Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler, the elder sister of Hollywood star George Clooney, has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.
A Courageous Battle and Heartfelt Tribute
Ada Zeidler passed away on Friday, 19 December 2025, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky. Her death was confirmed by her family, who stated she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
In an emotional statement to People magazine, her brother, 64-year-old George Clooney, paid a moving tribute. "My sister, Ada, was my hero," the Oscar-winning actor said. "She faced down cancer with courage and humour. I've never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly."
The Private Life of a Talented Artist
Despite being the sibling of one of the world's most famous actors, Ada Zeidler largely lived a private life. She was a talented artist and a dedicated elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent school for several years.
Her obituary highlights a life of quiet achievement. In high school, her academic prowess earned her the status of a National Merit Scholar. She was an avid reader, connecting with others through a local book club, and was a member of the Augusta Art Guild. Her community involvement was recognised when she served as past grand marshal of Augusta's Annual White Christmas Parade.
Family, Loss, and a Rare Public Glimpse
Ada married retired army captain Norman Zeidler in 1987. He sadly predeceased her, passing away from a heart attack in 2004. She is survived by her two children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga (and her husband Kenny), her brother George and his wife Amal, and several extended family members.
While she valued her privacy, Ada made a notable public appearance at her brother's lavish 2014 wedding to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in Venice.
In a rare interview with the New York Daily News, she once revealed a shared passion with her famous sibling, confessing a desire to act. "Yes, there is a part of me that would very much like to have become a famous actress or something like that," she said. "I enjoy acting and I was fairly okay at it, but I did not have a thick enough skin for it."
She also disclosed the practical nature of their relationship, stating she did not keep George's phone number to avoid security risks if she lost her phone, preferring to communicate via email for convenience.
Ada Zeidler's funeral is scheduled for Monday, 22 December 2025.
