Josh Duhamel revealed how he’s preparing to survive a potential global catastrophe.
In a recent chat with People magazine, the 52-year-old actor shared his thoughts on whether his family is prepared to endure an apocalypse at their Minnesota residence, a place he affectionately refers to as his “doomsday cabin.”
“Well, I have enough,” the “Ransom Canyon” star said. “Not 100%. Probably 70%.”
Duhamel confessed that he still needs to hone his survival abilities to secure a reliable food source if a catastrophic event were to happen.
“I could be a better hunter, I could be a better fisherman. I could stockpile a little more food supply,” he said.
The “Las Vegas” actor previously told Parade that he left Los Angeles behind to live off-grid in the cabin he spent 15 years building.
“The nearest store is 40 miles away,” he mentioned in April. “Once we arrive, it’s all about everyone looking out for each other – creating memories and enjoying time with family and friends.”
After years of effort to establish the self-sufficient retreat for his family, Duhamel expressed his appreciation for the chance to reconnect with fundamental aspects of life.
“You’re not overwhelmed by all these other distractions,” he remarked. “When you’re there, it’s all about having fun, ensuring everyone’s warm, and everyone has food and water.”
He resides in this cabin with his wife Audra Mari and their 1-year-old son, Shepherd. His 11-year-old son Axl, from his previous marriage to Fergie, also visits the home frequently.
Duhamel told People that his home is located about an hour and a half away from Fargo, North Dakota. He explained that he initially purchased a half parcel of land on which he built his home. However, Duhamel said that he later acquired additional land to expand his property.
The “Transformers” star recalled that he and his family lived without running water, electricity or other basic amenities for “a long time.”
While speaking with the outlet, Duhamel reflected on why he decided to embrace a more rustic lifestyle.
“I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, I truly do love it, but I had this calling,” Duhamel explained.
He said that he felt the urge “to go and really do things with my hands again — fix things, make things and just do the basic things that we take for granted.”
Duhamel told People that his Minnesota retreat also offers a “respite” from “this world of massive technology,” noting that the advent of artificial intelligence particularly “scares” him.
However, the actor clarified that his home in North Star state wasn’t only intended to be safe haven in the face of a worldwide Armageddon.
“The truth is, yes, people want to call it a doomsday prepper thing, but it’s really not that,” he told People. “I’m really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need.”
“I don’t think that we’re in any dire situation that we have to worry about prepping for doomsday, but it is good to have some of those skills,” Duhamel added.
“I was getting so far away from it for so long, that I felt like I wanted to get back to some of that.”
