George Clooney

George Clooney
Born	George Timothy Clooney (1961-05-06) May 6, 1961 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Actor, filmmaker, philanthropist
Years active	1978–present
Known for	Acting in ER, Ocean's trilogy; directing Good Night, and Good Luck
Notable work	Syriana, Michael Clayton, Up in the Air, The Descendants, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Good Night, and Good Luck

George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is a prominent American actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. Celebrated for his leading performances in both major studio productions and independent cinema, Clooney has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, four Golden Globe Awards, alongside nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. His distinguished recognitions also encompass the 2015 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the 2017 Honorary César, the 2018 AFI Life Achievement Award, and the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors.

Clooney first gained widespread attention portraying Dr. Doug Ross on NBC's acclaimed medical series ER (1994–1999), a role that earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations. Transitioning to film, he rose to stardom with notable appearances in From Dusk till Dawn (1996), Out of Sight (1998), Three Kings (1999), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), and the Ocean’s trilogy (2001–2007). His performance in Syriana (2005) garnered him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while he received Best Actor nods for Michael Clayton (2007), Up in the Air (2009), and The Descendants (2011). Additional significant roles include those in Burn After Reading (2008), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Gravity (2013), and Hail, Caesar! (2016).

In his capacity as a director, Clooney has overseen nine feature films such as Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), The Ides of March (2011), The Monuments Men (2014), and The Tender Bar (2021). He also co-produced the political thriller Argo, which secured the Academy Award for Best Picture. Clooney made his Broadway debut embodying Edward R. Murrow in the theatrical adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck (2025), earning a Tony Award nomination.

Featured on the annual Time 100 list from 2006 through 2009, Clooney is recognized for his engagement in political and economic activism. Since 2008, he has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and holds membership in the Council on Foreign Relations. Following a divorce from actress Talia Balsam, Clooney wed human rights attorney Amal Clooney in 2014; the couple has two children.

Early life

George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6, 1961, in Lexington, Kentucky. His mother, Nina Bruce (née Warren), was both a beauty pageant winner and city council member. His father, Nick Clooney, worked as an anchorman and television host, including five years with the AMC network. Clooney's heritage includes Irish, German, and English roots. He has an elder sister named Adelia (Ada). Actress and cabaret singer Rosemary Clooney was his aunt; through her lineage, his cousins include actors Miguel Ferrer, Rafael Ferrer, and Gabriel Ferrer.

Raised within a strict Roman Catholic environment, Clooney attended Blessed Sacrament School in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky; St. Michael's School in Worthington, Ohio; Western Row Elementary School in Mason, Ohio; and St. Susanna School in Mason. The family returned to Kentucky during his seventh-grade year. During middle school, he developed Bell's palsy which caused partial facial paralysis lasting approximately nine months throughout high school. He later attributed this challenge to fostering self-deprecating humor that proved valuable throughout his public career.

After relocating with his parents to Augusta, Kentucky, Clooney attended Augusta High School where he maintained mostly A grades with one B and participated actively in baseball and basketball. In 1977 he attempted to join the Cincinnati Reds but was released early during tryouts. He pursued broadcast journalism studies at Northern Kentucky University from 1979 to 1981 and briefly enrolled at the University of Cincinnati without completing a degree. Early employment experiences included selling women's footwear, door-to-door insurance sales, stocking retail shelves, construction labor, and tobacco harvesting.

Early work (1978–1993)

Clooney’s acting debut occurred as an extra in the 1978 television miniseries Centennial, partially filmed near his hometown of Augusta, Kentucky. His first significant television role was on CBS’s short-lived sitcom E/R in 1984. Additional early TV appearances included roles on The Facts of Life and as a detective on The Golden Girls. In 1986 he made his stage debut starring in the play Vicious, centered on Sid Vicious.

Clooney gained further recognition with a recurring role as Booker Brooks on Roseanne, followed by parts on series such as Baby Talk, CBS’s crime drama Bodies of Evidence portraying Detective Ryan Walker, and a year-long stint as Detective James Falconer on Sisters. In 1988 he starred in the comedy-horror film Return of the Killer Tomatoes. By 1990 he led ABC’s police drama series Sunset Beat. During this era, Clooney honed his craft through five years at the Beverly Hills Playhouse acting school.

Breakthrough and stardom (1994–1999)

Clooney achieved widespread fame playing Dr. Doug Ross on NBC's medical drama ER, from 1994 until 1999. The series became a cultural phenomenon and is regarded among television's most successful dramas, dominating ratings for three consecutive seasons with average viewership frequently surpassing 30 million viewers and peaking at nearly 48 million. After departing in 1999, he returned for guest appearances in subsequent seasons. This role earned him two nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor – Television Series Drama.

