Who Is Adelia Clooney? Everything To Know About George Clooney’s Sister

Introduction: Meet George Clooney’s Private Sister, Adelia Clooney

While George Clooney has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors and directors, his sister, Adelia Clooney—often called Ada by family and friends—has chosen a much quieter life away from the cameras. Adelia may not be a familiar name to most fans, but she has played a meaningful role in the Oscar winner’s story. Living in their hometown of Augusta, Kentucky, she remains close to her family, including her famous brother, but prefers peace and privacy over fame. Her life reveals a touching contrast between Hollywood glamour and small-town simplicity—a balance that keeps George Clooney grounded even today.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Adelia “Ada” Clooney Zeidler
Nickname: Ada
Born: 1960, Augusta, Kentucky, USA
Parents: Nick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warren
Brother: George Clooney
Spouse: Norman Zeidler (married 1987 – died 2004)
Children: Nicholas and Allison Zeidler
Education: Louisville and Northern Kentucky Colleges
Profession: Bookkeeper
Residence: Augusta, Kentucky
Known For: Being George Clooney’s sister and living a private life

Family Roots: The Clooney Family Background

Adelia Clooney was born into a warm and tight-knit family that valued storytelling, kindness, and creativity. Her father, Nick Clooney, is a well-known journalist and television host who also ran for political office in Kentucky. Her mother, Nina Bruce Warren, worked as a writer and served on the local city council, known for her intelligence and community spirit. The Clooney family’s roots are deeply planted in Augusta, a small river town where everyone knows everyone.

Growing up in this close community shaped both Adelia and George’s personalities. While George went on to pursue acting, directing, and humanitarian work, Adelia chose to stay near their hometown, continuing the Clooney tradition of humility and sincerity. Their family’s background created an environment that encouraged creativity but also emphasized empathy and respect—traits that both siblings still embody today.

Early Life: Growing Up With George In Kentucky

Adelia was born in 1960, just a year before George. Their closeness in age made them best friends as well as siblings. Growing up in the same friend circle, they spent much of their childhood exploring their small town, attending church events, and playing imaginative games.

Their mother, Nina, once shared a funny story that shows the siblings’ playful bond. She recalled coming home one day to find George, Adelia, and their friends throwing marshmallows at each other and sticking them on the walls. That image—a room covered in marshmallows—captures the warmth and laughter that filled the Clooney household.

George often speaks fondly of his upbringing in Augusta, crediting the town for instilling in him a sense of decency and togetherness. “I was really lucky to be raised in a small town like that,” he told The Tennessean in 2019. Those childhood memories continue to connect him and Adelia despite their different worlds.

Education And Career Path

Unlike her brother, who pursued acting and filmmaking, Adelia Clooney followed a more traditional path. She studied at colleges in Louisville and Northern Kentucky, where she developed skills in accounting and administration. Eventually, she became a bookkeeper, a role that allowed her to work steadily while staying close to home.

Her choice to stay in Kentucky wasn’t about missing out on fame—it was about following what truly mattered to her. Adelia found joy in raising a family, working in her community, and living a quiet, grounded life. She rarely appears in public and has never sought the spotlight, even though her brother’s fame could easily have opened doors in the entertainment industry.

Love Story And Family Life

Adelia’s life took a romantic turn when she met Norman Zeidler, a U.S. Army captain and talented artist. The two married on March 14, 1987, in a heartfelt ceremony in Augusta surrounded by family. George Clooney, who was already making his way into television, read scripture during the ceremony—a sign of the siblings’ strong bond.

Their marriage was filled with love and shared values, but tragedy struck in October 2004, when Norman passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Adelia became a widow and dedicated herself to raising their two children, Nicholas and Allison Zeidler. Despite the heartbreak, she continued to find strength in family and faith. George has often mentioned how proud he is of his sister and how deeply he admires her resilience.

In interviews, George has proudly shared that his nephew Nicholas once became prom king at the same high school he attended—a moment that filled the family with pride and laughter, since George himself was not chosen for the title.

Her Bond With George Clooney

Adelia Clooney and George Clooney share a lifelong closeness that transcends fame and distance. Even though they live very different lives, their connection has remained strong. In a 2015 interview with CBS This Morning, George said he was “very close” to his sister, speaking fondly of their shared childhood and mutual support.

Their bond is often described as loving and protective. Adelia has been there for George through his career highs and lows, and George, in turn, has included her in important family milestones. When he married Amal Clooney in Venice in 2014, Adelia was among the family members who joined the celebrations.

