More and more American stars are making Europe their home, with Paris and London emerging as particularly popular destinations. From Hollywood heavyweights to television personalities, a growing number of US creatives are choosing to live and function across the Atlantic.
Angelina Jolie is among those considering a move to the French capital. The actress told Le Journal du Dimanche she hopes to return to Paris soon, stating, “I have only one wish: to come back for a new film soon.” Jolie is currently filming “Coutures” in Paris, a project that sees her portraying a US director working on Parisian fashion shows.
George and Amal Clooney have already taken the plunge, recently becoming French citizens. Cult director Jim Jarmusch has likewise applied for French citizenship, telling France Info he wants “another place to withdraw to from the USA,” adding that Paris is his second city after New York.
The trend isn’t limited to film. A British version of “Saturday Night Live” premiered on Saturday, with Tina Fey kicking off the present with a joke about the relationship between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal. Fey then asked the audience, “Why is there a British version of ‘SNL’?” to which she offered the answer: “Like many great American missions, we’re not entirely sure.”
Reasons for the Move
The move to Europe offers a variety of benefits for American stars. Increased privacy, particularly for those with children, is a major draw. As one industry insider explained to Entertainlens, Europe provides a level of anonymity that’s tough to achieve in the US.
The European film industry also presents a different landscape. Even as Hollywood often prioritizes established brands and predictable successes, France maintains a stronger emphasis on the director’s artistic vision. Producer Charles Gillibert told Le Monde that filmmaking in France is often freer, but also riskier. France also boasts a robust film system with tax incentives, a dense network of cinemas, major festivals, and highly sought-after technicians, as well as a dedicated film-loving audience.
The recent strikes in Hollywood have also contributed to the shift, exposing a growing sense of instability within the industry. French director Jean-Jacques Annaud (“The Name of the Rose,” “Seven Years in Tibet”) described the situation as a “paralysis” that is hindering projects, including his own. He told RTL radio that the US has changed, and that studios are now increasingly driven by financial managers focused on quarterly results rather than passionate filmmakers.
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife have also joined the transatlantic trend, having lived in southwest England since 2024. Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are reportedly settling into London as of 2025, according to British media reports. This growing preference for European living among US stars reflects a broader reevaluation of lifestyle and career priorities within the entertainment industry.