While starring on ER, Clooney initiated his film career with roles in productions such as From Dusk till Dawn, One Fine Day, and The Peacemaker. He was cast as Batman in the critically panned yet moderately successful box office film Batman & Robin, which he later described as "a waste of money." In 1998 he starred in the crime-comedy film Out of Sight, marking the start of frequent collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh, followed by an appearance in Three Kings near the end of his tenure on ER.

Building upon his growing status, Clooney established two production companies: Mirador Entertainment was launched in February 1996 alongside former ABC executive Deborah Leoni with a two-year agreement with NBC Studios; later that year he co-founded Maysville Pictures—initially known as Left Bank Productions—with producer Robert Lawrence, securing a three-year contract with Warner Bros. Pictures. By 1998 Mirador had been phased out while Maysville expanded its television division through new deals with Warner Bros. Television and CBS by hiring executives Ben Cosgrove, Pam Williams, and Kevin Field. In September 1999 Clooney ended his partnership with Lawrence at Maysville.

Leading man and directorial debut (2000–2004)

Following his departure from ER, Clooney starred in commercially successful films including Wolfgang Petersen’s disaster drama ‘’The Perfect Storm’’ released in 2000. That same year he featured prominently in the Coen brothers’ adventure comedy ‘’O Brother, Where Art Thou?’’, set during the Great Depression-era Mississippi of 1937 where he portrayed escaped convict Ulysses Everett McGill—a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Critic Todd McCarthy from Variety likened him to Clark Gable for this role.

In 2001 Clooney reunited with Steven Soderbergh for ‘’Ocean's Eleven’’, a remake inspired by the Rat Pack’s original film from the 1960s. Playing lead character Danny Ocean alongside Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia solidified Clooney’s status as a top-tier star; it remains his highest-grossing leading role worldwide at $451 million. The success led to two sequels: ‘’Ocean's Twelve’’ (2004) and ‘’Ocean's Thirteen’’ (2007). That year also saw Clooney co-found Section Eight Productions, partnering again with Soderbergh; Grant Heslov assumed presidency over its television division.

In 2002 Clooney collaborated again with Soderbergh on ‘’Solaris’’, a science fiction drama adapted from Andrei Tarkovsky’s acclaimed 1972 film version. Roger Ebert commended Clooney’s choice to pursue challenging projects diverging from his “sexiest man alive” persona. That same year marked his directorial debut with ‘’Confessions of a Dangerous Mind’’, adapted from TV producer Chuck Barris’s autobiography; although it underperformed commercially it showcased promising directorial talent.

In 2003 Clooney reunited with the Coen brothers for romantic comedy ‘’Intolerable Cruelty’’, starring opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones. New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell praised their onscreen chemistry and highlighted Clooney’s suitability for vintage-style comedies while noting his readiness to satirize his own charm.

Established star and acclaim (2005–2013)

In 2005 Clooney took part in ‘’Syriana’’, loosely based on memoirs by former CIA operative Robert Baer; during filming he sustained a brain injury but continued working to direct, produce, and star in ‘’Good Night, and Good Luck’’, chronicling journalist Edward R. Murrow's confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy. At the 2006 Academy Awards he received nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for ‘’Good Night…’’, winning Best Supporting Actor for ‘’Syriana’’.

In 2006 he appeared in ‘’The Good German’’ and co-founded production company Smokehouse Pictures alongside Grant Heslov; that year he was honored with the American Cinematheque Award. By 2008 he earned a Best Actor nomination for ‘’Michael Clayton’’ while directing and starring in ‘’Leatherheads’’. Following disputes over writing credits related to ‘’Leatherheads’’, Clooney resigned from full membership within the Writers Guild of America but retained financial core status.

In 2009 Clooney starred in war comedy ‘’The Men Who Stare at Goats’’, directed by Heslov; it premiered favorably at Venice International Film Festival. He also voiced the lead character in Wes Anderson’s animated ‘’Fantastic Mr. Fox’’. Later that year he starred in ‘’Up in the Air’’, receiving critical acclaim along with nominations for Golden Globe, SAG Award, BAFTA Award, and Academy Award.

In 2010 Clooney produced and led ’’‘The American’’‘,’ based on Martin Booth’s novel directed by Anton Corbijn.

As of 2011 he was represented by Bryan Lourd at Creative Artists Agency; that year saw him star in ‘’‘The Descendants’’‘,’ earning Broadcast Film Critics Association Award and Golden Globe wins for Best Actor alongside Academy Award nods among others like BAFTA and Satellite Awards plus two Screen Actors Guild nominations. Additionally he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘’‘The Ides of March’’‘’.

In 2013 Clooney produced political thriller ‘’‘Argo’’‘,’ which won Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Awards for Best Picture; he also co-starred opposite Sandra Bullock in Alfonso Cuarón’s space drama ‘’‘Gravity’’‘’.