Rare Public Appearances

Despite valuing her privacy, Adelia has occasionally appeared alongside her famous brother at family events. One of her most memorable public moments came during George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 wedding in Venice. She was photographed wearing a stunning silver sequined dress while traveling by water taxi with George and their parents.

Moments like these are rare, but they offer glimpses of the strong family bond that George has always cherished. Adelia’s quiet elegance and understated presence reflect the Clooney family’s grace—proof that fame isn’t what defines their closeness.

Defending Her Brother: Standing By George Clooney

In 2012, during a period when rumors about George Clooney’s personal life made tabloid headlines, Adelia Clooney spoke publicly to defend her brother. In an interview with the New York Daily News, she dismissed false stories about his sexuality, calling them “ridiculous.”

Her comments revealed both her loyalty and understanding of George’s choices. She explained that her brother had always been fully committed to his career, which sometimes left little room for settling down. “He could have the career or the family,” she said, “and he decided to go full bore into acting.”

Her honesty showed the strong bond between the siblings—a connection built on trust, respect, and a lifetime of shared experiences.

A Glimpse At Her Personality And Aspirations

Although Adelia Clooney lives a quiet life, she once dreamed of becoming an actress like her brother. In a rare interview, she admitted that she loved acting but didn’t have “a thick enough skin” for Hollywood. That self-awareness shaped her choice to live outside the spotlight.

Those who know Adelia describe her as kind, grounded, and genuine. She embodies the small-town values that the Clooney family holds dear—compassion, humility, and gratitude. Her decision to live privately doesn’t come from shyness, but from a desire to live authentically, surrounded by family and familiar faces.

A Life Of Privacy: How Adelia Stays Connected To George

One of the most interesting details about Adelia Clooney’s relationship with her brother is that she doesn’t have his phone number. In an interview years ago, she said she preferred to keep in touch by email, explaining that she didn’t want to risk losing her phone and compromising his privacy.

“He can phone me, and he does occasionally, but email is more convenient for both of us,” she said. That simple habit reflects her respect for George’s privacy and her practical, no-fuss personality. While many celebrity siblings seek attention, Adelia has always prioritized trust and discretion.

Where Is Adelia Clooney Now

Today, Adelia Clooney continues to live in Augusta, Kentucky, where she leads a peaceful, private life surrounded by family and community. She remains close to her parents, her children, and her brother George. Though she occasionally travels for family events, she spends most of her time in the small town that helped shape her and her brother’s character.

Her story is a reminder that fame isn’t the only measure of success. By choosing privacy, family, and authenticity, Adelia represents the heart of the Clooney family—a life built on love, strength, and integrity.

Conclusion: The Quiet Strength Behind A Hollywood Icon

Behind George Clooney’s charm, humor, and success stands a family that taught him the values of kindness and humility—and at the center of that family is Adelia Clooney. Her story might not make Hollywood headlines, but it reveals something far more powerful: the strength of staying true to oneself.

While her brother continues to inspire millions on-screen and through humanitarian work, Adelia reminds us that real fulfillment can come from living quietly, loving deeply, and holding on to the people who matter most. In many ways, she is the steady foundation that helped shape one of the world’s most admired stars.

FAQs About Adelia Clooney

Who Is Adelia Clooney?
Adelia Clooney, also known as Ada Zeidler, is George Clooney’s older sister. She lives a private life in Augusta, Kentucky, far from Hollywood’s spotlight.

How Old Is Adelia Clooney?
Adelia Clooney was born in 1960, making her 65 years old in 2025.

Is Adelia Clooney Married?
She was married to Norman Zeidler, a former U.S. Army captain and artist, from 1987 until his passing in 2004.

Does Adelia Clooney Have Children?
Yes, she has two children: a son named Nicholas and a daughter named Allison Zeidler.

Where Does Adelia Clooney Live Now?
Adelia lives in her hometown of Augusta, Kentucky, where she enjoys a quiet, family-centered life.

Is Adelia Clooney Close To George Clooney?
Yes, George has often said he is “very close” to his sister, and they maintain a strong, loving relationship despite their different lifestyles.

Did Adelia Clooney Ever Want To Be Famous?
She once dreamed of becoming an actress but decided against it, saying she didn’t have a “thick enough skin” for Hollywood. Instead, she chose a grounded, private life that reflects her genuine character.

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