Hollywood power couple George and Amal Clooney have formally cemented their departure from the United States by acquiring French citizenship. The move confirms their long-term commitment to life in Europe, joining a notable trend of American celebrities establishing new homes abroad.
A Provençal Life for the Clooney Family
The news was revealed by AFP shortly after Christmas, confirming that George, 64, Amal, 47, and their eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, are now French citizens. Representatives for the couple have not yet publicly commented, but several French media outlets have published the story. The family's transition follows their 2021 purchase of a stunning property in Provence, near Brignoles, where they have been based for several years.
In a past interview with Esquire, George Clooney spoke candidly about the decision to relocate his family from Los Angeles. He expressed a desire to give his children a more grounded upbringing, away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood. "I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood," he said. "I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life. France—they kind of don't give a shit about fame."
He highlighted the benefits of their rural French life, noting his children are less reliant on digital devices. "They're not on their iPads, you know?... They have a much better life." The actor, who recently starred in the Netflix film 'Jay Kelly', has also been diligently studying the language, admitting to RTL radio, "I love the French culture, your language, even if I’m still bad at it after 400 days of courses."
Joining a Growing Exodus of American Stars
The Clooneys are part of a significant wave of high-profile Americans choosing to live outside the US. Their move to France mirrors that of other celebrities who have sought a different lifestyle across the Atlantic.
Johnny Depp moved to France with Vanessa Paradis in 1998, raising his children away from the Hollywood glare. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt spent considerable time at their estate in Miraval with their six children. More recently, 'Breaking Bad' star Aaron Paul relocated his family from Los Angeles to Paris this year, seeking a change of scenery for his children.
A Broader Trend Beyond France
The trend extends beyond the French border, with numerous stars citing various reasons for their departures in recent years. Some have pointed to political climate as a motivating factor.
- Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi moved to the UK's Cotswolds in November 2024, a decision linked to the presidency of Donald Trump.
- Comedian Rosie O'Donnell relocated to Ireland, stating she would consider returning when it was "safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America."
- Lily Collins moved to Copenhagen in 2023, describing life there as "so calm and bright."
- Amber Heard relocated to Madrid, Spain, following her defamation trial with Johnny Depp.
- Pamela Anderson returned to her native Vancouver Island in Canada in 2020.
While the Clooneys maintain other properties in Los Angeles, England, Italy, and Mexico, their acquisition of French citizenship marks a definitive step in prioritising their Provençal home as their primary base. This legal change solidifies their integration into French society and underscores a conscious choice for a family life removed from the pressures of American celebrity culture.
