Hollywood feels a little emptier lately. You’ve probably seen the headlines. One week it’s a talk show titan, the next it’s a beloved sitcom star. People are packing up. It isn't just a rumor anymore; there is a growing list of celebrities leaving the country, and their reasons are as varied as their IMDb pages.
Moving is a massive pain. For us, it’s a U-Haul and a few pizza boxes. For them, it’s selling $20 million mansions and navigating international tax law.
Who Is on the List of Celebrities Leaving the Country?
The exodus isn't just about one person. It’s a trend. Honestly, it’s a bit of a "great migration" of the wealthy and famous.
Take Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. They didn't just move; they fled. Reports confirmed they’ve settled in the Cotswolds in the UK. They even sold off their final US properties. It’s permanent. Then you have Eva Longoria. She’s been very vocal about her move to Spain and Mexico, calling the current American landscape "dystopian." She’s not just visiting her vacation home; she’s living there full-time with her husband and son.
Richard Gere is another big name. He’s headed to Spain too. He wants his wife, Alejandra Silva, to be closer to her roots. It's sweet, but it's also a definitive goodbye to his Connecticut life.
More Names You Might Know
- Rosie O’Donnell: She’s been posting from Ireland. She’s even looking for Irish citizenship.
- America Ferrera: The Barbie star was spotted looking at schools in South West London. She’s reportedly looking for better opportunities for her kids.
- Courtney Love: Already in the UK. She’s actually pursuing British citizenship as we speak.
- George and Amal Clooney: While they’ve always been international, they’ve leaned heavily into their French estate in Brignoles recently, seeking a "normal" life for their twins.
Why Is Everyone Packing Their Bags?
Politics is the elephant in the room. You can't talk about the list of celebrities leaving the country without mentioning the 2024 election. For many, like Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, the return of Donald Trump was the "get out now" signal.
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But it’s not just about who is in the White House.
California has become a tough place to live, even for the rich. Eva Longoria pointed to the "vibe shift" after the pandemic. She mentioned the homelessness crisis and the tax rates. When you’re paying millions in state taxes and you don't feel like the quality of life matches the price tag, you start looking at villas in Marbella.
Privacy is another huge factor. Lindsay Lohan has lived in Dubai for years because it’s illegal for paparazzi to harass people there. Imagine that. Total peace.
The Reality of "Getting Out"
Moving abroad sounds romantic until you hit the paperwork. Most of these stars have "Golden Visas." Basically, if you’re rich enough, countries like Spain or Greece will let you in.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, for instance, moved to Athens recently. Her situation is a bit different—she was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. It’s a job, but it’s still a move.
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Some people think these celebs are just "threatening" to leave. We’ve heard it before in 2016 and 2020. This time feels different because the houses are actually selling. The moving trucks are real.
Common Destinations for Celebs
- The United Kingdom: Specifically the Cotswolds and London. Familiar language, great schools, and a massive film industry.
- Spain: Low cost of living (for them), incredible weather, and a path to residency through property investment.
- Ireland: A favorite for those looking for a quiet, rural life and ancestral connections.
- France: The Clooneys and Christina Milian have made it their base.
Is This Just a Hollywood Bubble?
Critics say these celebrities are out of touch. "I'm privileged," Longoria admitted in her Marie Claire interview. She knows most people can’t just pack a suitcase and fly to Europe when they’re unhappy with the government or the "vibe."
There’s a lot of "ill will" toward some of these stars. Ellen, for example, had a rough few years with the "toxic workplace" allegations. For her, the UK represents a fresh start where she isn't just a headline about a "mean" boss.
What Happens to Their Careers?
You might think leaving the US ends a career. Not really.
We live in a world of Zoom and international co-productions. Rosie O'Donnell is reportedly working on an Irish sitcom. America Ferrera can fly to LA for a shoot and be back in London for school pickup.
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The industry is global now. You don't have to live in a 90210 zip code to be a movie star. In fact, many find they get better roles in Europe as they age.
Key Takeaways for You
If you’re looking at this list of celebrities leaving the country and thinking about your own exit plan, here are some things to consider:
- Residency is hard: Unless you’re an A-lister, you’ll need a work visa or a digital nomad visa.
- Tax implications: The US is one of the few countries that taxes you based on citizenship, no matter where you live. You still have to pay Uncle Sam.
- The "Vibe" follows you: Moving to a new country doesn't solve internal problems. But it might provide a safer environment for your kids or a quieter life.
If you’re seriously considering a move, start by researching "Digital Nomad Visas" in countries like Spain, Portugal, or Italy. They are specifically designed for people who work remotely and want to live abroad legally for a year or more. Check the current income requirements, as they change every January.
You should also look into the "Foreign Earned Income Exclusion" to see how moving might actually save you (or cost you) money on your next tax return. It’s a complex process, but as the stars are proving, it’s far from impossible.