That same year marked Clooney’s entry into entrepreneurship as co-founder of Casamigos Tequila alongside Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman; it was sold to Diageo in June 2017 for $700 million upfront plus up to $300 million based on performance metrics. Forbes reported him as highest-paid actor worldwide during 2017–2018 period earning $239 million.

Focus on directing and Broadway debut (2014–present)

In 2014 Clooney wrote co-directed starred alongside ensemble cast including Matt Damon Cate Blanchett Bill Murray adapting Robert M Edsel’s book into ’’‘The Monuments Men’’‘’. Despite star power it failed critically commercially criticized mainly for historical inaccuracies. He also produced ’’‘August: Osage County’’‘’ featuring Meryl Streep Julia Roberts.

In 2015 Clooney portrayed an inventor in sci-fi adventure ’’‘Tomorrowland’’‘’ appeared as himself Netflix musical comedy ’’‘A Very Murray Christmas’’‘’. The following year featured prominently opposite Coen brothers ’‘‘Hail Caesar!’’ portraying kidnapped actor later reunited Julia Roberts thriller ’’‘Money Monster’’ playing TV host taken hostage over financial scandal.

His directorial effort ‘‘Suburbicon’’ released 2017 starring Matt Damon Julianne Moore Oscar Isaac based on Coen brothers script received mixed reviews; awarded AFI Life Achievement Award next year recognized by peers including Blanchett Murray.

In 2019 returned to television starring directing producing Hulu miniseries ’’Catch-22’’ scaled back lead role received critical praise.

After four-year hiatus acting directed starred Netflix sci-fi drama ‘‘The Midnight Sky’’(2020) mixed reviews underperformed financially but earned Academy nomination visual effects also directed ‘‘The Tender Bar’’(2021) Amazon Studios starring Ben Affleck garnering mixed reviews Affleck nominated Golden Globe SAG Awards.

In partnership Smokehouse Pictures Sports Illustrated Studios produced docuseries Ohio State abuse scandal HBO announced feature documentary ‘‘Surviving Ohio State’’ scheduled June17 2025 release.

In October2022 re-teamed Julia Roberts romantic comedy ‘‘Ticket to Paradise’’ cameo Bruce Wayne/Batman ‘‘The Flash’’(2023). Directed sports drama ‘‘The Boys in the Boat’’ premiered December25 received mixed critiques.

Upcoming project includes Apple TV+ thriller ‘‘Wolfs’’(2024) reuniting Brad Pitt directed Jon Watts premiered Venice Film Festival positively.

Broadway debut occurred April2025 starring Edward R Murrow adaptation ‘‘Good Night,and Good Luck’’ co-adapted Grant Heslov from their film production garnered positive reviews five Tony nominations including Best Actor broadcast live CNN HBO achieving strong ratings.

Set to star alongside Laura Dern Adam Sandler Noah Baumbach dramedy ‘‘Jay Kelly’’ Netflix.

Political views

Clooney endorsed Barack Obama during both presidential campaigns of 2008 & 2012 supporting Hillary Clinton’s candidacy in 2016 publicly criticizing Republican figures including sarcastic remarks about lobbyist Jack Abramoff calling donor Steve Wynn an "asshole" following disputes over Affordable Care Act implementation.

Relationship with Joe Biden

He supported Joe Biden during the 2020 election co-hosting fundraiser alongside Obama July2024 op-ed urged Biden withdraw citing concerns regarding age performance despite affirming respect personal friendship suggesting Democratic Party consider alternate nominee possibly via primary at Democratic National Convention.

While promoting Broadway play ‘‘Good Night,and Good Luck’’(2025) reaffirmed commitment truth-telling amid perceived party shortcomings standing by earlier op-ed statements.

Humanitarian work

Clooney backs Not On Our Watch Project aimed at mass atrocity prevention collaborating with celebrities Brad Pitt Matt Damon Don Cheadle February2009 visited Goz Beida Chad accompanied New York Times columnist Nicholas D Kristof January2010 organized telethon Hope for Haiti Now raising funds earthquake victims.

March2012 performed Dustin Lance Black’s play ‘‘8’’, reenacting federal trial overturning California Prop8 ban same-sex marriage portraying attorney David Boies Wilshire Ebell Theatre event streamed YouTube fundraising American Foundation for Equal Rights September auctioned lunch date benefiting Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network promoting safe school environments LGBTQ youth.

On August7,2020 George Amal donated $100K each Lebanese Red Cross Impact Lebanon Baytna Baytak following Beirut explosion killing over145 injuring thousands.

