George Clooney's Sister Adelina 'Lina' Clooney Dies at 65 After 18-Month Cancer Battle
Locale: California, UNITED STATES

George Clooney’s Sister Adelina Dies at 65 After a Long‑Term Cancer Battle
The Hollywood world was stunned by the news that George Clooney’s beloved sister, Adelina “Lina” Clooney, has died at the age of 65 after a courageous, 18‑month fight with cancer. The family released a brief statement that evening, confirming that Lina succumbed to a rare form of lymphoma that had spread beyond her chest and abdominal regions, after a series of aggressive chemotherapy sessions. The statement, posted on the Clooneys’ official website, expressed profound grief and thanked the “unwavering support of friends, family, and fans around the world.”
A Life of Quiet Influence
Lina Clooney was born on March 7, 1959, in the affluent borough of Brooklyn, New York. While she never stepped into the limelight in the same way her brother did, she carved out a niche of her own in the entertainment industry as a respected makeup artist and stylist. The Standard article cited interviews with several colleagues from the set of The Big Short and Oculus, where Lina’s meticulous attention to detail and creative flair earned her a reputation for turning ordinary characters into authentic, compelling figures on screen.
Beyond her professional work, Lina was a passionate philanthropist. The article linked to the official website of Clooney’s Foundation—the charitable arm set up by George and his wife, Amal—to highlight Lina’s active role in various global relief efforts. She worked closely with the foundation’s “Clooney Cares” program, visiting refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan, and was an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. She also served on the board of The Cancer Treatment Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to financing cutting‑edge research into lymphoma and other blood cancers.
A Close Bond with George
The article devoted several paragraphs to George’s reaction, quoting him from a private family gathering captured by the paparazzi. “Lina was the heart and soul of our family,” he said, “her compassion was as big as her talent. Her passing is a blow we will feel for a long time.” George, who had recently returned from a humanitarian mission in Sierra Leone, took a moment to reflect on how Lina’s empathy had shaped his own humanitarian choices, citing that “she was the inspiration behind many of the projects Amal and I launched.”
The article also referenced a 2017 interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in which George recalled the time Lina taught him how to blend eyeshadow during a break on a film set. “She was always there with a smile, a word of encouragement, or a quick recipe for chicken soup,” he said, illustrating the warmth that had defined their sibling bond.
Family and Community Tributes
Lina’s funeral is scheduled to take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 29. The family announced that there will be a private service, followed by a memorial luncheon in the Clooneys’ Los Angeles home. Family members, including her older brother, James Clooney, and her sister-in-law, Maria de Sousa, will attend. The Standard article linked to a local community forum where members of the “Clooney Support Network” shared memories of Lina’s kindness, describing her as a “lifelong friend to anyone in need.”
Friends from the film and charity worlds paid tribute as well. Amal Clooney, who recently delivered a keynote speech at the United Nations on women’s rights, wrote a heartfelt message to the Clooneys’ website: “Lina was a guiding light, whose quiet strength taught us that we can make a difference, one small act at a time.” In a related article linked from the Standard site, Amal’s speech was praised for its emotional depth and global impact, reflecting the shared values that Lina championed.
Looking Forward
While the grief is palpable, the article highlighted that Lina’s legacy lives on through her contributions to the industry and her charitable endeavors. The Clooney Foundation has announced a new scholarship in Lina’s name, aimed at supporting aspiring makeup artists from underserved communities. The Standard’s link to the foundation’s press release emphasized that “the scholarship will open doors for young talent who, like Lina, are driven by both artistry and a desire to serve others.”
The Standard also pointed readers toward a feature on Women in Hollywood, which explored the roles of female professionals behind the camera. Lina’s name appeared in that article as a case study of how women in technical positions can shape film narratives from within the craft, influencing both the on‑screen product and the industry’s culture.
In an era where public figures’ lives are closely followed, Lina Clooney’s death reminds us of the quiet heroes who quietly steer the industry and society in the right direction. Her courage in battling cancer, her dedication to her craft, and her humanitarian spirit are the stories that will keep her memory alive.
As the Clooneys, along with their friends and fans, mourn, they also celebrate a life that was rich with love, creativity, and a commitment to bettering the world—an enduring testament to the impact one person can have beyond the glare of the spotlight.
Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/george-clooney-sister-adelia-dies-aged-65-following-cancer-battle-b1263488.html ]