George Clooney recently recounted some humorous and realistic “George Clooney parenting moments” while speaking about his eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, whom he shares with wife Amal. The Academy Award-winning actor, now 64, admitted signs are emerging that his children’s attitude towards him is changing as they get older, sharing his take during an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce.
While his daughter has started rolling her eyes, Clooney acknowledges that this is only the beginning of the changes to come as his children enter their pre-teen and teen years. During the conversation, he noted that being a parent at this stage comes with its fair share of humbling experiences. Clooney stated,
“I got eight year olds, and they still dig me, you know?”
— George Clooney, Actor.
Jason Kelce pointed out that the teenage years are next, to which Clooney responded that he can already see the shift in attitude, highlighting his daughter’s new behavior. He joked about her response to his fame, sharing,
“Like, I’d say, like, ‘Hey, you know, your dad’s a big star,’ and she just rolls her eyes.”
— George Clooney, Actor.
Balancing Family Life with Amal Clooney
Having married human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in 2014, George has learned that arguments in their household rarely lead to resolution. He recognized her intelligence and deep values, noting that it is often pointless to disagree, especially considering how much respect he holds for her principles. He summed up his perspective on conflict within his marriage:
“Dude, I’m 64 years old. What am I gonna argue about at this point? I’ve met this incredible woman, she’s beautiful and smart, and she stands for all the most important things that I believe in in the world … So what am I going to fight about?”
— George Clooney, Actor.
Choosing a Quiet Life for His Family in France
Clooney also opened up about his decision to raise his children away from the public eye. He shared that he and Amal, along with their twins, live on a farm in France, a lifestyle far removed from the intensity of Hollywood. His primary motivation was to give Alexander and Ella a chance to grow up without constant media scrutiny or pressure from celebrity culture.
He reflected on his own childhood, mentioning that although he once disliked farm life, he now values the wholesome environment it offers for his kids. His goal is to allow them experiences beyond screens and red carpets, encouraging positive habits instead.
His concerns about raising children in Los Angeles, where celebrity status comes with its challenges, led him to seek refuge in the French countryside. He emphasized this move by saying,
“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.”
— George Clooney, Actor.
Looking Ahead for the Clooney Family
George Clooney’s candid insights offer a rare look at the realities of parenting, even for international stars like himself. As Alexander and Ella grow, both parents remain focused on grounding them and prioritizing their well-being, far from Hollywood’s relentless spotlight. The actor’s stories not only illustrate the day-to-day challenges of raising children, but also reflect the protective steps he and Amal are taking as they navigate the coming years with their twins in a quieter corner of France.
