Adios, America! 15 Celebrities Who Packed Their Bags and Headed Abroad

The landscape of American celebrity life is often seen through the lens of Hollywood Hills, New York penthouses, and constant media scrutiny. Yet, for an intriguing number of stars, the appeal of life within the U.S. has waned, prompting declarations, considerations, and in many cases, actual moves to international shores. This trend has been particularly highlighted in recent times, with political shifts serving as a significant catalyst for some, while others sought change for deeply personal or professional reasons.

The aftermath of Donald Trump’s presidential election win over Kamala Harris, which saw Harris step in after President Joe Biden dropped out, undeniably intensified this discourse. Trump himself, speaking from Florida, hailed his victory as “the greatest political movement of all time,” promising a “golden age” for the United States. However, for a notable cohort of celebrities, this outcome signaled a different kind of future, one that compelled them to reconsider their American residency.

As the discussions around the election results continued to unfold across social media and news outlets, a compelling list of personalities emerged. These were individuals who, at various points, expressed a firm desire to live elsewhere in the world rather than remain under a Trump administration for another four years. Beyond politics, other stars made the conscious decision to seek new horizons for reasons ranging from the relentless glare of the paparazzi to the pursuit of different lifestyles and family priorities. Let’s delve into the stories of some of these prominent figures who have either packed their bags or are seriously contemplating a permanent move abroad.

1. **Barbra Streisand**The legendary singer and actor, Barbra Streisand, has been quite vocal about her political sentiments, particularly regarding the prospect of a Trump presidency. During an appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* exactly one year ago, Streisand unequivocally stated her inability to “can’t live in” the U.S. should Trump secure another term in the White House. When pressed by Colbert about the current political climate, she described it as “bad,” while also expressing admiration for President Biden, whom she views as compassionate, smart, and supportive of the right causes.

Colbert’s direct query about a potential second Trump administration elicited an equally direct response from Streisand: “I will move,” she declared. Her choice of destination? “Probably to England. I like England.” This was not merely a spontaneous remark, as Streisand has historically harbored similar sentiments. Ahead of the 2016 election, she conveyed a comparable desire, telling *60 Minutes Australia* that she was considering moving to “I’m either coming to your country, if you’ll let me in, or Canada.”

While Streisand has not publicly reiterated specific migration plans since Trump’s most recent victory, her social media activity on X (formerly Twitter) offered a glimpse into her emotional state. On November 6, she posted that there were “no words left,” reflecting a profound reaction to the election outcome. In a subsequent post, she quoted Kamala Harris, finding solace in the message, “‘Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.’ Thank you, Kamala,” indicating her deep disappointment but perhaps also a sliver of hope.

“Cher by Ian Smith” by Ian Smith from London, England is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

2. **Cher**Another iconic voice from the entertainment world, Cher, conveyed her profound dismay at the very notion of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In an October 2023 interview with *The Guardian*, the singer and actor revealed the toll his previous term took on her, stating, “I almost got an ulcer the last time [Trump was in office].” Her conviction about a potential second term was clear: “If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave [the country].”

Cher’s concerns extend beyond just the political figure, encompassing broader societal issues she finds deeply troubling. With a transgender child, she has been particularly outspoken about the anti-trans climate that has intensified in the U.S. “It’s something like 500 bills they’re trying to pass,” she shared with the publication, highlighting the legislative challenges faced by the trans community. She recounted a recent interaction, saying, “I was with two trans girls the other night—and of course my own child. I was saying, ‘We’ve got to stand together.'”

Her resolve to depart the U.S. if Trump won echoes a more hyperbolic, yet equally heartfelt, declaration from his initial presidential run. More than eight years ago, in June 2015, Cher famously took to X to state, “IF HE WERE TO BE ELECTED, [I’M] MOVING TO JUPITER.” While her more recent statements suggest a slightly more grounded choice of relocation, the intensity of her feelings remains undiminished, cementing her place among those seriously considering an American exodus.

3. **Sharon Stone**The acclaimed Hollywood screen star, Sharon Stone, also joined the ranks of celebrities contemplating a move to Europe in the event of a Trump election victory. As the presidential race drew to a close in late July, Stone openly discussed her considerations with the *Daily Mail*. “I am certainly considering a house in Italy,” she revealed, suggesting this as “an intelligent construct at this time.” Her assessment of the political landscape was stark, describing it as unprecedented in her lifetime.

