Hollywood icon George Clooney has officially become a French citizen, a status now shared by his entire family, according to an official decree published in Paris. The 64-year-old actor and his British-Lebanese human rights lawyer wife, Amal, 47, have received their French passports alongside their eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella.
A Move for Privacy and Family
Clooney has frequently expressed his admiration for France's stringent privacy protections, which he says are paramount for his family's life. The birth of his twins in June 2017 was announced on French television, setting a precedent for the value he places on discretion. In a December interview on French radio, he stated: ‘I love the French culture, your language, even if I'm still bad at it after 400 days of courses.’ He emphasised, ‘Here, they don't take photos of kids. There aren't any paparazzi hidden at the school gates. That's number one for us.’
Building a Life in the South of France
The family's formal ties to France follow significant property investments. In 2021, the couple, who married in 2014, purchased a home in the South of France. They then expanded their footprint last year by splashing out £6.7 million on a larger estate near Cannes. This property, the Domaine du Canadel near Brignoles, sits on 425 acres and features a vineyard, olive grove, tennis court, and boules pitch. Their Italian villa on Lake Como has been downgraded to a holiday home in favour of this French retreat.
The actor has integrated into the local community, befriending the mayor of Brignoles, Didier Bremond. Last year, he recorded a New Year's message for the villagers, beginning with a cheerful "Bonjour, Didier!" and thanking them for their hospitality and friendship.
The King of Endorsements Continues to Reign
While settling into French life, Clooney's commercial success shows no signs of slowing. He has recently been filming an advertisement in Hertfordshire for the US food delivery service Grubhub, adding another lucrative deal to his portfolio. Known for his long-running and often humorous campaigns for Nespresso, the actor has been a brand ambassador for Omega watches since 2007, a partnership reportedly worth £2.2 million annually.
His endorsement history is extensive, including deals with:
- Fiat (earning up to £1 million)
- Martini & Rossi
- Mercedes-Benz
- Toyota
- Warburtons
Combined with his film earnings from hits like Ocean's Eleven and Gravity, Clooney's net worth is estimated at around £500 million. However, this may still be eclipsed by fellow actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who currently holds an impressive 14 endorsement deals.
