For decades, Hollywood has represented the ultimate destination for international stardom. But, for a growing number of A-listers, the glamour of Los Angeles no longer holds the same appeal. In recent years, several high-profile celebrities have chosen to leave the city behind in search of quieter lifestyles elsewhere, prioritizing their privacy, family life, and a slower pace over the red carpets, Hollywood events, and immersion in the entertainment industry.
© Roger Kisby/2026GGGeorge and Amal Clooney acquired their French citizenship earlier this year
This list includes notable names like George and Amal Clooney, Angelina Jolie, and Pamela Anderson.
George and Amal Clooney’s life in the French countryside
George and Amal Clooney recently obtained their French citizenship and have been settling into a quieter life with their twins, Ella and Alexander. The couple now spends much of their time at Domaine du Canadel, an expansive 18th-century estate located near the village of Brignoles in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Their decision to move was driven by a desire to protect their children’s privacy. “Here, they don’t photograph children. There aren’t paparazzi hiding outside school gates,” Clooney said in an interview with French radio RTL. “We still have a home in the United States, but our happiest place is this farm where the kids can play freely.”
Local officials say the couple has embraced the French lifestyle. Brignoles mayor Didier Brémond told local media that the Clooneys enjoy visiting nearby villages and making regular trips to Paris. “They’re fascinated by the French art of living,” he said.
Beyond privacy and family life, practical factors may also play a role in the migration of celebrities to what some have dubbed “Frollywood,” the nickname that blends France and Hollywood. According to reports from the Daily Mail, France’s tax incentives and Paris’ growing film industry have made working and living there increasingly appealing.
The devastating 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles have also prompted some stars to reconsider their long-term residence.
© Getty ImagesClooney has opened up about raising his kids away from Hollywood
Angelina Jolie’s plan to leave Los Angeles
Angelina Jolie is another celebrity who’s reportedly preparing to move away from Los Angeles.
The Oscar-winning actress has spoken in recent months about her desire to live abroad, mentioning possible destinations such as Cambodia, Europe, or Africa. According to sources quoted by Page Six, Jolie hopes to start a new chapter after years of intense media scrutiny surrounding her divorce from Brad Pitt.
“She can’t get far enough away from the drama,” said a source to the outlet. “After everything she’s been through, leaving is the only way to truly take a break.”
Jolie has also expressed admiration for France. In a recent interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, she described the country as a place where she feels creatively and personally fulfilled. “As an artist and as a woman, being in France is enriching,” she said. “I feel more of my essence comes out here. Conversations feel deeper and more meaningful.”
She recently worked in a French film titled “Couture,” and has a long connection to the country. Jolie and Pitt once owned a vineyard estate in southern France, the Château Miraval, which remains the subject of an ongoing legal dispute.
Jolie has reportedly already listed her Los Angeles mansion for sale and is considering several international destinations. For now, the main factor tying her to the city is her younger children, the twins Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt, who will be celebrating their 18th birthdays this July.
When discussing her future, Jolie has made it clear that all of her decisions are guided by her children’s well-being. “When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, and safety,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024.
© WireImageAngelina Jolie has made it clear that she’s planning on moving out of the US at some point in the future
Is Hollywood losing its influence?
Some observers believe the trend reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry.
French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski suggested in an interview with Le Monde that political and cultural shifts have encouraged some actors to move abroad.
“The Trump era has created a kind of cultural exodus,” she said.
Zlotowski pointed to deeper structural changes affecting the industry, including the writers’ strike, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.“I think Hollywood is going through a period of destruction and reconstruction,” she said. “Meanwhile, European auteur cinema remains a space of creativity that attracts artists and investors.”
© Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagFigures in the entertainment world are reconsidering the role of Los Angeles