You’ve seen the headlines. Maybe you scrolled past them on your feed or saw a heated debate in a comment section. Every election cycle, there is this massive wave of "I'm moving to Canada" or "I'm heading to Europe" energy from Hollywood. But 2024 felt different. It wasn't just talk for some. We're actually seeing moving trucks.
Honestly, it's easy to roll your eyes. Most of us can't just pick up and move to a villa in Italy when we're annoyed with the news. But for a specific group of A-listers, the 2024 election results were the final nudge they needed to act on plans that had been simmering for years.
Why the List of Celebrities Leaving the Country 2024 is Actually Growing
It isn't just one thing. While politics is the loud, obvious reason, many of these stars are citing "tranquility" or "better education" for their kids. They're looking for a life that doesn't involve being stuck in Los Angeles traffic or worrying about the next policy shift that affects their families.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
This was the big one. The one that actually happened. Most people expected them to stay in their Montecito mansion, but Ellen and Portia literally packed up and moved to the Cotswolds in England.
They didn't wait around. Reports confirmed they arrived in the UK just before the election and, after seeing the results, decided to make it permanent. Ellen has been pretty open about it lately, mentioning how much she loves the "simpler way of life" and how polite everyone is over there. They even bought a farmhouse. It’s a huge shift from the high-pressure Hollywood environment they lived in for decades.
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Eva Longoria’s "Dystopian" Escape
Eva Longoria didn't mince words. She called the U.S. a "scary place" and "dystopian" in a candid interview with Marie Claire.
She's splitting her time between Spain and Mexico now. To be fair, she’s had one foot out the door for a while. She listed her Beverly Hills home way back in 2023, but the 2024 election seemed to be the "I'm done" moment. She’s very aware of her privilege, though. She openly admitted that she’s lucky she can leave, while many Americans are stuck.
America Ferrera’s New Chapter in London
The Barbie star is another heavy hitter on the list of celebrities leaving the country 2024. Sources say she was "sick" over the election outcome. She’s been spotted checking out private schools in southwest London for her kids.
It’s not a total goodbye to Hollywood, though. She plans to keep a presence in the U.S. for work and her activism, particularly for Latina women. But for her day-to-day life? She wants her children to have the "best opportunities" abroad.
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The Ones Who Promised—And the Ones Already Gone
It's a mix. Some stars are already living their best lives in Europe, while others are still in the "looking for a house" phase.
- Sophie Turner: The Game of Thrones actress headed back to the UK. She cited gun violence and the overturning of Roe v. Wade as major reasons. She basically said she knew it was time to "get the f*** out."
- Cher: She famously said she'd leave the planet if Trump won in 2016. This time, she settled for leaving the country. She told The Guardian that the first Trump term gave her an ulcer and she wasn't sticking around for round two.
- Sharon Stone: She’s been eyeing Italy. She called the move an "intelligent construct" and has been vocal at film festivals about her concerns regarding the current state of American "adolescence" in politics.
- Minnie Driver: After nearly 30 years in LA, she moved back to the UK. She mentioned she couldn't see herself living in a Republican-run state anymore.
Is This Just a Trend or a Permanent Shift?
People often wonder if these celebs are actually staying away. Historically, most stay. Look at stars like Richard Gere, who moved to Spain to be with his wife’s family, or even Kimberly Guilfoyle, who moved to Greece for her new role as U.S. Ambassador.
The reality is that for the super-wealthy, "leaving the country" doesn't mean never coming back. It means changing their primary residence. They still fly in for filming, red carpets, and business meetings. It's more about where they pay taxes and where their kids go to school.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking at this list of celebrities leaving the country 2024 and feeling a certain way—whether it’s frustration, envy, or just curiosity—there are a few things to keep in mind.
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First, moving abroad is a massive logistical nightmare for anyone who isn't a millionaire. Taxes, visas, and healthcare are complicated. If you're seriously considering a move yourself, don't just follow a celebrity's lead. Research the "Digital Nomad" visas in countries like Portugal or Spain, which are becoming more popular for regular people.
Second, understand that the "Hollywood Exodus" is often as much about lifestyle as it is about politics. The search for "serenity," as Robin Wright put it, is a real thing.
Next Steps for Your Own Research:
- Check the Visa Requirements: Countries like Italy and Spain have specific "Golden Visa" or "Elective Residency" programs, but they require significant savings.
- Look into Tax Implications: The U.S. is one of the few countries that taxes citizens regardless of where they live. Moving to the UK doesn't mean you stop paying Uncle Sam.
- Follow the Real Estate: Keep an eye on high-end listings in places like the Cotswolds or Marbella. That’s usually the first real sign a celebrity is actually making the move permanent.