50 Facts About George Clooney

Early Life and Family Background

George Clooney's journey to stardom began with a rich family history in show business. His early life was shaped by his family's influence and his initial aspirations.

1. George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6, 1961, in Lexington, Kentucky.
2. Family Background: His father, Nick Clooney, was a broadcast journalist, and his aunt, Rosemary Clooney, was a famous singer and actress.
3. Initial Career Aspirations: Despite his family's background in entertainment, Clooney initially wanted to be a baseball player. He even tried out for the Cincinnati Reds but was unsuccessful.
4. Move to Los Angeles: After his failed baseball tryout, Clooney moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to pursue an acting career.

Early Television Work

Before becoming a household name, Clooney had to navigate the challenging world of television, taking on various roles that helped him hone his craft.

5. Early Television Work: Clooney began appearing in television sitcoms two years after moving to Los Angeles.
6. Recurring Roles: He had recurring roles on popular series like The Facts of Life and Roseanne, although most of his early television work was forgettable.
7. Breakthrough Role in ER: In 1994, Clooney earned his big break when he was cast as Dr. Doug Ross on the drama ER. This role catapulted him into the spotlight and paved the way for his successful career in the industry.

Transition to Film

Clooney's transition from television to film marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to critical acclaim and iconic roles.

8. Transition to Film: After starring in a series of films including Batman & Robin (1997), The Peacemaker (1997), and Out of Sight (1998), Clooney left ER in 1999 to concentrate on his movie career.
9. Critical Acclaim: In 1999, Clooney appeared in the critically acclaimed Three Kings, a comedy-drama centered on U.S. soldiers at the end of the Persian Gulf War. This film showcased his versatility as an actor.
10. Quirky Roles: Clooney then starred in the quirky Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), earning a Golden Globe Award for his performance as an escaped convict.

Iconic Roles and Directorial Debut

Clooney's career continued to soar with iconic roles and his foray into directing, further establishing his place in Hollywood.

11. Ocean’s Eleven Trilogy: Clooney’s next film was Ocean’s Eleven (2001), which followed a group of con artists as they robbed a casino. His portrayal of Danny Ocean continued throughout the movie’s sequels, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007).
12. Directorial Debut: During one of the breaks between shooting for the Ocean’s trilogy, Clooney made his film directorial debut with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), based on the life of Chuck Barris, a television host who claimed to have been a hit man for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Awards and Political Activism

Clooney's talent and dedication earned him numerous awards, while his political activism showcased his commitment to making a difference.

13. Academy Award Win: In 2006, Clooney won his first Academy Award as best supporting actor for his portrayal of a cynical CIA agent in Syriana (2005). The complex thriller took a critical look at the oil industry and its impact on international affairs.
14. Political Activism: Both Syriana and Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), for which he was nominated for best director and best screenwriter, reflected Clooney’s growing liberal political activism. He was involved in causes to end world poverty and to stop the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Notable Films and Humanitarian Efforts

Clooney continued to take on notable roles and engage in humanitarian efforts, solidifying his status as a respected actor and advocate.

15. Michael Clayton: In 2007, Clooney starred in the critically acclaimed Michael Clayton, portraying a corporate attorney who pushes ethical boundaries.
16. Leatherheads: The following year, he directed and starred in the 1920s football film Leatherheads and then reteamed with the Coen brothers for Burn After Reading, a CIA comedy in which he played an adulterous federal marshal.
17. The Men Who Stare at Goats: Clooney later starred as a U.S. soldier trained to use mind control in the comedy The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009).
18. Fantastic Mr. Fox: He provided the voice of the title character in Fantastic Mr. Fox, an animated film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s book.
19. Up in the Air: In Up in the Air (2009), Clooney appeared as a consultant who specializes in firing people, earning him a Golden Globe nomination.
20. The American: He portrayed an assassin on assignment in Italy in the thriller The American (2010).
21. The Ides of March: In 2011, Clooney moved behind the camera again for the tense political drama The Ides of March, casting himself as a presidential candidate in a cutthroat primary campaign.
22. The Descendants: In the seriocomic The Descendants (2011), Clooney starred as an indifferent father forced to reassess his life after his wife suffers a coma-inducing accident. He earned a Golden Globe for the role.
23. Gravity: In 2013, he and Sandra Bullock portrayed astronauts in Gravity, a sci-fi drama about a space mission that goes awry. The film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
24. The Monuments Men: Clooney then cowrote, directed, and starred in the film The Monuments Men (2014), which fictionalized the efforts of the international Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) unit to recover art stolen by the Nazis during World War II.
25. Tomorrowland: He next starred in the fantastical Tomorrowland (2015), about a quest to gain access to a utopian civilization.
26. Philanthropic Efforts: Beyond his acting career, Clooney is actively involved in numerous charitable causes, including advocacy for refugees, human rights, and humanitarian aid.

Personal Life and Social Justice

Clooney's personal life and commitment to social justice reveal the depth of his character and his dedication to making a positive impact.

