James Denton Discusses Why Los Angeles Environment Posed Challenges for Raising Children

Actor James Denton has revealed his perspective on why raising his children outside of Los Angeles ultimately provided them with a more beneficial upbringing.

Denton detailed the reasons behind his family's relocation from Los Angeles to the Midwest and the positive impact this move had on his son and daughter.

The performer observed the experiences of children growing up in Los Angeles, noting the significant influence of social media and a strong inclination to conform. This phenomenon, he stated, was less prevalent in his own children's lives.

"Whether it's the plastic surgery or the nails or the hair or all that. It's really interesting to me and something my daughter didn't really go through in the Midwest to that degree. So that was interesting to see. Wow, that is a different culture for kids."

He further elaborated: "Some parents handle it great and do a wonderful job. But I thought it was easier just to get out of it. And we had a great reason with all the family there. But, L.A. is a tougher place because of, I think just that whole, the emphasis on image, which really is hard to escape in L.A."

Leaving Los Angeles for a Different Upbringing

Denton, known for his role in "Desperate Housewives," shares two children with his wife, Erin O'Brien: son Sheppard, 23, and daughter Malin, 21. They were only 10 and 8 years old, respectively, when the couple made the decision to move.

"Their mom and I were like, 'Look, all of her family was up in Minnesota, great place to raise kids, in the Midwest, great public schools, let's get them out of LA. Let them grow up somewhere a little more healthy and then I'll figure it out,'" he recounted. "And there's a good example Providence, whatever. I immediately got a job on the Hallmark Channel in Toronto. So I was only two hours away and I flew home every weekend."

He explained that since returning to Los Angeles, he has encountered many children whom he describes as "fantastic." However, for his own kids, he believes that growing up "around their cousins and grandparents" during their younger years in the Midwest "was a better place for them to grow up."

Portraying George Washington in "A General's Prayer"

Beyond his television work, Denton recently starred in a one-man theatrical production titled "A General's Prayer." The play delves into the significant role of prayer during some of President George Washington's most challenging periods while leading the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

"It's set at Valley Forge, the beautiful set with tents, and it even snows," he shared. "But he was at the end of his rope. I mean, that was when Washington really did seriously have doubts if we would survive. That's the all starved, dissolved, dispersed speech which we use. And so it's interesting to see him that vulnerable because you never get to see it. He's so stoic, and he's so revered and you never to see that vulnerability. It's interesting too how he had so many names for God."

The play premiered at the World Stage Theater at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on June 12, concluding its run on July 19.

Washington's Enduring Message for the Nation

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's independence approaching, Denton emphasized the importance of remembering Washington's words, stating that "This play is full of that," and that the final "25% of it is what I wish for this nation."

"Almost every word of it is taken from Washington's speeches and written and oral," he stated. "But one thing he says that really sticks with me is that this country be bound by a familial affection. So we're not characterized by geographical distinctions, northern, southern, western, can all have a unity. That doesn't enable cunning and unprincipled men to subvert the power of the people."

He continued, clarifying: "That's not a political statement about anything. It's just a general statement that our leaders have to live up to a certain standard. And if we are united, we can sort of manifest that. So that's the big one, the geographical thing. He really wanted to pull the country together. And of course, you know, his real aversion to international entanglements. So I would love to hear what he thinks of the MOU, but we're never gonna know."