After the birth of his twin sons, George Clooney made the deliberate choice to relocate his family far from Hollywood, settling on a farm in France to protect them from the pressures of fame. This move reflects Clooney’s desire to provide his children with a normal upbringing, away from the intense spotlight and culture of Los Angeles.
Reasons Behind the Relocation to a French Countryside
The actor shared with Esquire magazine that raising his children in Hollywood worried him deeply. Clooney feared that growing up in the environment of fame would deny his children a fair opportunity in life. By choosing the tranquility of his family farm in France, he ensures they can grow up without constant attention from paparazzi or comparisons to other famous kids.
“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. France—they kind of don’t give a shit 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.”
– George Clooney, actor
Life on the Farm: A Different Childhood Experience
Clooney also reflected on his own childhood spent partly on a farm, a place he once disliked but now values as an ideal setting for his own children. The farm life keeps his sons more grounded and engaged with family routines rather than digital distractions. Dinners with adults and responsibilities like clearing their plates contribute to a more balanced lifestyle for the children.
“Yeah, we’re very lucky. You know, we live on a farm in France,”
Clooney said.
A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid I hated the whole idea of it. 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.”
– George Clooney, actor
Balancing a Career Amidst Personal Priorities
Despite stepping away from the Hollywood environment to raise his family, Clooney’s career remains busy. This year, he completed a Broadway run and earned a Tony nomination for Good Night and Good Luck. Additionally, he stars in Noah Baumbach’s film Jay Kelly, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is considered an Oscar contender.
The film depicts a famous actor in his 60s confronting his past and identity during an Italian film festival tribute. Clooney is joined by Laura Dern, playing his publicist, and Adam Sandler as his manager. Its story explores the tension between personal reinvention and persistent public perceptions.
Addressing Public Perceptions of His Roles
In an interview with Vanity Fair before the film’s premiere, Clooney dismissed criticism that he often plays versions of himself in movies, noting the challenge and privilege of doing so across diverse projects ranging from comedies to serious dramas.
“Do people say that I only play myself? I don’t give a shit,”
Clooney said.
“There aren’t that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like ‘O Brother [Where Art Thou?]’ and then do ‘Michael Clayton’ or ‘Syriana’. So if that means I’m playing myself all the time, I don’t give a shit. … Have you ever tried playing yourself? It’s hard to do.”
– George Clooney, actor
Implications of Clooney’s Choice for His Family and Career
George Clooney’s family move highlights an intentional effort to shield his children from Hollywood’s pressures and maintain a grounded lifestyle. Living on a French farm provides a stark contrast to Los Angeles’s fame-driven culture, allowing his children to develop away from constant media attention. This decision underscores the actor’s prioritization of family wellbeing over the allure of celebrity life.
While continuing to take on significant acting roles and stage performances, Clooney’s choice suggests a balancing act between public success and private contentment. His approach might influence other high-profile individuals considering similar steps to protect their families from fame’s potentially overwhelming impact.
