Tommy Lee Jones, 80, left Hollywood for a country life on a 6,000-acre Texas ranch with wife Dawn Laurel-Jones, 25 horses and two polo fields: ‘In my wisdom, I went home’ | English Movie News
Hollywood may have given Tommy Lee Jones fame, awards and a celebrated acting career, but the actor has always felt a stronger connection to Texas. At 80, the Oscar winner is offering a rare glimpse into his life on a sprawling 6,000-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country, where horses, polo and a historic home keep him occupied away from the entertainment industry.In a November 10 feature for The New York Times, Jones spoke about why he eventually returned to San Saba, the small Texas town where he was born, after spending decades working in Hollywood.“There came a time when I became aware that I could live anywhere I wanted to,” he said. “So, in my wisdom, I went home.”The actor’s decision reflects his long-standing preference for privacy and a life away from the constant attention that comes with being a Hollywood star.
From a Texas upbringing to Harvard and an Oscar-winning career
Jones grew up largely in Midland, Texas, where his father worked as a roughneck in the Permian Basin. He later attended St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas on a scholarship before going to Harvard University.His college roommate was Al Gore, who would later become the 45th vice president of the United States. Jones eventually pursued acting and built a career spanning several decades, earning an Academy Award for his performance in The Fugitive.He became widely recognised for films such as Men in Black, No Country for Old Men, JFK and Lincoln. Despite his success, however, he never appeared particularly interested in making Hollywood the centre of his life.Instead, he returned to the place where his story began.
A historic 1856 home filled with art and antiques
Jones lives in an imposing two-storey limestone house built in 1856. The property, which he describes as a fort built when Sam Houston was still alive, is surrounded by the rugged landscape of Texas Hill Country.The home reflects the actor’s interest in architecture, art and history. Its interiors feature two slate-top tables signed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and a 120-year-old settle sofa made by Gustav Stickley.The collection also includes Native American artefacts discovered on the property, a Donald Judd aluminium box mounted on an upstairs wall and a painting by Texas artist Kermit Oliver displayed above Jones’ office desk.It is a striking contrast to the public life he has led for decades. Away from film sets and premieres, the ranch offers him the privacy and space he has long valued.
Why polo remains an important part of his life
The actor’s historic Texas home features an impressive collection of antiques, artwork and Native American artefacts discovered on the property. (Photo: Western Horseman)
The ranch is also home to approximately 25 horses and two regulation polo fields. Jones took up polo in the 1970s, and the sport remains an important part of his life.His wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones, who has been married to the actor for 25 years, also competes in polo. The couple are involved in managing the estate’s equine operations and breeding polo foals.They also share their home with two Italian greyhounds, named Emilio Fernández and L.Q. Jones, after actors admired by the star.However, maintaining a sprawling country estate is not always straightforward. Jones is currently dealing with feral hogs that have been damaging the property’s lawn. The problem has forced him to consider putting up a perimeter barrier, although he is reluctant to surround the historic house with fences.“I didn’t want any fences around the house,” he said. “As you can see, the house has an architectural statement to make.”
Wife Dawn explains why the actor avoids the spotlight
Tommy Lee Jones and wife Dawn Laurel-Jones share a passion for polo and horses, with around 25 horses and two regulation polo fields on their ranch. (Photo: Getty)
Jones’ preference for a quiet life is shared by his wife, who understands how uncomfortable he can be with the public scrutiny that comes with his profession.Dawn described the experience of being constantly watched and judged as deeply alienating for the actor.“It’s very alienating for him to be objectified so thoroughly,” she said. “Even in some of the most private moments that he can’t even process without being under a microscope.”The couple first met in 1995 while working on the television film Good Old Boys. Jones directed and starred in the project, while Dawn worked as a second assistant camera operator.They married in 2001 and have largely kept their relationship away from public attention. Their shared interest in horses and polo has remained a significant part of their life together.
Tommy Lee Jones makes a television comeback with The Lowdown
Although Jones has chosen to spend much of his time away from Hollywood, he has not completely left acting behind.He recently returned to television with FX’s The Lowdown, starring Ethan Hawke. The series, filmed in Oklahoma, marks a rare small-screen appearance for the actor, who has spent much of his career working in films.His return has brought him back into the public eye, but his latest comments suggest that Texas remains his preferred place to be.“I knew that God loved me,” Jones said. “Because he put me on the ground in Texas.”
Actor has kept a low profile following daughter Victoria’s death
Tommy Lee Jones has kept a low profile following the death of his daughter Victoria, who died aged 34 in January 2026. (Photo: Getty)
Jones’ preference for privacy has also come into focus following the death of his daughter, Victoria Jones, who was found dead at a hotel in San Francisco on January 1, 2026. She was 34.The family released a statement on January 2, thanking people for their kind words and support while requesting privacy during the difficult period.“We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you,” the statement read.A source told People that Jones had continued to maintain a low profile following his daughter’s death, spending most of his time at the ranch and occasionally leaving for necessary errands.Victoria was Jones’ daughter from his marriage to his former wife, Kimberlea Cloughley. She had appeared alongside her father in Men in Black II and also featured in other film and television projects.The San Francisco medical examiner later ruled that Victoria died from the toxic effects of cocaine, with her death classified as accidental.Jones also has a son, Austin, with Cloughley.
