George Clooney is officially a French citizen. Yeah, you read that right. The man who practically defined the American leading man for three decades just picked up a second passport, and it’s causing a massive stir from the hills of Provence to the halls of Mar-a-Lago.
If you're wondering how the 64-year-old actor is doing in 2026, the answer is "busy, but complicated." He’s currently navigating a life that looks less like a movie set and more like a high-stakes balancing act between international law, prestige filmmaking, and a very public spat with a former U.S. president.
The Big Move: Why France?
Honestly, the news of the Clooney family’s naturalization hit the wires like a bolt of lightning earlier this month. While George and Amal have owned their 180-hectare estate, Domaine du Canadel, in Brignoles since 2021, the jump to full citizenship is a statement.
During the 2026 Golden Globes, Clooney even opened his presentation speech in French. It was a bit of a "mic drop" moment. He’s admitted he’s the least fluent person in his house—his 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, apparently use the language to talk trash about him right to his face—but he’s clearly leaning into this new identity.
The motivation? Privacy. Pure and simple. Clooney has been vocal about wanting to get his kids away from the "paparazzi culture" of Los Angeles. In France, they’re living on a farm with a massive pool, lavender fields, and a vineyard. He’s looking for that "normal" life where he can drop by a local McDonald’s (which he actually did in 2024) without it becoming a three-day news cycle.
But not everyone is rolling out the red carpet. Donald Trump took to social media to blast the move, calling the Clooneys "horrendous political prognosticators." Meanwhile, some French officials have questioned if the actor met the strict language requirements usually needed for naturalization. It’s a classic George situation: even when he’s trying to be low-key, he’s the center of the storm.
Is He Actually Retiring? (Spoiler: No)
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about a "broken promise" to Amal. Word on the street—specifically through reports from insiders—is that George promised to scale back the "grind" to spend more time with the family in Provence.
Look at his 2026 calendar, though, and you’ll see that "retirement" is a very loose term for him.
- Ocean’s 14: It’s finally happening. Clooney confirmed that Warner Bros. greenlit the budget, and filming is slated to begin late this year. He’s reuniting with the old gang—Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle.
- Jay Kelly: His latest film with director Noah Baumbach has him back in the awards conversation.
- Broadway: He’s been neck-deep in Good Night, and Good Luck: Live From Broadway, a stage adaptation of his 2005 hit.
He’s 64. He knows he can’t play the "young buck" anymore. He recently joked about following the Paul Newman route—accepting that he’s not the one "kissing the girl" in movies anymore. But he’s still in the gym, still playing basketball with guys half his age, and clearly still has the itch to produce and direct.
Health Check: The Venice Scare
We have to talk about the health rumors because they got a little scary for a minute. Back in late 2025, during the Venice Film Festival, George went MIA. He skipped the press junkets for Jay Kelly and missed a high-profile dinner with Adam Sandler and Laura Dern.
It turns out it was a severe sinus infection. His rep had to put out a statement because people were starting to speculate about something worse. Doctors basically ordered him to "take his foot off the gas."
It was a wake-up call. When you’re in your mid-60s, a "minor" infection isn't just a nuisance; it’s a sign that your body needs a break. He’s recovered since then, looking sharp at the 2026 Golden Globes in a classic tux, but the incident reminded everyone that even Danny Ocean is mortal.
The New Business Empire: Beyond Tequila
Everyone knows about the Casamigos deal. Selling a tequila brand for a billion dollars is the kind of legendary move that makes other celebrities green with envy. But George isn't resting on his laurels.
✨ Don't miss: Sami Sheen Before and After: The Truth Behind Her Dramatic Transformation
He’s currently prepping to launch a non-alcoholic beer in March 2026.
Working again with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, George is tapping into the "sober curious" trend that’s exploding right now. He’s been taking his own sobriety seriously, especially during his Broadway run. He told Esquire that alcohol messes with his voice and his sleep, so he stayed dry for six months to prep for the stage. This new venture is basically a reflection of his own lifestyle shift.
What This Means for Fans
If you’re a fan, you’ve got a lot to look forward to, but expect a different version of George Clooney. He’s moving away from the "Hollywood Star" archetype and into something more like an "International Statesman of Cinema."
He still considers Los Angeles "home" in a professional sense—he kept an apartment there—but his heart (and his tax residency) is now firmly planted in Europe.
What to watch for next:
- March 2026: Keep an eye out for his non-alcoholic beer launch.
- Late 2026: The first set photos from Ocean’s 14 will likely surface, which will be a nostalgia bomb for everyone.
- Family Life: Expect fewer red carpets and more "stolen" photos of him in the French countryside.
Ultimately, George is doing what he’s always done: betting on himself. Whether it’s moving his family across the world or launching a new business at 64, he’s playing the long game.
Actionable Insights for Following George Clooney in 2026:
- Monitor the Ocean’s 14 Production: If you're a film buff, watch for casting calls or location scouts in Europe and Las Vegas as production ramps up for the year-end shoot.
- Look for the Non-Alcoholic Launch: If you’re interested in the "sober curious" movement, his new brew (expected March) is likely to be the next big trend in celebrity-backed beverages.
- Stay Updated on the Citizenship Debate: The legal and political fallout of his French citizenship is still unfolding; keep an eye on French ministry statements if you’re interested in the intersection of celebrity and international policy.