George Clooney has traveled to Los Angeles to be with his longtime friends Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford following the death of their only son, Presley Gerber, who died at 27 of a suspected overdose. The actor and his wife, Amal Clooney, were seen arriving Tuesday at the home of Presley's sister, Kaia Gerber, as the family navigates the sudden loss.
Clooney, 65, shares a decades-long friendship with Rande Gerber that extends well beyond Hollywood. The two launched multiple businesses together, most notably the Casamigos tequila brand, which they sold to British beverage giant Diageo for $1 billion in 2017. The Gerber children reportedly refer to Clooney as «Uncle George,» a reflection of how deeply the families are intertwined.
A source close to the family said Clooney had a particularly strong bond with Presley. «George would spend hours talking to Presley,» the source said. «George is the nicest guy in the world and would do anything to help Rande's family.» The source noted that after Presley received a DUI in 2018, Clooney would offer guidance, telling him, «Don't do that, it's not smart. Be careful.» More recently, Clooney shared supportive messages, including notes that said, «I am here for you.»
The insider described Clooney's relationship with Presley as more than just that of a family friend. «They had a bond,» the source said, adding that Clooney «feels absolutely awful for Rande and the entire family, and he wants them to know that he is there for them in any way, shape or form.» The source continued, «George has always been the person people turn to when they're going through something, and with something of this magnitude, that isn't going to change. It doesn't matter how busy he is or what he has going on in his own life — if Rande or anyone in the family needs him, everything else stops.»
The friendship between Clooney and Gerber has produced some of Hollywood's most enduring stories of loyalty. Years ago, Gerber confirmed a long-rumored gesture in which Clooney gifted 14 close friends $1 million each and paid their taxes for a year. Gerber recalled receiving a call from Clooney instructing him to mark September 27, 2013, on his calendar for a dinner at his home. When the group arrived, black designer luggage bags sat at each place setting, each containing $1 million in $20 bills.
Gerber said Clooney told the group, «I want you guys to know how much you've meant to me and how much you mean to me in my life.» Clooney added that he had slept on friends' couches when he first arrived in Los Angeles and wanted to give back while they were all still together. When Gerber initially refused the gift, Clooney responded that if Rande didn't take the million dollars, nobody would get it. Gerber ultimately accepted and donated the money to charity.
The two families have remained close over the years. Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber built a home next door to Clooney's property in Los Cabos, Mexico, with the two residences designed as neighboring villas. The Clooneys welcomed twins in 2017, the same year Casamigos was sold. Clooney said in a statement at the time that the deal reflected Diageo's belief in the company and that the founders would remain very much a part of the brand.
Presley Gerber's death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, according to police. The family has not released a public statement. Kaia Gerber, Presley's younger sister, recently reflected on her bond with Clooney during an appearance on «Jimmy Kimmel Live!» «It's so annoying, but I do call him Uncle George,» she said, also recalling his infamous pranks, including a rubber snake that circulated among the family.
Clooney's presence in Los Angeles underscores the depth of a friendship that has weathered business deals, family milestones and now tragedy. Those close to the situation say his focus is simple: supporting Rande Gerber and the family in whatever way they need.