George Clooney and his family have officially become French citizens.
A naturalization decree published Saturday, December 27, in France’s Journal officiel confirmed that Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, were granted French citizenship.
After decades in the Hollywood spotlight, the family has embraced a quieter life in the South of France, where they reside on an $8.3 million farm purchased in 2021.
“Growing up in Kentucky, all I wanted to do was get away from a farm, get away from that life,” Clooney told The New York Times in February. “Now I find myself back in that life. I drive a tractor and all those things. It’s the best chance of a normal life.”
He later expanded on that sentiment in an October interview, explaining why the move has been especially meaningful for his children.
“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,” the ER star said. “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.”
Clooney admitted he had concerns about raising his children in Los Angeles and within Hollywood culture.
“I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life,” he said. “France—they kind of don’t give a s— about fame. 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.”
Although France is now his primary home base, Clooney continues to own multiple properties, including an estate in England, a villa on Lake Como in Italy, and a home near his family in Kentucky.
In addition to stepping back from Hollywood, Clooney may also be distancing himself from U.S. politics. The Oscar winner made headlines in July 2024 after publicly clashing with Donald Trump following Clooney’s call for Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee.
Trump responded with sharp criticism while campaigning for a second term, questioning Clooney’s credibility and attacking his political views. He later posted another message on Truth Social after Clooney criticized Trump’s administration during an appearance on 60 Minutes.
Clooney eventually addressed the feud during an interview on CBS Mornings.
“I don’t care,” the 64-year-old said while speaking with co-host Gayle King. “I’ve known Donald Trump for a long time. My job is not to please the President of the United States.”
“My job is to try and tell the truth when I can and when I have the opportunity,” he continued. “I am well aware of the idea that people will not like that… people will criticize that. Elon Musk has weighed in [about me]. That is their right. It’s my right to say the other side.”