War in Darfur (Sudan)

Advocated resolution Darfur conflict spoke Save Darfur rally Washington DC October produced TV special ‘A Journey to Darfur’ highlighting refugee plight aired US UK France donating DVD proceeds International Rescue Committee addressed UN Security Council September alongside Elie Wiesel urging action visited China Egypt pressing Sudanese government pressure March25-07 sent open letter German Chancellor Angela Merkel urging EU decisive measures after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir ignored UN resolutions narrated co-executive produced documentary ‘Sand and Sorrow’ appeared ‘Darfur Now’ November received Summit Peace Award December from Nobel laureates appointed UN Messenger Peace January31-08

Following South Sudan trip cofounded Satellite Sentinel Project monitoring armed activity via satellite imagery aiming atrocity deterrence May11 coauthored Washington Post op-ed urging international sanctions diplomatic isolation aid suspension asset freezes March16-12 arrested protesting outside Sudanese Embassy civil disobedience remains vocal critic Omar al-Bashir regime

Armenian genocide recognition

Strong advocate Armenian genocide recognition key figure100 Lives Initiative honoring victims launched Aurora Prize rewarding individuals risking lives preventing genocides called US officials recognize Armenian Genocide visited Armenia commemorating101st anniversary April2016

Syrian refugees

May15 described Syrian conflict politically complex focused aiding refugees March16 met Syrian refugees Berlin thanked Chancellor Merkel Germany open-door policy

U.S gun control

Following Parkland shooting pledged $500K March For Our Lives attended demonstration

LGBTQ rights

Supports LGBTQ rights publicly indifferent if perceived gay March19 called boycott Sultan Brunei hotels after law punishing homosexual sex adultery by stoning effective April19 named nine hotels including The Dorchester Beverly Hills Hotel Hotel Bel-Air urging consumer reconsideration supporting businesses funding such policies

Relationships

Dated actress Kelly Preston1987–89 bought Vietnamese pot-bellied pig Max kept until death18 years later humorously called longest relationship

Married actress Talia Balsam1989–93 had relationships actresses Ginger Lynn Allen Cameron Diaz Frances Fisher French reality personality Céline Balitran linked Charlize Theron Lucy Liu British model Lisa Snowdon off-on relationship Renée Zellweger Jennifer Siebel Newsom Krista Allen Linda Thompson reality personality Sarah Larson Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis WWE personnel Stacy Keibler

Engaged British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin April28-14 shared activism interests including Elgin Marbles repatriation publicly supported

Criticized British tabloid Daily Mail July14 false story about Amal’s mother opposing marriage refused apology called worst tabloid Obtained marriage license August7-14 married September27-14 Venice officiated former Rome mayor Walter Veltroni

Adopted rescue Basset Hound Millie October15

Twins born June6-17 daughter Ella son Alexander revealed twins speak fluent Italian despite parents not speaking language

Real estate

Owns multiple properties including Los Angeles home purchased1995 via George Guilfoyle Trust Italian residence Laglio Lake Como near author Ada Negri former home Home Los Cabos Mexico adjacent Cindy Crawford Rande Gerber property Acquired Grade II listed Mill House island River Thames Sonning Eye Oxfordshire England approx £10M May21 reported plans vineyard Brignoles France featuring18th-century manor swimming pool tennis court

Motorcycle accidents

September21-07 injured motorcycle accident Weehawken NJ girlfriend Sarah Larson motorcycle hit by car dispute over fault Suspended staff Palisades Medical Center illegally accessing medical records October09-07

July10-18 hit by car Sardinia minor injuries hospitalized

Sports

Raised near Cincinnati supports Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Reds tried out Reds1977 Supports English football club Derby County F.C.

Relationship with media

November21 wrote op-ed Daily Mail urging cessation publishing photos children citing wife international lawyer prosecuting terrorist groups tabloid endangering lives Rejected Daily Mail apology14 calling worst tabloid

In the media

Appeared international commercials Fiat Nespresso Martini vermouth Omega Warburtons Norway DNB ASA Eiendom named Time100 Most Influential People07-09 Frequently cited among most handsome men globally PEOPLE Sexiest Man Alive06 topped TV Guide50 Sexiest Stars All Time05 Time cover story Feb08 dubbed Last Movie Star

Parodied South Park episode "Smug Alert!" criticized Oscars speech labeled arrogant smug condescending voiced Sparky Dog South Park episode Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride emergency room doctor South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut Caricatured American Dad! episode "Tears of a Clooney"

Acting credits and accolades

Main articles: George Clooney filmography and List of awards and nominations received by George Clooney

Recipient two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor Syriana Best Picture producer Argo Holds BAFTA Golden Globe Argo As of2023 one four individuals nominated six different Oscar categories For The Descendants won Golden Globe Best Actor multiple nominations Oscar BAFTA Satellite SAG In2015 awarded Golden Globe Cecil B DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award In2025 Theatre World Award Broadway Good Night And Good Luck

Publications

• "The Key to Making Peace in Africa" Foreign Affairs coauthored John Prendergast
• "I Love Joe Biden But We Need a New Nominee" The New York Times