George Clooney Opens Up About Raising Kids in Rural France: “A Much Better Life”

George Clooney has shared insights into his decision to raise his children in rural France, claiming it offers them “a much better life” compared to growing up in Los Angeles. Speaking with Esquire, the 64-year-old actor described how life on the family’s French farm keeps his twins, Alexander and Ella Clooney, 8, grounded and removed from Hollywood’s distractions.

“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,” Clooney 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.” He emphasized that his children enjoy a lifestyle free from the pressures of fame, adding, “They have a much better life.”

Clooney revealed he and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, intentionally raised their children outside the entertainment industry’s culture. “I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life,” he said. He contrasted France’s attitude toward fame, noting, “They kind of don’t give a [expletive] about it.”

The actor also expressed concerns about his children facing scrutiny or comparisons to other famous kids. Amal Clooney has recently been involved in legal work with the International Criminal Court (ICC), including navigating U.S. threats against ICC officials over investigations into Israeli leaders. While Clooney did not elaborate on his wife’s role, he praised her resilience, calling her “the bravest person I’ve ever met.”

Clooney also reflected on the challenges of performing in a Broadway revival of his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck, admitting to pre-show nerves. “As you get older, it doesn’t matter how many granola bars you eat; your brain starts to lock up,” he said. He described rehearsing the entire play in his dressing room before each performance, citing fear of forgetting lines.

Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer, and editor for newspapers, magazines, and websites.