George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, arrived at the Los Angeles home of Kaia Gerber on Tuesday to support Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford. The visit came days after their only son, Presley Gerber, died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Police Department officials are investigating the death as a suspected overdose, according to a department release.
Presley, 27, checked into the facility on Saturday night and died Sunday morning, Sept. 20, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. A deputy medical examiner told Fox News Digital that the investigation is ongoing and that limited information is available, noting that the cause of death has not yet been released. Representatives for Resolutions Living did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A family representative asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Clooney, 65, has been a long-time friend of the Gerber family and was reportedly referred to as "Uncle George" by the children. A source told the DailyMail that Clooney spent hours talking to Presley and advised him to be careful after a 2018 DUI incident. The source described the bond between the two as deeper than a typical friendship, with Clooney offering support through notes and conversation. The insider said Clooney feels awful for Rande and the entire family and intends to support them in any way possible.
The relationship between Clooney and Rande Gerber extends beyond personal friendship into significant business ventures. Gerber built a prominent career in the hospitality industry through his Gerber Group, which operated bars, lounges, and restaurants in hotels and entertainment venues globally. Later, Gerber joined forces with Clooney and real estate developer Mike Meldman to create Casamigos tequila. The brand started as a private venture among friends before becoming a major spirits company.
In 2017, shortly after the Clooneys welcomed their twins, the trio sold Casamigos to British beverage giant Diageo for $1 billion. Diageo agreed to pay $700 million initially, with an additional $300 million over 10 years contingent on performance milestones. Clooney told Fox News that the sale reflected Diageo's belief in their company and their belief in Diageo, adding that they would remain part of Casamigos.
The two families also share a physical proximity in Los Cabos, Mexico, where Cindy and Rande Gerber built a home next door to Clooney's property. The residences were designed as neighboring villas. This connection was further highlighted by a 2013 anecdote recounted by Gerber regarding a dinner party hosted by Clooney. On Sept. 27, 2013, Clooney invited 14 friends, including Gerber, to his home for dinner. At each place setting, guests found black designer luggage bags containing one million dollars in bills. Clooney stated he wanted to give back because he was fortunate to have them in his life. Gerber recalled refusing the gift initially but accepting it after Clooney announced that if he did not take it, no one would. Gerber donated his share to charity.
Kaia Gerber has publicly acknowledged her relationship with Clooney during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" She admitted to calling him "Uncle George" and being a target of his pranks, including one involving a rubber snake. She noted that while she found it annoying, she could not retaliate because he spends years planning elaborate gags. She also recalled attending a community theater performance of "Beauty and the Beast" where she heard his distinct laugh throughout the recording.