George Clooney has spoken candidly about the final moments of his sister, Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler, who died of cancer in December 2025 at the age of 65. The actor recounted being with his sister as she passed away quickly.
"She died very quickly, and I was with her when she died," Clooney said during a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival this week. "And there was this feeling, being with her, holding her hand when she died, understanding how brief all of this is."
Clooney, who received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the festival, reflected on the swift passage of time. "It was minutes ago that she and I were little kids together; Minutes ago we were holding hands as little kid," he said, according to Variety. "Time goes fast. All of this. And so we have to find nothing but joy."
He previously described Ada as his "hero" in a statement released after her death, noting her courage and humor in facing cancer. "I've never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly," Clooney stated.
Ada Zeidler, described in her obituary as a talented artist, died peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Her funeral was held at Patrick Catholic Church in Maysville, Kentucky, three days after her passing at a St Elizabeth Healthcare facility.
Born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1960, Ada was George Clooney's elder sister. Their father, Nick Clooney, was a radio host and activist, and their aunt was singer Rosemary Clooney. Their mother, Nina, a former beauty queen, shared childhood memories of George and Ada playing together, including a playful incident involving marshmallows.
Although Ada lived a private life, she was seen with her famous brother in Venice in 2014, accompanying him during his visit for his wedding to Amal Clooney.