The Great Celebrity Exodus: 11 A-List Stars Who Left The U.S. After The 2024 Election And Why

The landscape of Hollywood is shifting, and the trend of high-profile celebrities leaving the country has reached a fever pitch in late 2024 and early 2025. The decision to relocate is rarely simple, but a confluence of factors—ranging from political instability to a desperate search for privacy—is driving a "Hollywood exodus" that sees some of the biggest names trading their U.S. mansions for quiet estates overseas. This wave of celebrity relocation is not just about a change of scenery; it reflects a deep desire for a different way of life, away from the intense spotlight and the divisive political climate of the United States.

The recent U.S. presidential election has been cited as a primary catalyst for several prominent moves, accelerating the plans of many who had long considered a life abroad. For these global citizens, the appeal of Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, offers a sanctuary where they can pursue their careers, raise their families, and enjoy a degree of anonymity that is impossible to find back home in Los Angeles or New York. The following list details the most notable stars who have recently packed their bags and the compelling reasons behind their monumental decisions.

The New Wave: Celebrities Who Left the U.S. in 2024/2025

The most recent and widely reported celebrity relocations are directly tied to the political climate following the 2024 election. These moves highlight a growing trend where political alignment and personal well-being are prioritized over the traditional demands of the American entertainment industry.

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Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: The UK Sanctuary

One of the most surprising and high-profile moves of late 2024 was that of talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi. The couple sold their U.S. properties and made the decisive move to the United Kingdom.

• Celebrity: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
• Destination: United Kingdom (UK)
• Primary Reason: Political dissatisfaction and seeking a calmer environment following the 2024 U.S. election.
• Context: Their decision was widely reported as a direct response to the political shift, with sources indicating a desire to escape the intense and polarizing atmosphere in the U.S.

Fisher Stevens: Trading Succession for London Life

Actor and director Fisher Stevens, known for his roles in *Succession* and *The Grand Budapest Hotel*, is another prominent figure who recently opted for life across the pond. His move was less politically charged but still rooted in a desire for a change of pace and a new cultural experience.

• Celebrity: Fisher Stevens
• Destination: London, United Kingdom
• Primary Reason: A desire to "try out life in Europe" and experience a different cultural scene with his family.
• Context: Stevens, who moved his family to London in late 2024, expressed that it was simply "time to get out of the U.S." for a while and explore new horizons.

Sophie Turner: Accelerated Return to Europe

While originally from England, actress Sophie Turner's return to Europe in 2024 was reportedly accelerated by the political instability in the U.S.. Her relocation underscores how political events can cement a celebrity’s decision to leave their adopted home country.

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• Celebrity: Sophie Turner
• Destination: Europe/Britain
• Primary Reason: Political instability in the U.S. and a return to her native roots.
• Context: Turner's move with her children signifies a strong preference for the stability and environment of her home country over the current climate in the U.S.

Why Are Hollywood Stars Becoming Global Citizens? The Driving Forces

The decision for a celebrity to leave the U.S. is multifaceted, often driven by a mix of professional necessity, personal safety, and a search for a better quality of life. The "Hollywood exodus" is fueled by several key factors that make life outside America increasingly appealing to the elite.

The Search for Anonymity and Privacy

For many A-list stars, the relentless media scrutiny in the U.S. becomes unbearable. Countries in Europe, such as Switzerland or Spain, often offer a more discreet lifestyle where celebrities can blend in and enjoy a semblance of normalcy.

• Richard Gere: The veteran actor moved his family to Spain, seeking a quiet life away from the Hollywood frenzy.
• Tina Turner: The late Queen of Rock 'n' Roll famously found lasting peace and citizenship in Switzerland, where she lived a highly private life until her passing.

Political and Social Dissatisfaction

The political climate is arguably the biggest new driver for celebrity relocation. Many stars, particularly those vocal about their liberal views, feel alienated by the shifting political landscape and have chosen to vote with their feet.

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• Rosie O'Donnell: Reports indicated her decision to move overseas was influenced by the results of the 2024 election, echoing the sentiments of many politically engaged celebrities.
• Sharon Stone: The actress publicly suggested she was eyeing a move to Europe should the political situation take a turn she disagreed with.

Career Opportunities and Lifestyle Choices

While Hollywood remains the center of the film world, global production hubs in London, Vancouver, and Europe are becoming increasingly attractive. Furthermore, some celebrities simply prefer the culture, architecture, and pace of life found abroad.

• Eva Longoria: The actress and producer has spent considerable time in Spain, drawn by cultural ties and professional opportunities outside of the traditional Hollywood system.
• Robin Wright: The *House of Cards* star has established a life in France, marrying a French fashion executive and embracing the European lifestyle.

The Long-Term Celebrity Expatriates: Finding a Permanent Home Abroad

The recent exodus is part of a longer tradition of stars who have chosen to make a permanent life outside the U.S. These long-term expatriates have found that the benefits of living abroad far outweigh the convenience of being close to the Hollywood machine.

Lindsay Lohan: The Middle East and Europe

Lindsay Lohan has been living an international life for years, finding stability and privacy in Dubai and later settling in Europe. Her move was largely motivated by a desire to escape the intense tabloid culture that plagued her early career in the U.S.. The ability to live a relatively normal life, free from constant paparazzi, was a major draw.

Amber Heard: Life in Spain

Following a highly publicized legal battle, actress Amber Heard relocated to Spain, where she has been living a quieter life. Her move to a more discreet location underscores the importance of privacy and escaping past controversies for many stars seeking a fresh start.

Lily Collins: Embracing Britain

While American-born, actress Lily Collins has settled in Britain, embracing the European lifestyle. Her career, which includes the hit Netflix show *Emily in Paris*, demonstrates how globalized the entertainment industry has become, making a U.S. residency less essential.

What This Means for Hollywood and the U.S.

The departure of A-list talent represents more than just a personal choice; it signifies a growing disillusionment with the state of the U.S., both politically and socially. For the entertainment industry, it means a further decentralization of power, with Europe—especially London—solidifying its position as a major global hub for film and television production. As more celebrities relocate, they build a new network of influence and production overseas, further accelerating the trend of Hollywood becoming a truly global, rather than purely American, entity.

This "celebrity brain drain" is a powerful statement. Whether driven by the desire for a better quality of life, a quest for privacy, or a reaction to political events, the decision of these stars to leave the country serves as a high-profile barometer of the current cultural and political climate in the United States. The list of those seeking permanent residence abroad is expected to grow in the coming years, redefining what it means to be a "Hollywood star" in a rapidly changing world.