always wanted to do.”
The couple welcomed their first adopted child in 1996 and eventually adopted four children. They also have two biological children together, giving them a family of six.
Today, all six of their children are adults and have started lives of their own. The family, affectionately known as the “CamFam,” has also entered a new chapter as Cameron has become a grandfather.
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