Hollywood power couple George and Amal Clooney have made a definitive life change, confirming they are leaving the United States for good after officially becoming French citizens.
A New Chapter in Provence
The actor, 64, and the human rights lawyer, 47, who have been married since 2014, solidified their plans just after the recent festive season. The couple, along with their eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, have now obtained French citizenship. This formal step paves the way for a permanent relocation to their stunning property in Provence, France, which they purchased in 2021.
Several French media outlets have reported on the citizenship news, corroborating the family's significant transition. The Clooneys are said to live near the town of Brignoles in their French home, though they retain a global portfolio of properties including residences in Los Angeles, Lake Como, Italy, Los Cabos, Mexico, and South Oxfordshire, England.
Seeking a "Fair Shake" for Their Family
George Clooney has been candid about the primary motivation behind the move: providing a more grounded upbringing for their children. In a past interview with Esquire, he expressed deep reservations about raising a family in Los Angeles.
"I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life," Clooney stated, referencing the intense Hollywood culture and pervasive fame. "France—they kind of don’t give a shit about fame. I don’t want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi."
He contrasted the children's current experiences, noting that at their Provençal home, "they’re not on their iPads" and enjoy a life more connected to the outdoors, reminiscent of his own childhood on a farm. The Oscar-winner also revealed he has been attempting to learn French in preparation for the relocation.
Part of a Growing Celebrity Exodus
The Clooneys are not alone in seeking a life beyond American borders. They join a notable list of US celebrities who have chosen to move abroad in recent years.
- Comedian Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland earlier this year.
- Actress Lily Collins moved to Copenhagen in 2023.
- Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi settled in the UK's Cotswolds in November 2024.
- Amber Heard moved to Madrid, Spain, following her defamation trial.
- Eva Longoria splits her time between Spain and Mexico for work.
- Pamela Anderson returned to her native Vancouver Island, Canada, in 2020.
The decision for the Clooney family to embrace their new European life comes shortly after George shared the sad news that his sister, Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler, had died at age 65 following a battle with cancer. He paid a heartfelt tribute, calling Ada his "hero" for facing her illness with "courage and humour" and stating that he and Amal would "miss her terribly."
