George Clooney’s sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, has passed away peacefully at the age of 65 following a courageous fight against cancer. The elder sibling of the acclaimed actor died on Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.
In a touching statement to People magazine, the 64-year-old actor expressed his deep admiration for his sister, saying, “My sister, Ada, was my hero. She faced down cancer with courage and humour. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”
Ada was not only known for her bravery but also for her talents as an artist and educator. She dedicated several years to teaching elementary art at Augusta Independent and was actively involved in the local arts community, including the Augusta Art Guild. Her academic excellence earned her recognition as a National Merit Scholar during high school, and she shared her passion for reading through a local book club. Ada also held the honor of being a past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade.
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Though she lived a largely private life, Ada appeared publicly at George Clooney’s wedding to Amal in Venice in 2014. She was married to retired Army Captain Norman Zeidler from 1987 until his untimely death in 2004 due to a heart attack.
Ada leaves behind her beloved children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga (and her husband Kenny), her brother George and sister-in-law Amal, as well as numerous extended family members.
In a rare interview with the New York Daily News, Ada revealed her childhood dream of following in her brother’s footsteps to become an actress. “Yes, there is a part of me that would very much like to have become a famous actress or something like that. I enjoy acting and I was fairly okay at it, but I did not have a thick enough skin for it,” she shared candidly.
Ada also spoke about her unique way of keeping in touch with George, preferring email over phone calls. “I do not have his phone number because I wouldn’t want to have it in my phone and then lose my phone. He can phone me, and he does occasionally, but the email is more convenient for both of us,” she explained.
Ada Zeidler’s funeral service is scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025. Her family and friends remember her not only for her strength and talent but also for the warmth and kindness she shared with those around her.