In recent years, a notable trend has emerged: numerous American celebrities are making headlines for leaving the United States and establishing their lives overseas. The allure of a more relaxed lifestyle, increased privacy, and different cultural experiences motivate many of these stars to seek their fortunes in foreign lands.
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, recently made a significant move across the pond. In 2024, the couple left their luxurious Montecito, California, home for the serene Cotswolds in the United Kingdom. According to a source who spoke exclusively to Us Weekly in November 2024, DeGeneres is now “definitely a lot less well-known” in the U.K. than in the U.S. However, the former talk show host’s fame persists: “People know who she is but the thing about the Cotswolds is no one gives a f--- if you’re Kate Moss or the farmer’s wife,” the insider shared, revealing the anonymity found in their new rural surroundings.
Others have been more vocal about their reasons for leaving. Rosie O’Donnell, notably, announced her move to Ireland shortly before Donald Trump began his second term in office. In a TikTok video from March 2025, the actress revealed her and her child Clay’s relocation from New York City to Ireland just days before the presidential inauguration. “I’m in the process of getting my Irish citizenship, as I have Irish grandparents,” she explained. O'Donnell, who adopted Dakota (nicknamed Clay) with her late ex-wife Michelle Rounds, stated, “Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that’s what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are.”
Meanwhile, Eva Longoria shared insight into her transition from Hollywood to Europe. In an interview with Marie Claire in November 2024, Longoria revealed that she and her husband, José Bastón, had been living between Spain and Mexico for several years. “The vibe was different,” she remarked, explaining that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their decision. “Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes — it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”
Christina Milian, too, made a significant change by relocating her family from Hollywood to France. On The Jennifer Hudson Show in November 2024, Milian explained that her husband’s heritage played a vital role in their decision. “My husband is French, and we’ve been together for over seven or eight years,” she detailed. They had been commuting regularly for years before committing to permanent relocation. “What better an opportunity than that,” she said, referring to their children now attending school in Paris.
Amber Heard also chose to uproot her life, moving to Spain from the U.S. in 2024 with her daughter Oonagh, whom she welcomed via surrogate in 2021. An exclusive source shared that Heard prefers to raise her child outside the Hollywood spotlight, as she believes it to be a more welcoming environment. “She feels safe and secure, and she’s surrounded by better people where she is,” the source confirmed.
Another celebrity, Richard Gere, moved to Spain in fall 2024 for family reasons, citing his wife Alejandra Silva’s heritage. “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture,” Gere stated in March 2024. Following this, he sold his $11 million Connecticut home in October 2024, affirming his commitment to their new life.
Shania Twain, the Canadian-born singer, has also embraced a new lifestyle, living with her husband Frédéric Thiébaud in Switzerland. After over a decade in Europe, a CNN report in March 2023 announced she had a train named after her, aptly dubbed the Shania Train.
Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, made Copenhagen their new home in 2023, after moving from the States. Their first baby, born via surrogate in 2025, reportedly signifies a cherished milestone in their new life.
In a notable shift, actor George Clooney left the U.S. for the south of France in 2021. The Clooney family has settled into their magical property, which boasts hundreds of acres and offers a serene escape from the Hollywood hustle. A source noted in September 2024 that Clooney appreciates the simple family lifestyle away from the public eye, with ample space for his twins, Ella and Alexander.
On another note, Pamela Anderson returned to her roots, moving back to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, when the pandemic struck in 2020. Anderson shared her emotional journey, expressing that she required a change and felt she was misunderstood during her time in the limelight.
Josh Lucas has spoken fondly about his life in Indonesia since 2019, sharing that the country’s environmentally-focused education system greatly benefits his child. This perspective underscores the diverse motivations behind these moves; for some stars, it reflects a renewal of family values, while for others, it signifies a distance from public scrutiny.
Courtney Love, who has resided in London since 2019, is also in the process of acquiring British citizenship. Reflecting on her decision, she stated in March 2025 that living in London has allowed her to embrace a different lifestyle.
Melissa George, who made the leap from New York City to Paris in 2016, purchased a home in Provence in 2020, showcasing her commitment to a new international life.
Lindsay Lohan, on the other hand, began her journey away from the U.S. in 2014, ultimately finding solace in Dubai, where she welcomed her son, Luai, in July 2023. Her statements reveal a desire for a quieter life where she can focus on personal pursuits without the incessant media attention.
This growing trend of relocating abroad reflects a broader shift in how public figures manage their lifestyles, careers, and personal identities. As more celebrities opt for new environments, the question arises: could this be the beginning of a significant transformation in the relationship between fame and personal fulfillment?
