George Clooney’s Sister, Ada Zeidler, Dies at 65 After Battle With Cancer

George Clooney is mourning the death of his sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who died December 19 at the age of 65 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The actor confirmed her passing in a statement shared over the weekend, describing her as his “hero” and emphasizing the strength and grace she displayed throughout her illness.

Zeidler died peacefully at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky, surrounded by family. Her death marks a personal loss for the Clooney family and a moment of quiet reflection for those who have followed the actor’s public life for decades. While Clooney’s career has unfolded largely in the public eye, his sister’s life was defined by a far more private form of service and commitment.

Born May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles, Zeidler was the elder of the Clooney siblings. She grew up in a family steeped in journalism, education, and civic engagement. Those influences shaped her path, though she chose a life removed from entertainment or celebrity. Instead, she pursued education and the arts, building a career as an elementary school art teacher in Augusta, Kentucky.

Zeidler was known locally as a dedicated educator who valued creativity, patience, and consistency. Former students and colleagues remembered her as someone who took particular care with children who struggled, encouraging them through art and personal attention rather than pressure. Outside the classroom, she remained active in her community, participating in the Augusta Art Guild and a local book club. She was also recognized earlier in life as a National Merit Scholar, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning.

Despite her brother’s international fame, Zeidler maintained a strong preference for privacy. She lived largely outside the public spotlight, appearing only occasionally at family milestones. One such moment came in 2014, when she attended Clooney’s wedding to human rights attorney Amal Clooney in Venice. Photographs from the event showed her alongside her brother, present but unobtrusive, reflecting the balance she maintained between family closeness and personal discretion.

The bond between the siblings was longstanding. Clooney has spoken in past interviews about their closeness, noting that his sister remained a steady presence even as his professional life became increasingly demanding. That relationship, by his account, was grounded in mutual respect rather than celebrity or status.

In his statement following her death, Clooney emphasized her courage. He described Zeidler as someone who faced cancer without surrendering her sense of humor or perspective. “I’ve never met anyone so brave,” he said, adding that both he and his wife would miss her deeply. The tribute was notable for its restraint, focusing less on public mourning and more on personal admiration.

Zeidler is survived by her parents, Nick and Nina Clooney; her husband, Kenny Herolaga; her two children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga; and her brother George, along with his wife Amal. She was previously married to Norman Zeidler, a retired Army captain who died in 2004. Her family described her as devoted, steady, and unfailingly present for those she loved.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, December 22, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Maysville, Kentucky. In keeping with her lifelong connection to education and community, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Knoedler Memorial Library in Augusta rather than sent as flowers.

For Clooney, the loss comes during a period of professional activity that has included stage work and public commentary on a range of issues. Yet his remarks about his sister suggest a clear distinction between public roles and private priorities. In acknowledging her death, he drew attention not to his own grief, but to the life she lived.

Ada Zeidler’s story is not one of public achievement or national recognition. It is, instead, the record of a life rooted in family, teaching, and community. For those who knew her, her influence was measured not in headlines, but in daily acts of care and responsibility. That legacy, while quiet, endures.