Today : Jan 15, 2026
Arts & Culture
14 January 2026

Ali Larter Embraces Bold Role And Real Life Changes

The 'Landman' star opens up about taking home set souvenirs, her contrasting personal style, and why she left Hollywood behind for a quieter life in Idaho.

Ali Larter, the Hollywood actress best known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Final Destination," has found herself back in the limelight thanks to her captivating portrayal of Angela Norris on Paramount+'s neo-Western drama "Landman." As the show continues to attract viewers with its gritty depiction of the West Texas oil boom, Larter's character—a fiery, unapologetic ex-wife opposite Billy Bob Thornton's Tommy Norris—has become a fan favorite, not just for her bold personality but also for her daring sense of style.

During a candid conversation at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Larter revealed to PEOPLE that she couldn't resist taking a few keepsakes from the set of "Landman"'s second season. Among her souvenirs: a pair of Leddy's cowboy boots, a stylish Agent Provocateur bra featured in episode seven, and a trusty pair of Wranglers. "I've got to have them," Larter said with a laugh, underscoring how the Western wardrobe had become part of her own off-screen story. These tokens serve as reminders of the world she inhabits as Angela—a world where confidence and attitude are stitched into every seam.

"Landman," which premiered in November 2024, quickly rose to become a Paramount+ favorite. The series, inspired by the real-life oil rush in West Texas, blends high-stakes industry drama with personal intrigue. The show's second season debuted in late December 2025, and within just two weeks, it was renewed for a third season, a testament to its strong viewer reception and the compelling performances of its cast.

Larter's Angela is a character who lives life on her own terms. In a November 2025 interview with The New York Times, Larter described Angela's zest for life: "She looks for the thrill in life. Her heels can't be high enough; the jeans can't be tight enough; the boobs can't be pushed up enough." It's a far cry from Larter's own personal style, which leans more toward classic refinement than Angela's body-conscious, attention-grabbing wardrobe. Yet, it's precisely this contrast that makes Angela such a liberating role for Larter. "Angela walks through life without the fear of judgment of others. She makes up her own rules," Larter explained to PEOPLE. For the actress, stepping into Angela's skin means shedding her own inhibitions and embracing a bolder, more audacious persona—even if it comes with some wardrobe-induced anxiety.

"Anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it's really difficult," Larter admitted. But she has a method for overcoming the nerves: "There is no space in my mind for insecurity—I'm not allowing any of that into my space when I play Angela." That determination to embody Angela's confidence has resonated with viewers, many of whom have flocked to Larter's social media to share their praise. Under a June 2025 Instagram post, one fan wrote, "You hit a home run with that role." Another commented, "You are amazing. Thank the person who cast you on Landman. There is NOBODY who could do it better."

Off screen, Larter's life couldn't be more different from Angela's. After years of navigating the demands of Hollywood, Larter and her husband, comedian Hayes MacArthur, decided to make a dramatic change for the sake of their family. In 2022, they left Los Angeles behind and settled in Sun Valley, Idaho—a move that Larter says was motivated entirely by their children. "We love being with our children, so a lot of the people that we spend time with are our children's—the parents of the children [who are their kids' friends]," she explained in a November 2025 interview. The move was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, when California schools closed and remote learning became the norm. What started as a two-month stay in Idaho turned into a permanent relocation.

"We just didn't want to do that," Larter said, referring to the endless cycle of Hollywood parties and obligations. "We want to be with our children. So, that's when I think the biggest change was. We came back after that summer, and we just made a go for it." The decision echoes a growing trend among celebrities seeking a quieter, more family-focused life away from Los Angeles. Stars like Matthew McConaughey and Mark Wahlberg have made similar moves, citing the desire for a more grounded environment for their kids.

Larter's transformation from Hollywood starlet to Idaho resident hasn't dulled her sense of style—far from it. At the Elle Women in Hollywood celebration in November 2025, she turned heads in a checkered Teresa Helbig dress paired with thigh-high boots, a look that was playful yet restrained compared to Angela's on-screen flamboyance. Later that month, she dazzled in a red Georges Hobeika gown at a Las Vegas event, proving that her personal fashion is more about sensual sophistication than overt sex appeal. The contrast between Larter and her character is striking, but both share an undeniable confidence that draws attention wherever they go.

Part of Larter's enduring appeal is her natural beauty, which she recently showcased in a makeup-free photo on Instagram. The image, posted on January 14, 2026, used clever lighting and hair placement, but fans were quick to notice that Larter's youthful glow wasn't just a trick of the camera. Her skin appeared nearly flawless, and comments poured in praising her for her authenticity and ageless looks. Larter credits her fresh-faced appearance to a simple health and beauty routine: "juice, gym, steam, cream," she told Page Six in 2024. Even in the most candid moments, her confidence and poise shine through—a testament to the self-assurance she's cultivated both on and off the screen.

As "Landman" continues to air new episodes every Sunday, Larter's portrayal of Angela Norris stands as a fascinating study in contrasts: the actress who has traded Hollywood glamour for small-town Idaho life, and the character who lives without fear or filter. Through it all, Larter remains grounded, finding joy in her family, her craft, and the little pieces of Angela she carries home in a pair of cowboy boots and a well-worn pair of jeans.