Stone articulated her deep concern regarding the nature of the campaign, emphasizing a platform she perceived as rooted in negativity. Speaking of Trump, she added, “This is one of the first times in my life that I’ve actually seen anyone running for office on a platform of hate and oppression.” This strong statement underscored her profound disagreement with the political direction she feared the country might take.

Despite her considerations of moving abroad, Stone also expressed a glimmer of hope, albeit one that ultimately went unfulfilled in the immediate aftermath of the election. On Election Day, she took to Instagram to share a photograph of herself wearing a sweater adorned with the words “madam president.” As the election results confirmed, the U.S. would indeed “have to wait at least another four years for the possibility of a woman president,” leaving Stone’s potential Italian relocation still a matter of personal deliberation.

4. **Ellen DeGeneres**Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved comedian and former talk show host, along with her wife Portia de Rossi, has concretely made the move out of the U.S. following the recent presidential election. On November 20, The Wrap reported their plan to settle in the U.K., effectively quitting life in America after Trump’s victory. DeGeneres, who had openly supported Kamala Harris, reportedly purchased a property in the picturesque Cotswolds, a region in the south-west of England, conveniently located about two hours from London.

Further reports from TMZ corroborated this, adding a layer to the timeline of their decision. According to TMZ, DeGeneres and de Rossi had actually secured their U.K. property even before the election results were announced. However, they were reportedly “very disillusioned” with Trump’s subsequent victory, which solidified their resolve “to get the hell out” of the U.S. This sequence of events suggests a pre-emptive planning for a potential outcome, followed by a firm commitment once that outcome materialized.

The Cotswolds is a known haunt for many celebrities, locally and internationally. It serves as a favored locale for personalities such as actor Jamie Dornan, former *Top Gear* host Jeremy Clarkson, and the influential power couple David and Victoria Beckham, all of whom have established homes in the area. Evidence of DeGeneres and de Rossi integrating into this celebrity enclave emerged on November 14, when Clarkson’s partner, Lisa Hogan, shared Instagram footage of the couple alongside Natalie Imbruglia, enjoying a performance by The Corrs at Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub. This confirmed their new life across the Atlantic.

During a live conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon in Cheltenham, DeGeneres openly admitted the direct link between America’s leadership choice and their relocation. She stated, “Yes. We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’” This candid admission left no doubt about the primary driver behind their significant life change.

5. **Jimmy Kimmel**Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, a long-standing and vocal critic of Donald Trump, has taken a significant step that suggests a strong contingency plan for living outside the U.S. In a revealing admission, Kimmel recently disclosed that he has obtained Italian citizenship. This move, he indicated, was a direct response to Trump’s return to the Oval Office, signaling a deeper level of concern beyond mere public commentary.

Kimmel shared this information during an appearance on his ex-girlfriend Sarah Silverman’s podcast. Silverman had observed a trend among Americans who disapprove of Trump, noting their pursuit of citizenship in other countries. It was in this context that Kimmel responded, “I do have… I did get Italian citizenship. I do have that.” The statement, delivered with a sense of gravity, highlighted a tangible action rather than just a vocal threat.

He further elaborated on his sentiments regarding the political situation, expressing profound disappointment and a sense of exacerbation. “What’s going on is… as bad as you thought it was gonna be, it’s so much worse. It’s just unbelievable,” Kimmel conveyed. He even suggested that the reality of the situation might be “even worse than [Trump] would like it to be,” underscoring his deep-seated concern and the impetus behind his decision to secure dual citizenship.

6. **Rosie O’Donnell**Rosie O’Donnell, a celebrity who has frequently found herself as a target of Donald Trump’s public criticism, has also made a definitive move out of the United States. In March, O’Donnell confirmed that she had relocated to Ireland, a significant step that materialized shortly after the recent political transition in the U.S. Her departure, alongside her 12-year-old adopted daughter, Dakota, took place on January 15, just five days before Trump was officially sworn into office.

O’Donnell’s decision to leave was deeply rooted in her concerns for the American social and political climate. She articulated her reasons, stating, “I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country.” Her comments underscored a longing for her home country, but also a firm conviction that certain conditions needed to be met before a return could be considered.

