The headlines make it sound like half of Hollywood is currently standing in line at LAX with one-way tickets to London. We've heard it all before. Every election cycle, some big-name star vows to move to Canada if things don't go their way, and usually, by February, they’re right back at the Vanity Fair Oscar party. But honestly? This time feels different.
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, several massive stars didn't just tweet about leaving; they actually sold their houses and left. We’re talking about permanent, life-changing moves to the British countryside, the coast of Spain, and even the hills of Ireland. If you're wondering what celebrities are leaving the US, the list is surprisingly long, and the reasons go way deeper than just who’s in the White House.
The Big Names Who Already Said Goodbye
It’s one thing to threaten a move. It’s another to sell a $30 million Montecito estate.
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Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
Ellen and Portia aren't just visiting the UK; they’ve gone full "country life." In late 2024, the couple relocated to the Cotswolds, a famously picturesque area in England known for its rolling hills and thatched-roof cottages. By July 2025, Ellen was performing stand-up in the UK and finally admitted it: they’re not coming back. She told an audience in Cheltenham that they were "disillusioned" by the 2024 election results. They’ve even put their final remaining US properties on the market to make the break official.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria’s move to Spain and Mexico was a huge talking point last year. She’s been very vocal about the "vibe" changing in California long before the recent election. In an interview with Marie Claire, she described the US as a "dystopian country" and admitted she feels lucky to have the resources to leave. For her, it wasn’t just about politics—it was about the homelessness crisis, taxes, and a general sense that the California she grew up in simply doesn't exist anymore.
George and Amal Clooney
This one hit hard for Hollywood fans. George and Amal Clooney have officially made France their primary home. By the end of 2025, reports confirmed they had been granted French citizenship. They’ve moved their twins, Ella and Alexander, to their estate in Brignoles to give them a "normal" upbringing away from the paparazzi. George told Esquire that he wanted his kids to grow up with a bit more privacy than Los Angeles could ever offer.
Why the UK and Europe Are Winning the Exodus
It’s not just about running away; it’s about where they’re running to. The UK seems to be the top destination for stars who want a familiar language but a totally different pace of life.
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- America Ferrera: The Ugly Betty and Barbie star reportedly looked at private schools in Southwest London for her children. Insiders say she was "devastated" by the 2024 election results and wants her kids to have global opportunities.
- Rosie O’Donnell: Rosie was very public about her move to Ireland. In January 2025, she revealed she no longer felt safe in America. She’s currently living in a rented property in Ireland while she works on getting citizenship for her and her daughter, Clay.
- Courtney Love: The Hole frontwoman has been a London resident for a while now, but in 2025, she confirmed she’s seeking full British citizenship. She’s been very open about her love for the "Country Life" lifestyle—literally, she reads the magazine.
It’s Not Always About Politics
While the 2024 election was a major catalyst, it’s a bit of a misconception to say everyone is leaving because of the president. For some, it’s about safety or simply wanting a "second act."
Take Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. They started their move back to the UK back in 2023 and 2024, citing the "f---ing ridiculous" amount of gun violence in America. Sharon has been very blunt about the fact that she doesn't feel safe in Los Angeles anymore. For them, England represents a return to their roots and a place where Ozzy can go fishing on his own land without being a target.
Then there’s Richard Gere. He sold his Connecticut ranch and moved to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva. His reasoning was actually quite sweet—he wanted her to be closer to her family after she spent years living in his world. Sometimes, the "exodus" is just a husband wanting to do something nice for his wife.
Does This "Hollywood Exodus" Actually Matter?
It’s easy to roll your eyes when a millionaire complains about "dystopia" from their villa in Marbella. But the trend of what celebrities are leaving the US tells us something about the current state of American culture. When the people who have everything decide they’ve had enough, it usually signals a shift in the "American Dream."
We’re seeing a split in how these moves are handled:
- The Total Exit: People like the Clooneys and Rosie O’Donnell who are actually seeking new citizenship.
- The "Split-Timer": Stars like America Ferrera and Eva Longoria who keep a foot in Hollywood for work but live their daily lives abroad.
- The "Talkers": Celebrities like Cher or Barbra Streisand who frequently mention leaving but haven't actually signed the closing papers on their US homes yet.
What to Watch Next
If you're keeping an eye on this trend, don't just look at the tweets. Watch the real estate listings. When a star lists their "forever home" in Montecito or Beverly Hills and doesn't buy a replacement in New York or Nashville, they’re usually gone for good.
If you're thinking about your own "exit plan" or just curious about living abroad, looking into the residency requirements of countries like Spain (Digital Nomad Visas) or the UK (Global Talent Visas) can show you how these stars are actually making it happen. The legal process is much harder than just buying a plane ticket, even for the rich and famous.
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Keep an eye on the 2026 midterms and upcoming tax legislation in California. Those are usually the two biggest triggers that send more names to the "leaving" list.