George Clooney dismissed rumors about abandoning Los Angeles after receiving French citizenship, emphasizing that he maintains personal and professional ties to the city. The actor clarified his position on the George Clooney Los Angeles move and explained his reasons for shifting his family’s primary residence to France.
Clooney Refutes Talk of Leaving Los Angeles Behind
After decades in Los Angeles, where he moved from Kentucky to launch his Hollywood career, George Clooney continues to own property in California even though he now lives full-time in France with his wife, Amal, and their eight-year-old twins. Despite recently selling the LA home he purchased in 1995 and now holding a French passport, Clooney told the Los Angeles Times that he still owns a large apartment in California to ensure regular visits.
When directly asked if he is abandoning Los Angeles, Clooney responded, “No!” He explained that after spending 30 years in his Studio City house, it felt like the right time for a change. According to Clooney, he and Amal acquired their French property about four years ago, and they enjoy the privacy and lifestyle it offers. He noted that their children benefit from the anonymity, but Los Angeles remains an integral part of his identity due to his personal friendships and the success he found there.
That’s good for the kids. But L.A.’s still a big part of home for me too because it’s where I found success. It’s where I made all my friends. I know every back street. I know all the shortcuts.
— George Clooney, Actor
Fond Memories and Lasting Connections to Hollywood
Reflecting on his past, Clooney recalled his move to the Valley in 1990, an area he says was initially looked down upon by some in Hollywood. Nonetheless, he grew fond of Studio City and appreciated the local culture, mentioning the world-class sushi spots and the vibrant atmosphere. Clooney also reminisced about the gritty fun of Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue during the 1980s, noting that while the area has changed, some of its original energy endures.
I liked Studio City a lot, but listen, I liked Hollywood too. I lived there in the ‘80s when it was gritty, but it was fun. Melrose Avenue was crazy. It was all punk rockers. It’s changed, but there’s still a little energy to it.
— George Clooney, Actor
In addition to their residences in France and Los Angeles, George and Amal Clooney own properties in several countries, including an estate on Italy’s Lake Como, a manor house in England, a New York apartment, and a home in Kentucky.
Family Priorities Influence Clooney’s Decisions
The former E.R. star recently discussed his concerns about raising children in Los Angeles. He expressed relief and satisfaction with family life on their farm in France, highlighting the benefits the children experience in a less celebrity-focused environment.
According to Clooney, growing up on a farm was challenging for him as a child, but for his own kids, the rural lifestyle encourages important values. He described how their children engage in family dinners and everyday responsibilities, with less screen time and greater normalcy than they might face in Los Angeles.
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
What This Means for Clooney’s Future
George Clooney’s decision to live in France full-time does not signal a permanent departure from Los Angeles. His retention of a large California apartment affirms ongoing connections to the city that shaped his life and career. The intense attention on the George Clooney Los Angeles move reflects broader questions about celebrity privacy, family priorities, and evolving lifestyles. For Clooney and his family, the shift to France represents a balance between personal happiness and the enduring legacy of his Hollywood journey.
