Taylor Kitsch, renowned for his role in Friday Night Lights, is developing a 22-acre nature retreat in Bozeman, Montana, dedicated to supporting the sober community. This endeavor is deeply personal for Kitsch, inspired by his sister Shelby Kitsch-Best’s journey to sobriety. In the mid-2010s, Kitsch took a two-year hiatus from acting to support his sister through her struggle with opioid and drug addiction. The retreat, slated to open within the next two years, is a tribute to her resilience and a testament to the power of recovery.
Kitsch’s vision for the retreat stems from his firsthand experience with the challenges of addiction and the transformative potential of sober living. He recognized the need for a space where individuals could reconnect with nature and find solace in a supportive environment. “I didn’t even know sober escapes existed until I had the crash course with my sis,” Kitsch shared in a recent interview. “It sounds incredible to offer people a chance to reconnect in nature and slow things down.”
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Kitsch, who relocated to Bozeman from Austin, Texas in 2021, expressed immense pride in his sister’s accomplishments. Now a traveling nurse in Vancouver, Kitsch-Best’s journey has profoundly impacted him. “She’s incredible,” he stated. “Probably the proudest thing I’ve done in my life is sticking with her and being a part of the way it’s turned out.” Their shared experience also informed Kitsch’s portrayal of an opioid addict in the 2023 Netflix series Painkiller. Kitsch-Best served as an advisor on the show, providing invaluable insight and support. “It’s probably the closest job to me that I’ve ever done,” he revealed. “To have her with me on that journey was kind of crazy and really cathartic.”
The role resonated deeply with audiences, and Kitsch received an outpouring of support from individuals in recovery and their families. “That was really a beautiful part of it that I didn’t really see coming: how many people that are sober now or fighting sobriety that related to his journey,” he remarked. He hopes to eventually tell his sister’s story in a film or television project, writing and directing it himself.
Beyond serving the sober community, Kitsch envisions the retreat as a haven for children and veterans, reflecting his ongoing commitment to these groups through his work with the African Children’s Choir and his involvement in films like 2013’s Lone Survivor. The retreat will offer a range of activities, from hiking and fishing to quiet reflection and creative pursuits.
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Incorporating his personal experiences with Native American traditions, Kitsch also plans to include a sweat lodge on the property, facilitated by a local shaman. “People will have the opportunity to sweat with him and work on whatever they need to work on,” he explained. “It’s been incredibly helpful for me.” This multifaceted approach to healing and well-being underscores Kitsch’s commitment to creating a truly transformative space. The retreat promises to be a place where individuals can find solace, connection, and renewed purpose amidst the natural beauty of Montana. Kitsch’s dedication to this project reflects not only his personal growth but also his enduring commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
