Listen to the article
George Clooney and Family Granted French Citizenship, Embrace Rural Lifestyle
Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, have officially become French citizens, according to a recently issued naturalization decree.
The family has been residing in rural France after deliberately stepping away from Hollywood’s spotlight. In a candid October interview with Esquire magazine, the 64-year-old actor explained the motivation behind their relocation to the French countryside.
“You know, we live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid I hated the whole idea of it,” Clooney reflected. “But now, for them, it’s like – they’re not on their iPads, you know? They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life.”
The decision to move was largely driven by concerns about raising their children in the celebrity-focused culture of Los Angeles. “I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood,” Clooney explained. “I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.”
This move represents a growing trend among high-profile entertainment figures who are seeking more private, grounded environments for their families. The French countryside offers the Clooneys a stark contrast to the constant scrutiny and artificial lifestyle that often accompanies fame in Hollywood.
France’s appeal for the Clooneys extends beyond its pastoral setting. “France – they kind of don’t give a s— about fame,” the actor noted in his Esquire interview. “I don’t want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I don’t want them being compared to somebody else’s famous kids.”
The family’s decision to obtain French citizenship formalizes their connection to the country and potentially simplifies their residency status within the European Union. It comes at a time when many international celebrities are reconsidering their primary residences for both lifestyle and practical reasons.
The Clooneys maintain an impressive international property portfolio. According to People magazine, George owns an estate in England, a villa on Italy’s Lake Como, and another property near his family in Kentucky. This collection of homes reflects the couple’s global lifestyle and professional commitments.
Amal Clooney, a respected international human rights lawyer, continues her high-profile legal work while based in Europe. The couple’s choice to center their family life in France allows them to remain connected to both European and American professional circles while providing their children with what they consider a more authentic upbringing.
Their decision mirrors similar moves by other Hollywood figures seeking refuge from the industry’s intensity. Actors like Amanda Seyfried and Candace Cameron Bure have likewise chosen rural settings over Hollywood’s fast-paced environment, prioritizing family life and privacy over constant industry exposure.
The Clooneys’ embrace of French citizenship comes amid increasing global mobility among the wealthy and famous, who increasingly seek locations that offer not just tax advantages but quality of life improvements. Rural France, with its strong cultural heritage, excellent education system, and respect for privacy, has become particularly attractive for international elites looking to raise families away from media attention.
Representatives for George Clooney have not yet commented on the family’s new citizenship status. However, this development represents a significant personal milestone for one of Hollywood’s most recognized figures as he continues to redefine his priorities beyond his acting and directing career.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
Obtaining French citizenship is a significant move, suggesting the Clooneys are fully embracing their new life in the French countryside. It will be interesting to see if more celebrities follow this trend of trading glitz for a more grounded rural existence.
While Clooney is known for his acting career, it’s admirable that he’s prioritizing his family’s wellbeing over the Hollywood limelight. Relocating to France with his wife and kids sounds like a smart choice.
I agree, it’s great that Clooney is putting his family first and providing his kids a more natural upbringing away from the celebrity culture.
Clooney’s concerns about the celebrity culture in LA and wanting to give his kids a ‘fair shake at life’ are understandable. The farming lifestyle in France seems like a refreshing change of pace for the family.
While the Clooneys have the means to live anywhere, their decision to settle in the French countryside reflects a desire for a simpler, more authentic life. It’s an inspiring move that challenges the typical celebrity lifestyle.
It’s interesting to see celebrities like George Clooney opting for a quieter, more rural lifestyle. Escaping the Hollywood spotlight to raise their family in the French countryside sounds like a wise decision.
The decision to move to the French countryside aligns with Clooney’s past comments about valuing privacy and a normal life. It’s refreshing to see a high-profile celebrity take such a bold step to escape the trappings of fame.
Clooney’s explanation about not wanting his kids to ‘get a fair shake at life’ in LA makes sense. Raising children in a less celebrity-driven environment like rural France seems like a wise choice.
Absolutely. Giving his kids a more grounded upbringing away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is a laudable decision by Clooney.