Crucially, O’Donnell explicitly tied her potential return to a fundamental principle of justice and equality. She declared that she and her daughter “will consider coming back” only “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America.” This powerful statement positions her move as a protest and a stand for her beliefs, emphasizing that her departure is not merely a personal preference but a principled stance against what she perceives as an unequal and unsafe environment for some citizens.

7. **Courtney Love**Courtney Love, the influential American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the alternative and grunge scenes of the 1990s, is actively pursuing British citizenship. Her decision to seek a permanent residence outside the United States is directly influenced by her apprehension about the current political climate, which she describes as “frightening now.” Love’s long-standing dislike of the president has been well-documented, making her current actions a continuation of her earlier sentiments.

Speaking at the Royal Geographical Society in London in March, Love articulated her reasons for intending to remain outside the U.S. for good. She criticized a perceived “emperor-core” aesthetic and attitude associated with certain political figures, particularly at locations like Mar-a-Lago, noting, “It’s like emperor-core. Like, [they ‘re] wearing million-dollar watches.” Her commentary reflected a deep discomfort with the prevailing political culture she observed.

Love did not mince words in describing the gravity of the situation as she sees it. She explicitly stated, “It’s frightening now. It’s like cyanide now.” This strong imagery conveys her profound alarm and the sense of toxicity she attributes to the current political environment in the United States. Her efforts to obtain British citizenship are a tangible step in seeking a more agreeable long-term home, building upon her previous decision to seek refuge in the UK during Trump’s first presidency in 2019.

Beyond the immediate political motivations, a significant number of celebrities have chosen to bid farewell to American shores for an array of deeply personal and professional reasons. These decisions often stem from a desire for greater privacy, a shift in family priorities, compelling career opportunities abroad, or simply a yearning for a different lifestyle. The allure of international living, free from the relentless glare of the American spotlight or offering a richer cultural experience, has proven irresistible for many.

This next wave of departures paints a broader picture of celebrity emigration, illustrating that the reasons for saying ‘adios’ to the U.S. are as diverse as the stars themselves. From seeking refuge from paparazzi to embracing a partner’s heritage, these moves reflect a globalized world where home is increasingly where the heart, and indeed the career, truly thrives. Let’s delve into more stories of these prominent figures who have embraced life beyond America’s borders, each with their own unique motivations.

8. **Eva Longoria**The acclaimed actor and producer Eva Longoria has, in recent years, opted for a life that frequently takes her outside the United States. She revealed in a 2024 interview with *Marie Claire* that she and her family have been dividing their time between Spain, where she often works, and Mexico, her husband José Bastón’s home country. This lifestyle choice has naturally led to a more international existence for the star.

Longoria’s comments initially sparked speculation online, with many assuming her move was a direct response to the 2024 presidential election. However, she was quick to set the record straight during an appearance on her friend Ana Navarro’s podcast, *The View: Behind the Table*. Longoria directly addressed the rumors, asking, “Will you please let them know I didn’t move out of Spain, I mean the United States, because of Trump?”

She emphasized that her relocation was primarily driven by her career. “I’ve been in Europe working for almost three years. By the way, the article says that. People just grabbed some clickbait stuff to be divisive, which makes me so sad, you know. Everything you say is just meant to be divisive when we can’t be that way right now,” Longoria clarified, underscoring that her work commitments had dictated her living situation. While acknowledging her privilege to relocate, she also shared a broader sentiment about the changing “vibe” in California, mentioning issues like homelessness and taxes, and expressed anxiety for Americans who cannot easily escape what she termed “this dystopian country.”

9. **Britney Spears**Pop icon Britney Spears shared in a 2024 Instagram video that she has also made a significant move out of the U.S., choosing Mexico as her new home. Her decision was a deeply personal one, driven by the relentless and often brutal treatment she endured from the paparazzi during her time in America. The constant media scrutiny and invasion of privacy took a substantial toll on her.

Spears candidly articulated her feelings about the photographers, stating, “It really kind of hurts my feelings that the paparazzi make my face look like I’m wearing, like, a white Jason mask. It doesn’t even look like me.” This poignant description highlights the emotional distress caused by the distortion of her image and the perceived dehumanization by the media.

