Alison Sweeney, once a staple of daytime television and a fan-favorite on Days of Our Lives, has made peace with a life far from the Hollywood lights. And according to her, she wouldn’t change a thing.
The actress, now 48, rose to fame portraying the fiery and complicated Sami Brady, a role she played for over two decades. But after years of living in the fast-paced world of showbiz, Sweeney made a bold move: she left Hollywood behind, relocated her family from California to Arizona, and chose a life grounded in wellness, simplicity, and authenticity.
In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Sweeney candidly opened up about her decision to walk away from the entertainment industry’s chaos—and why she’s never looked back.
“I mean, no—I don’t miss Hollywood,” she said with a laugh. “I miss my family. I love my family. I go to visit them all the time, but they’re not really in Hollywood or whatever. So, no, I am thrilled with my life. I love how normal it is.”
Her words echo a growing sentiment among former child stars and long-time Hollywood veterans: fame doesn’t always equate to happiness. For Sweeney, true fulfillment lies in the everyday—morning routines, family dinners, personal growth, and health.
Her love affair with performing began when she was just four years old, starring in a Kodak commercial that launched her into the world of acting. From there, she landed roles across film and television before securing her place in soap opera history. On Days of Our Lives, Sami Brady was bold, reckless, passionate—and unforgettable. Sweeney gave the character life, nuance, and longevity, earning her legions of devoted fans.
But the spotlight came with its shadows. In a 2019 interview, Sweeney admitted to struggling with self-image and the relentless comparisons so common in Hollywood.
“There’s always someone out there who is prettier and skinnier and fancier,” she said at the time. “I had to fight to find that confidence within myself.”
It was that fight and eventual self-acceptance that led her to re-evaluate what truly mattered. Rather than continue chasing impossible industry standards, Sweeney took control of her narrative. She stepped away from the fame machine and into a life where her priorities could finally take center stage: health, family, and peace of mind.
While she’s no longer entrenched in the daily grind of Hollywood, Alison hasn’t disappeared. She continues to work on projects she’s passionate about, balancing her creativity with a quieter, more intentional lifestyle. To many, she’s a former soap star. But to others, she’s something more: a symbol of strength, clarity, and personal reinvention.
Alison Sweeney didn’t just leave Hollywood. She chose herself—and that may be her most powerful role yet.
