Lots of celebrities have dual citizenship, either because they moved countries and applied for it, because they’re the children of immigrants, or for other more specific reasons. Several have acquired U.S. citizenship while others such as Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have acquired citizenships very far away from family origins! Rita does actually have Greek roots, while Tom was given honorary citizenship, which eventually became full citizenship!
Continue on to discover other celebrities that have gone on to acquire a second citizenship…
Charlize Theron – South Africa & United States
Charlize Theron, who was born in South Africa, relocated to the US at the age of 19 to pursue her acting career. She passed the citizenship test to become a dual citizen in 2008.
“I’ve always wanted to be [a citizen], they just didn’t want to take me. It’s quite a process. You have to work hard, you know, study up. Then finally I was approved and you have to go in and do an interview. You have to know your stuff,” Charlize revealed on CBS’ David Letterman Late Show.
Charlize Theron South Africa & United States
Jim Carrey – Canada & United States
In 1979, Ontario-born Jim Carrey left his native Canada to seek a career in comedy in the United States. He acquired dual citizenship in the two nations in 2004.
“I have no intention of giving up my Canadian heritage, and all those who loved and supported me. My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian,” Jim revealed in a statement at the time. He continued stating that the United States “helped define me and make my dreams come true.”
Jim Carrey Canada & United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Austria & United States
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria, he emigrated to the US at the age of 21 to pursue a career in bodybuilding. Arnold was granted U.S. citizenship in 1983, despite the fact that Austria generally does not permit dual citizenship. He marked 35 years as a citizen of the United States in 2018.
“35 years ago today, I became a citizen of the United States of America. I arrived here almost 50 years ago with empty pockets, but full of dreams. I owe it all to America. It was, without a doubt, one of the proudest days of my life,” Arnold wrote on his Twitter account.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Austria & United States
Natalie Portman – Israel & United States
Despite being born in Jerusalem, Natalie Portman moved to the United States when she was only three years old so that her father could continue his education in medicine. She now holds dual citizenship with the United States and Israel. A rising star ever since her teenage years, it can be said that she never would’ve gotten to the heights she has without the big move.
Natalie Portman Israel & United States
Sandra Bullock – United States & Germany
Although Sandra Bullock was born in Virginia, she traveled a lot as a child because of her father’s Army job. She lived in Nuremberg, Germany, for a portion of that time, and in 2009 she declared she had applied for German citizenship. Bullock speaks fluent German also.
“It would be wonderful if my sister and I could succeed. It is something my mother wished for her children. Half of my family is German,” Sandra said regarding her application for German citizenship.
Sandra Bullock United States & Germany
Angelina Jolie – United States & Cambodia
Angelina Jolie was born in Los Angeles, but in 2005, King Norodom Sihamoni granted her citizenship in Cambodia. The honor was given in recognition of Angelina’s environmental and conservation efforts in Cambodia, the country from which she adopted her son Maddox. Since then, Angelina has spent a lot of time in Cambodia. In 2017, she directed “First They Killed My Father,” a biographical thriller in the Khmer language that was based on Loung Ung’s autobiography of the same name.
Angelina Jolie United States & Cambodia
Elon Musk – South Africa, Canada & United States
Elon Musk holds a third citizenship in addition to his dual citizenship. Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a South African father and Canadian mother. Consequentially, he is a citizen of both nations but also obtained American citizenship in 2002. Musk is now fully based in the U.S. Musk actually has British and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, so we wonder if he will add to his collection at some stage…
Elon Musk South Africa, Canada & United States
Olivia Wilde – United States & Republic of Ireland
Although Olivia was born in New York, she spent her childhood summers in Ireland because of her Irish father. She later continued her education at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and is a citizen of the nation.
“I’m Irish. I’m an Irish citizen,” Olivia said in 2009. “I went to the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and I just fell in love with the way Irish people approach theater, approach the arts.”
Olivia Wilde United States & Republic Of Ireland
Salma Hayek – Mexico & United States
Actress Salma Hayek was originally born under the name ‘Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez’. Having began her career in Mexico, she quickly moved on to Hollywood and began appearing in several films. She originally went to the States age 12, attending a Catholic school in Texas. Hayek currently only holds Mexican and American citizenship, but she has several other potential options. Her father is of Lebanese descent, while her mother is of Spanish descent. Furthermore, she is married to French businessman François-Henri Pinault! So there are another three citizenships she could one day add to the collection…
Salma Hayek Mexico & United States
Emily Blunt – United Kingdom & United States
British-born Emily Blunt acquired dual citizenship with the US in 2015 after emigrating there. She married American actor John Krasinski in 2010 and has featured alongside him on screen, most recently in A Quiet Place 2. She has described her thoughts regarding dual-citizenship as “complex.”
“Do I feel half British? I felt quite conflicted about the whole thing. It’s better for tax. It’s cheaper being an American,” Emily told the Boston Globe. Well, it’s nice to have the option isn’t it, Emily?