She further elaborated on the long-standing nature of this issue, noting, “They’ve always been incredibly cruel to me, the paparazzi and pictures and the way they’ve illustrated me to be in some of it.” For Spears, moving to Mexico represented a clear effort to reclaim some semblance of personal peace and privacy, escaping a level of public intrusion that had become unbearable and deeply hurtful throughout her career.

10. **Lindsay Lohan**Actress Lindsay Lohan, along with her family, embarked on a significant life change when she relocated to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in 2014. Her decision to move to the Middle East was rooted in a clear desire for a different quality of life, particularly concerning her personal privacy. Dubai offered a distinct advantage that appealed deeply to Lohan, a star who had often found herself under intense public scrutiny in the U.S.

One of the primary drivers for her move, as reported by *Cosmopolitan*, was the strict legal environment regarding paparazzi in Dubai. The prohibition of paparazzi activities in the city provided Lohan with a level of anonymity and freedom from constant surveillance that was simply unavailable in Hollywood or other major American cities. This legal protection allowed her to lead a more normal and private life away from the cameras.

In 2024, Lohan shared insights into her daily routine in Dubai with *Flaunt* magazine, illustrating how she embraces a remarkably ordinary existence. “It’s still a city. So it’s pretty similar. I mean, I do anything that anyone else does in their daily life. I’m up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch, and go to the park, the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life. Or you would do in LA,” she explained. The primary difference, she noted, was the time zone shift, which created a “big disconnect between when work starts for me and other places,” allowing her to manage international work calls efficiently while enjoying her family life.

11. **Janet Jackson**Music icon Janet Jackson has established a long-term residence in London, UK, having lived in the city since approximately 2016. Her decision to make London her home was primarily influenced by family considerations, particularly her role as a mother and her commitment to co-parenting her son. This dedication to her child’s well-being and stability dictated her chosen international location.

According to *The Guardian*, Jackson chose to remain in the British capital following her 2017 divorce from billionaire Wissam Al Mana. Al Mana, who is from Qatar, also resides in London, making the city a practical and necessary base for both parents to actively participate in their son’s upbringing. This arrangement underscores a common reason for international moves among celebrities: ensuring a stable and cooperative environment for their children.

By staying in London, Jackson prioritized her son’s proximity to both parents, navigating the complexities of post-divorce family life across continents. Her commitment reflects a broader trend among high-profile individuals who choose their living arrangements based on family dynamics and the desire to provide a consistent environment for their children, even if it means stepping away from their native country.

“Richard Gere, December 2017” by Nancy Pelosi’s House office is licensed under CC BY 2.0

12. **Richard Gere**The veteran actor Richard Gere and his family are also set to embrace a new chapter abroad, with plans to relocate to Spain later in 2024. Gere revealed this significant life change in an interview with *Vanity Fair Spain* in April 2024, signaling his first full-time residence outside the United States. This move is driven by a deep desire to immerse his family in his wife’s cultural heritage and be closer to her loved ones.

Gere explained the motivations behind the move, stating, “For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I have never lived full-time outside the United States. And I think it will be very interesting for my children as well.” He also highlighted the profound benefit for his wife, Alejandra Silva, adding, “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture.” This decision exemplifies a family-centric approach, where one partner’s background becomes the anchor for a new international home.

He spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the Spanish lifestyle and culture, articulating his admiration for the country. “In any case, I love Spain, and I think your lifestyle is fabulous. Also, your ability to live, transmitting joy and happiness. It is a beautiful place, the food is extraordinary, and the people exude sensitivity and generosity, as well as a strong will to laugh and enjoy. So I’m looking forward to going there,” Gere shared.

The move also represents a reciprocal gesture within his marriage. Gere noted, “She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.” This thoughtful consideration underscores a commitment to balancing cultural experiences and family ties, making the transition to Spain a shared adventure and a testament to their partnership.

13. **Tina Turner**The legendary “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tina Turner, made a pivotal move to Switzerland in 1995, settling with her then-boyfriend, Erwin Bach, who would later become her husband. This relocation marked a significant departure from her American roots, driven by a combination of personal and professional factors that drew her to Europe. Her decision reflected a global career that had found a massive audience beyond U.S. borders.

