A growing number of Hollywood stars have begun trading Los Angeles for life in France, and experts are now offering a reason for this trend.
Stars like George Clooney and Natalie Portman lead the exodus, which is believed to be tied to the “pressure cooker” landscape in Hollywood.
In contrast, France is said to offer privacy, culture, and a quieter lifestyle, which these celebrities are reportedly drawn to.
Experts Claim Hollywood No Longer Offer The Same Appeal To Celebrities
In recent years, Hollywood stars such as George Clooney and Natalie Portman have left Los Angeles to build lives in France, while some have also chosen to relocate overseas despite already being well-established in their home country.
Although these departures have occurred at different times, experts say they are all driven by the idea that Hollywood no longer offers the same appeal it once did. did.
“Hollywood has become deeply political in recent years, and for some celebrities, that environment can feel like a pressure cooker,” cultural commentator Jonathan Alpert told Fox News Digital.
The Stars Are Under Constant Scrutiny In Hollywood
Alpert specifically pointed to the intense scrutiny celebrities face in Hollywood, where even the smallest actions are now often picked apart.
He suggested that this constant attention can become overwhelming, leading some stars to feel that stepping away from that environment is the best decision for their well-being.
“Every comment, role, or social media post is scrutinized through a political or culture-war lens, and that kind of atmosphere can push people to look for some distance,” the expert noted.
Celebrities Like George Clooney And Natalie Portman Were Drawn By The Privacy France Offers
Regarding Portman, she relocated to France over a decade ago with French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, whom she married in 2012. Meanwhile, Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, have owned a home in the country since 2021 and recently became naturalized.
While both couples had personal reasons for making the move, experts believe the decision is largely influenced by the level of privacy France offers, along with its many other lifestyle advantages.
“France has always had a special pull for artists and celebrities. Paris and the South of France offer culture, architecture, food, and history in a way very few places do,” Celebrity real estate agent Josh Flagg shared.
“But the biggest factor is privacy. In many parts of France, even major stars can live relatively normal lives compared to Los Angeles. There’s also a long tradition of creatives gravitating there.”
Experts Believe Only Established Celebrities Can Step Away From Hollywood
In the coming years, it is believed that more stars will follow in the footsteps of Clooney and Portman. However, those most likely to make the move are established names with enough reputation and industry pull to continue landing major roles even while living outside Hollywood.
“When you’re starting out, you need to be in Los Angeles. But once your career is established, you can fly in when you need to work. At that point, privacy, security, and overall quality of life become much bigger priorities,” said Flagg.
As of now, Clooney and his family still maintain strong ties to the U.S., and it’s likely that Portman does as well despite spending years abroad. This pattern is expected to continue for those choosing to step away from Hollywood.
“Most of these stars aren’t truly leaving the American entertainment world. They still work here and often maintain homes here. In many cases, it’s less an exodus and more about creating breathing room from the scrutiny and political intensity that surrounds Hollywood today,” Alpert shared.
The Reasons Some Celebrities Gave For Leaving Hollywood
Last year, Portman revealed in an interview with Net-A-Porter that she was particularly drawn to France because of the country’s value for privacy.
“They’re very good at privacy here. I feel like the biggest compliment is ‘elle est très discrète’ [‘she is very discreet’],” Portman told the outlet.
Meanwhile, Clooney told Esquire that fearing his kids wouldn’t enjoy the same kind of life he lived while growing up was a major factor for him.
“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 shared in the interview.
“Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul told Travel + Leisure that the country’s food, history, and his desire for his kids to learn another language sold him.
Christina Milan, another star who lives in France, also shares similar sentiments and told People Magazine that she and her family may reside in the country for most of their lives.