14 Celebrities Who Left the US to Live Abroad

What compels a celebrity to trade the glittering lights of Hollywood for a different life overseas? Whether motivated by love, politics, career opportunities, or the pursuit of privacy, some of the world’s most recognizable stars have made the move, and their reasons are as fascinating as their careers. From serene countrysides to bustling European capitals, these bold names have found new places to call home.

James Cameron

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James Cameron swapped Los Angeles for the tranquil landscape of New Zealand. During a interview on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger podcast, the famed director and deep-sea explorer said that part of the reason for the move during the covid-19 pandemic was that he wanted to live in a place that “believes in science.”

Richard Gere

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Richard Gere, long known for his spiritual side, now spends significant time in Europe, particularly Spain, with his family. Gere confirmed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he and his wife, Alejandra Silva, are spending years in Madrid with her family, as reported by E! News. Drawn to the relaxed lifestyle and the ability to immerse himself in diverse cultures, Gere has fostered a life that blends celebrity status with down-to-earth living.

Robin Wright

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Robin Wright‘s heart led her across the Atlantic, where she delights in the slower pace and cultural richness of life abroad. The acclaimed actress enjoys the privacy and sense of normalcy that living abroad affords her, creating a haven far from the non-stop buzz of American show business. The Forrest Gump and House of Cards star rented a series of homes in the Chilterns in Southern England and has spoken openly about the freedom she finds there, as reported by Variety.

Pamela Anderson

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Pamela Anderson quietly she left the United States in 2018 for a tranquil life in the French countryside. The star spent time in Marseille, France, where she became involved in animal activism, according to The Local France. She later sold her longtime Malibu mansion for $11.8 million in 2021, as reported by Us Weekly and relocated to her family’s farm property on Vancouver Island.

Lena Dunham

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Writer, actress, and director Lena Dunham found her creative muse in the heart of London. Dunham relocated to the British capital in 2021, where she met and married British musician Luis Felber, per Darien Times.

Melissa George

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Australian-born Melissa George ultimately set roots in Paris, after years of working around the globe. George calls Paris home, having moved to the French capital after starting a relationship with entrepreneur Jean-David Blanc in 2011, as reported by Who Magazine.

Sophie Turner

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Sophie Turner, originally from the U.K., has traveled back and forth across the Atlantic, but recently settled into a rhythm of living in London after an extended stint in the U.S. Turner moved home to London in 2023 following the end of her marriage to singer Joe Jonas, as reported by Fox News. In an interview with Flaunt, The Game of Thrones actress said “Living in the states, I didn’t appreciate how much you need friends and family and how integral they are to your wellness until you’re away from them. I came back with an abundance of appreciation for them.”

Aaron Paul

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Aaron Paul and his family have left Hollywood in 2025 for France. Reflecting on the decision in an interview with the Daily Mail, the Breaking Bad star revealed, “When the fires happened in LA, we just knew that we were done with LA, so we sold our house in LA and moved to Paris.”

Courtney Love

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Courtney Love has lived in London since 2019 and announced plans to obtain British citizenship, according to Billboard. In an interview with Soho House, the former Hole frontwoman said the things she loves about London are “laws. No guns. Four seasons. Discourse. You stan a middle-aged woman far better. Discretion.”

Lindsay Lohan

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Lindsay Lohan left Los Angeles behind for Dubai. Lohan moved specifically for privacy, as she explained she could focus on her work without constant public scrutiny, as reported by Fox News. Away from Hollywood’s gaze, Lohan has found the freedom to focus on her family and passion projects, including welcoming a son, Luai, with husband Bader Shammas in 2023.

Christina Milian

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Christina Milian and her husband, French singer Matt Pokora, officially made the move to his native France alongside their children, as reported by E! News. As for why, Milian explained on an episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show: they they’d been “commuting back and forth every six months” for several years. But decided to fully commit because her kids were going to go to school.

Rosie O’Donnell

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Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland to embrace her Irish roots and seek a quieter life away from the U.S.. O’Donnell moved to Dublin in January 2025 and confirmed she is applying for Irish citizenship through her grandparents’ heritage, as reported by Irish Examiner.

George Clooney

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When George Clooney isn’t producing films or advocating for humanitarian causes, he can be spotted at his picturesque villa on Italy’s Lake Como. Clooney first purchased the stunning 18th-century villa complex, known as Villa Oleandra, for $10 million in 2002, according to Yahoo Finance. The escape offers Clooney a quiet sanctuary far from persistent paparazzi, a place where friends and family gather by the water and the actor can recharge between major projects.

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