How George Clooney & Amal Clooney’s Kids Inspired His Career Change

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George Clooney is focusing on his family from more than just dusk ’til dawn.

So, it’s no surprise that the Ocean’s Eleven alum was more than happy to make major changes to future projects in his career after he and wife Amal Clooney welcomed their 8-year-old twins Alexander and Ella.

“I’m not going to be doing a whole lot of major studio kinds of films,” George told Variety in an interview published Dec. 30. “The films that I’m going to be working on for the most part are going to be smaller. If I’m going to go off and do something and be away from my kids, there has to be a real creative reason for it.” 

As he put it, “Money isn’t an issue for me anymore.”

He’s well aware of how lucky he is to be able to choose his acting roles, and he appreciates it. As an Oscar winner who married Amal in 2014, he’s thankful he can be selective about the projects he takes on.

Looking back, he realized most of his successful films were moderately popular, which he considered fortunate. This allowed him to avoid being pigeonholed as a certain type of actor. He was able to take on a wide range of roles, from dramatic parts in films like Michael Clayton to more comedic ones, such as in Burn After Reading.

He said it meant that even though he lost the ability to have a romantic relationship with this woman, he could still continue working and be successful.

Now that his career is going well, he’s expanding his life in other ways. For example, George and Amal Clooney are raising their children in the French countryside.

He told Esquire magazine that he and his family live on a farm in France. He grew up on a farm too, and didn’t enjoy it as a child. Now, he appreciates that his kids aren’t constantly on their tablets and instead spend time with the family – like helping with chores after dinner.

For George, the move across continents was worth it. 

He went on to say that his children are now living much fuller lives. He’d been concerned about raising them in Los Angeles, specifically within the Hollywood environment, fearing it would unfairly disadvantage them.

The actor, Jay Kelly—who had just become a French citizen along with his family—explained that his children, Alexander and Ella, are finally experiencing a normal life.

He joked that people in France aren’t overly concerned with celebrity culture. He explained he doesn’t want his children to be bothered by paparazzi or constantly measured against other famous children.

While George and Amal Clooney are loving their beautiful life in France, here’s a look at other celebrities who have left Hollywood.

For George, the move across continents was worth it. 

Honestly, it just breaks my heart hearing him talk about it. He keeps saying they have it so much better now, and it’s because he was so worried about raising the kids here in L.A. He felt like Hollywood would just
 ruin their chances, you know? Like they wouldn’t get a real, fair start in life. It’s like he had to get them away from all of this to give them a normal life. I totally get it, though. It’s just
 so sad.

The actor, Jay Kelly—who had just become a French citizen along with his family—explained that his children, Alexander and Ella, are finally experiencing a normal life.

He joked that people in France don’t really care about celebrity culture. He explained he doesn’t want his children to be bothered by paparazzi or constantly compared to other famous children.

While George and Amal Clooney are loving their beautiful life in France, here’s a look at other celebrities who have left Hollywood.

After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims led to an internal review, the dismissal of several executives, and widespread public criticism.

Ellen made a comeback with her last standup comedy show, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the show’s release, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand
Up tour, the comedian told the audience, according to SFGate, that she’s retiring after her upcoming Netflix special. She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.”

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have settled in the Cotswolds. Ellen shared with Richard Bacon in July 2025, during a conversation at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, that they decided to remain there after Donald Trump won reelection in November 2024.

She told the BBC she was captivated by the English countryside, saying they weren’t accustomed to such beauty. She especially loved the charming villages, towns, and architecture, and appreciated how much simpler life seemed there.

“It’s just a nicer place,” Ellen explained. “They treat animals well, and everyone is so friendly. We really love living here. We moved in November, which wasn’t the best timing, but I finally got to experience snow! Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a short while – about two weeks.”

Tyra Banks, the host of America’s Next Top Model, decided to move to Australia partly to focus on her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She explained on Today with Jenna & Friends that her business had been supplying ice cream to places like airplanes and cruise ships, and she was frequently traveling to Australia to oversee production at a large facility there. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.

She also recognized Australia as a promising market for her product, pointing out that the top three countries for ice cream consumption are America, New Zealand, and Australia.

Ultimately, Tyra relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis BĂ©langer-Martin, saying that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.

Eva Longoria, known for her role on Desperate Housewives, has moved from Los Angeles and now splits her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, JosĂ© BastĂłn, and their son, Santiago. She explained to Marie Claire that while she enjoyed living in Los Angeles for many years, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated her decision to leave. Factors like homelessness and taxes also contributed, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified to The View: Behind the Table podcast that her move wasn’t politically motivated by the election. It began with filming Land of Women in Catalonia, followed by Searching for Mexico, and has continued for years due to work commitments. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the United States when many others can’t, and expresses concern for those who are staying. Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with acting projects, including recent appearances in Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

Actor Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain with his family. He shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024 that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years.