In a 1997 interview with CNN, Turner eloquently explained her reasons for leaving, stating, “I have left America because my success was in another country, and my boyfriend was in another country.” This candid admission highlighted how her thriving career and her personal relationship converged to make Europe her natural home. She proudly noted her immense popularity across the Atlantic, declaring, “I was as big as Madonna” in Europe.

Her journey to a permanent European residence involved several stops along the way. “I went to England for a couple of years, and then I met a man, and I lived three years with him in his country, in Germany,” she recounted. After these initial experiences, she also purchased a house in the south of France, indicating her growing affinity for the diverse European landscape.

Ultimately, Zurich became her primary home. “Then I bought a house, in the meantime, in the south of France, and I started to rebuild that, so I’m in and out of there. That’s not a place I can go often. [Home is] Zurich. Because my boyfriend was moved there to run the company, and I always wanted to go to Switzerland, and I was very happy,” she explained. Her happiness in Switzerland was solidified in 2013 when she married Erwin and officially became a Swiss citizen, cementing her status as an expatriate and embracing a new nationality.

14. **George Clooney**Hollywood icon George Clooney reportedly made a significant shift in his family’s base of operations, moving to Brignoles, Provence, France, in 2021, with his wife, Amal Clooney, and their children. This move signaled a conscious decision by the acclaimed actor and his human rights lawyer wife to seek a different kind of environment for their family life, distinct from the often-frenetic pace of celebrity life in the United States.

The primary motivation behind their relocation was a shared desire for a “peaceful life.” The couple reportedly sought a tranquil setting where they could raise their children away from the constant media glare that typically accompanies their high-profile status in the U.S. France, with its idyllic landscapes and often more private celebrity culture, offered an appealing alternative.

By choosing to raise their children primarily in France, the Clooneys underscored a commitment to fostering a sense of normalcy and groundedness for their family. This decision reflects a growing trend among celebrities who prioritize privacy and a more serene upbringing for their offspring, even if it means establishing roots far from traditional Hollywood hubs. Their move to Provence embodies a search for tranquility and a deliberate choice to craft a different kind of family experience.

15. **Josh Hartnett**Actor Josh Hartnett, along with his wife, Tamsin Egerton, and their children, made a definitive decision to establish their permanent home in Hampshire, UK. While they had previously split their time between the U.S. and the UK, the lockdown period proved to be a turning point. As they were expecting their third child, the couple decided to stay in Egerton’s home country for good, embracing a new lifestyle that prioritized family and personal well-being over the relentless demands of Hollywood.

Hartnett openly discussed his motivations in a 2024 interview with *The Guardian*, highlighting a profound difference in the social dynamics between his new home and major U.S. cities like New York or Los Angeles. He observed that in Hampshire, “nobody cares” about his career, a stark contrast to environments where “people only want to talk about your career.” This shift allowed him to cultivate a life centered on family and community, rather than being constantly defined by his profession.

The move to the UK also brought with it certain professional limitations, which Hartnett has willingly embraced. He noted that because he is on a marriage visa, he is only permitted to leave the UK for work for 180 days out of the year. This restriction effectively limits him to making about one movie annually, a pace he finds perfectly acceptable. This intentional slowdown in his career further reinforces his commitment to his family and his appreciation for a more balanced life.

Hartnett’s contentment with this arrangement underscores a broader desire for a different kind of existence, one where the pressures of celebrity are significantly minimized. His choice reflects a conscious trade-off, prioritizing the joys of watching his children grow up and engaging in a more grounded lifestyle over the constant pursuit of high-profile projects. For him, the move to Hampshire is not just about a change of scenery, but a profound reordering of priorities that has brought him immense personal satisfaction.

The compelling stories of these 15 celebrities illustrate a fascinating and multifaceted phenomenon: the conscious choice to redefine ‘home’ beyond America’s borders. Whether driven by urgent political convictions, the pursuit of unparalleled privacy, the embrace of family roots, or a desire for a different way of life, each star’s journey reflects a deeply personal quest for fulfillment. Their decisions, varied as they are, collectively underscore a shift in what a celebrity lifestyle can entail in the 21st century—one that increasingly looks outward, towards a global stage for both career and contentment. As the world continues to evolve, so too does the concept of where one truly belongs, proving that for these personalities, ‘adios’ to America has opened doors to new horizons and redefined their narratives in profound and unexpected ways.