George Clooney, the Oscar winning actor, announced the death of his older sister Adelia “Ada” Zeidler on Saturday, describing her as his “hero.” Zeidler, 65, passed away Friday after a long battle with cancer, according to an obituary obtained by People magazine.
“My sister, Ada, was my hero,” Clooney said. “She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”
Zeidler died peacefully at a medical facility in Augusta, Kentucky, surrounded by family. She was born in Los Angeles in 1960 and spent much of her life in Augusta, where she pursued a career in education.
Adelia Zeidler was a former elementary art teacher and a high school National Merit Scholar who developed a lifelong passion for reading. She grew up alongside Clooney in Augusta, where she remained close to her family throughout her life.
Her obituary listed surviving family members, including parents Nick and Nina Bruce Clooney, children Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga, husband Kenny Zeidler, and Clooney and his wife Amal.
Zeidler was preceded in death by her first husband, Norman Zeidler, who died in 2004.
The Clooney family has long maintained a private life despite George Clooney’s high profile career in Hollywood.
Ada Zeidler was occasionally seen at family events, including her brother’s 2014 wedding in Venice, Italy, to human rights attorney Amal Clooney. Experts in grief counseling note that public figures often face unique challenges when mourning loved ones.
Dr. Helen McCarthy, a psychologist specializing in bereavement, said the loss of a close sibling can have profound emotional impacts, particularly when one sibling is constantly in the public eye.
“Celebrity grief is complicated by the public’s attention,” McCarthy said. “Acknowledging a sibling’s death publicly, as Clooney did, is both a personal tribute and a way to manage public expectations, while still honoring private mourning.”
Clooney is among several high profile celebrities who have recently spoken openly about personal losses, reflecting a broader trend in Hollywood where public figures balance private grief with public acknowledgment.
According to a 2024 survey by the Entertainment Grief Foundation, nearly 60 percent of actors reported discussing family deaths in public statements at some point in their careers.
Locals in Augusta remember Zeidler for her contributions to the community. “Ada was a wonderful teacher and a kind person,” said Margaret Lewis, a former colleague at Augusta Elementary.
“She inspired her students to pursue art and reading with passion. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.” Neighbors described Zeidler as a devoted mother and a supportive presence in the family.
“She was always there for her children and for George, even with his busy life in Hollywood,” said Tom Richards, a neighbor. A memorial for Zeidler is scheduled for Monday in Augusta.
Family members, including Clooney and Amal, are expected to attend. While her passing marks a significant loss for the Clooney family, friends and experts note that her legacy in education and the arts will continue to influence her community.
Adelia Zeidler’s death at 65 is a poignant reminder of the personal challenges faced by public figures and the private lives they maintain beyond the spotlight.
George Clooney’s tribute highlights the enduring bond between siblings, while her contributions as a teacher and community member reflect a life of quiet influence and resilience.