Gere is enthusiastic about what this change will mean for their young sons, Alexander and James, noting that they are already bilingual and will thrive in the new environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his former partner Carey Lowell.

The family seems to be adjusting well. In a January 2025 interview with Elle España, Gere stated, “We are happier than ever,” and described the move as a positive step for everyone.

Singer Christina Milian and her family have officially moved to Paris. Married to French singer Matt Pokora for over seven years, the couple previously spent six months of each year commuting between the U.S. and France. They made the permanent move so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – could attend school in France.

Milian shared with TopMob in December 2024 that her kids are thriving and fluent in French. She enjoys an active daytime lifestyle and balances it with work she does ahead of schedule. She describes the move as creating a healthy and fulfilling life for the whole family.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. She recently explained that a busy work life and constant partying in the early 2000s were often overshadowed by intense paparazzi attention, which she found irritating. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she said she wished the focus had remained on her career, but the media frenzy took on a life of its own, prompting her desire for a more private life. While she moved to London and Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece, Lohan also sought a life away from the constant spotlight for this reason.

Lindsay Lohan once worried she might never find love, wondering if that part of her life would ever fall into place. She realized she needed to focus on herself before things could change, and eventually, opportunities she truly wanted started to appear.

She did find love with Bader Shammas, and they married in 2022, welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.

Though they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind. She’s continued to star in films such as Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

Josh decided to leave Hollywood after some careful thought. He explained to People magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood isn’t just a location, but a way of life. Being surrounded by people constantly focused on the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a life with more variety.

“I’ve always wanted to be around people doing different things, things that would take my mind off work and help me grow,” Josh said. “That’s what makes life interesting.”

So, Josh, his wife Tamsin Egerton, and their four children moved to the countryside in Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies with a large family, and while life might seem simpler, it’s filled with what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has continued to act, appearing in films like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

If you don’t follow Jesse on social media, you might be surprised to learn he no longer lives in Los Angeles. In a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the star of A Real Pain revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He explained that he avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the entertainment industry, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from it. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t even particularly interested in movies, further distancing him from the pressures of Hollywood.

Eliza, known for her roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the movie Bring It On, announced in September 2024 that she’s now a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist and is continuing her education in the field of mental health.

She explained to Boston Magazine that she was able to change her life’s path to focus on her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others heal. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced – the peace and passion she now felt – because she realized this was truly her life’s work and purpose.

The actress best known for playing a character on The Flintstones shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay. She’s currently working on becoming an Irish citizen because her grandparents were from there. While she mentioned recent political events as a factor in her move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country in the future.

In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and life back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country and said her family will think about returning to America when it’s safe and everyone there has equal rights.

Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in Ant-Man and the Wasp, has said she’s stepping away from acting for an unspecified amount of time after two decades in the business.

In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her life’s purpose. She expressed gratitude for her good fortune, explaining that while choosing a path less traveled – one that doesn’t necessarily prioritize money and recognition – can be daunting, it ultimately leads to a much more satisfying life.

She’s not ruling out a return to Hollywood, saying, “I could go back someday, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”

Since finishing his role on the Netflix series V-Wars in 2019, the actor best known from The Vampire Diaries hasn’t taken on another acting job. He’s been focusing on a personal project: working to fight climate change by improving soil health around the world.

Ian Somerhalder took a break from acting over four years ago to focus on raising his children, growing his businesses, and getting his documentaries released. He told TopMob News in November 2023 that these films – Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and its sequel, Common Ground – both highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shares two children with his wife, Nikki Reed.

Looking ahead, the actor said he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on creating lasting brands – like his bourbon and health company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil, principles he and his family practice. He explained this is his long-term goal, and the reason behind his passion for these issues. It’s simply a reflection of who he is and who he’s becoming.

In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy shared with guest Anna Faris that she had stopped acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette shared that she deeply regrets many of the acting roles she took in the past, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained she often feels frustrated with her career and unfulfilled by the parts she played, describing them as cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from age 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious about her work by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her peers admired.

Despite her past experiences, she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting. She explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from the pressures she felt before. She thinks the only way she’d consider it again would be if she wrote a role specifically for herself.

It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to causes we care about, and wear the Queen’s beautiful tiaras would definitely make leaving Hollywood worth it.

Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – best known for her role in the TV show Suits – to a life within the British royal family. Now that she and Prince Harry have stepped down as senior royals and live in California, Meghan is returning to professional life. This includes a deal with Netflix, where she’s released the docuseries Harry & Meghan and will launch a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. She’s also expanded her work with podcasts and her brand, As Ever.

After starring in over 40 films since she began her career with 1994’s The Mask, the actress really needed a rest when she finished filming Annie in 2014.

She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted a different lifestyle. After years of intense work and filmmaking, she felt burnt out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding – you’re committed for long hours every day, for months, and it leaves no room for anything else in your life.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she followed up her successful 2013 book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book in 2016 – and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. While she told InStyle in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seems she might be open to returning for at least one more project.

Jamie Foxx explained that convincing Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action involved a lot of pleading. “We practically begged her,” he told TopMob News, “asking her to do ‘just one more’ film.” He added that they all adore her and have been eagerly anticipating her return, believing the movie will be amazing.

The actor stated firmly that he wouldn’t return to his role after five seasons on Empire. When asked by Extra about his plans before the show’s sixth and final season in 2019, Terrence Howard said, “I’m finished with acting. I’m done with pretending.”

Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Oscar-nominated actor announced his retirement from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters. He explained to ET that he felt he’d given his all as an actor and now wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’d done before.

Even with those previous concerns, Howard has continued to act, appearing in shows like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and the Netflix film Shirley. He also has several other projects planned for the future.

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, the 21-year-old actor told EW he was leaving acting. He explained that he’d been acting since he was a child, but simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

Jack realized that growing up meant things were different. He used to love acting purely for fun, doing it with friends or during summer breaks. But now that he was considering it as a career, the enjoyment had faded somewhat. He explained that making a living from something you once loved changes how you feel about it, and while he didn’t dislike acting, it wasn’t what he wanted to pursue professionally.

After taking six years off, Jack returned to acting in 2020 with a role in the BBC series Out of Her Mind. Since then, he’s also been in films like Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and TV shows including Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.

Oh my gosh, when Jennifer Aniston – my absolute idol, the dream girl from Fast Times at Ridgemont High – married Kevin Kline back in 1989, it was so sweet! He actually told Playboy about how they figured out childcare for Owen and Greta. They decided to take turns with work so they’d never be working at the same time, which is just
the cutest! And Greta? She’s all grown up now and making amazing music as Frankie Cosmos! I’m seriously obsessed with everything about this family.

He added that Phoebe has consistently prioritized staying home with her children whenever she was scheduled to work. While she made a brief appearance in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, Cates mainly focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.

When he was most popular for films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the actor took a break from making movies after his wife died of breast cancer in 1991. He wanted to concentrate on raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not appearing in a live-action film since 1997 – he even turned down a brief appearance in the 2016 Ghostbusters remake – Rick remains a beloved figure, as shown by the strong reaction to news of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans will be pleased to hear he’s returning to the screen alongside Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney reboot, Shrunk.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, actress Drew Barrymore suggested she was considering stepping back from acting. She told Vogue that most acting roles require a lot of intimate scenes, which she wasn’t interested in pursuing. While she felt her relationship was strong enough to handle potentially difficult roles, she believed any such role would need to be truly exceptional to be worth it.

After her son, Martin, joined his sister, Louisanna, in 2014, she firmly decided to step away from acting. She told Us Weekly in 2016 that she felt like an outsider and was now focused on being a mom. She also helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [acting].”

She’d built a successful career with shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those roles, the Australian actress started to feel like it was time for a change.

Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” she shared on her wife Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018. “I had a good idea of what my acting career would look like for the next decade or two, so I decided to leave it behind and start my own business.”

Her company, General Public, which creates art for everyone, was almost complete – she just needed to finish one last piece.

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and told him I wouldn’t be interested in a fifth season because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing my character into five episodes.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might consider their career complete. Following his sixth Academy Award nomination for the 2017 film Phantom Thread, the actor announced through his representative that he was retiring from acting. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone he’d worked with and to his audiences over the years, and requested privacy, stating that no further comments would be made.

Just as Daniel Day-Lewis had announced his retirement from acting, a new project drew him back in. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed he would star in Anemone, a film he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also be directing.

After finding fame on the show Good Luck Charlie, she decided to focus on her education in 2018. She went on to earn both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and later attended Harvard Law School.

On top of everything else, Bridgit also started her own company, Northwood Space, in February 2023. The company is building ground stations to facilitate communication with satellites, and Bridgit became its CEO.

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2025-12-31 22:52