27. Oscar Wins: Clooney has won two Academy Awards, one for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana and another as a producer for Best Picture in Argo (2012).
28. Family Life: Despite his busy schedule, Clooney prioritizes his family. He is a loving husband to his wife, Amal Clooney, and a proud father of twins, Ella and Alexander.
29. Social Justice Advocacy: Clooney is a passionate advocate for social justice and political causes. He uses his platform to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, poverty, and equality.

Multifaceted Talents and Interests

Clooney's talents extend beyond acting, showcasing his versatility and passion for various interests.

30. Multitalented Artist: Clooney’s talent extends beyond acting. He has also ventured into writing, directing, and producing, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling.
31. Style Icon: Clooney is renowned for his impeccable sense of style. Whether he’s walking the red carpet or casually strolling the streets, his charisma and fashion choices make him a true style icon.
32. Prankster: Don’t let his serious roles fool you; Clooney has a mischievous side. He is known for his practical jokes and pranks on film sets, keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining for his co-stars.
33. Intrepid Adventurer: Clooney has a thirst for adventure. He has traveled to various parts of the world, exploring different cultures and immersing himself in thrilling experiences that contribute to his well-rounded personality.
34. Humanitarian Work: Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Clooney is an active humanitarian. He has lent his support to organizations such as UNICEF, Not On Our Watch, and Make Poverty History, using his influence to make a difference.
35. Coffee Aficionado: Clooney is not only passionate about acting but also about his love for coffee. He famously starred in Nespresso commercials, showcasing his enthusiasm for a good cup of joe.
36. Timeless Charmer: Clooney’s charm knows no bounds. His charisma, wit, and magnetic presence have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for decades. He effortlessly captivates audiences with his timeless charm.

Height and Career Impact

Clooney's height has played a role in shaping his career and public persona, contributing to his enduring success.

37. Height and Career Impact: Clooney stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), which has played a significant role in shaping his career and public persona. His height has complemented his talent and charisma, making him an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
38. Height Comparison with Other Actors: According to a study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, taller individuals are often perceived as more competent and successful. This perception can influence casting decisions and career trajectories for actors.
39. Fun Facts About Height: Clooney was once voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine in 1997. His height has allowed him to perform stunts in action films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He often jokes about his height, claiming that he wears shoes with a slight heel for added height.
40. Personal Life and Height: Clooney has said that his height has helped him in roles that require a strong authoritative presence. His ability to balance various roles, coupled with his height, has made him an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.

Challenges and Triumphs

Clooney's journey has not been without challenges, but his resilience and determination have led to numerous triumphs.

41. Tobacco Field Work: Clooney grew up working in tobacco fields. In his late teens, he took up smoking and continued to do so through his late 20's. A decision he regrets and has discussed in numerous interviews. He finally decided to quit when his favorite Uncle died after a long battle with lung cancer.
42. Smoking Regret: Clooney’s parents were non-smokers, although many of his Aunts and Uncles smoked. He has spoken publicly about the regret of his smoking habit and the impact it had on his health.
43. Audition Failures: Clooney auditioned five times for Ridley Scott for the role of J.D. in Thelma & Louise (1991), a role that ultimately went to future friend Brad Pitt and catapulted Pitt to super-stardom.
44. Bell’s Palsy: Clooney suffered from Bell’s palsy for a time while he was in high school. This condition affects the nerves that control facial muscles, leading to temporary paralysis of one side of the face.
45. Set Accident: In October 2005, after an accident on the set of Syriana, Clooney suffered from back pain, bad headaches, and memory loss. After several spine surgeries, he fully recovered.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

Beyond his well-known achievements, Clooney's life is filled with interesting and lesser-known details that add to his intriguing persona.

46. Section Eight Productions: Clooney’s production company, Section Eight Productions, is named after Jamie Farr’s MAS*H character Maxwell Q. Klinger. Klinger tried to get out of the army via a section 8.
47. Jack Frost Role: Clooney was originally to star in Jack Frost (1998) but chose to do Batman & Robin (1997) instead. His role went to Michael Keaton, who had previously starred as Batman in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992).
48. Staged Protest: In 2012, Clooney and his father, Nick Clooney, were arrested for participating in a staged protest outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington, D.C.
49. Cousin Miguel Ferrer: Clooney got his start in a movie starring his cousin, Miguel Ferrer. Later, after Clooney had established himself on ER, Ferrer made a guest appearance on the very first show. George’s aunt, Rosemary Clooney, made guest appearances on two shows the first month ER aired.
50. Shared LA Home: Clooney shared an L.A. home with Kelly Preston when both were struggling actors.

George Clooney: A Hollywood Icon

George Clooney's journey from a young man with dreams of baseball to a Hollywood legend is nothing short of remarkable. With a career spanning over three decades, Clooney has showcased his versatility as an actor, director, and producer. His roles in ER, Ocean’s Eleven, and Syriana have cemented his place in cinematic history. Beyond the screen, Clooney's dedication to humanitarian causes and social justice highlights his commitment to making the world a better place. His charm, wit, and style have made him a beloved figure both in and out of Hollywood. Whether he's advocating for refugees or pulling pranks on set, Clooney's multifaceted personality continues to captivate audiences. His legacy is a testament to his talent, passion, and unwavering dedication to his craft and the causes he believes in. George Clooney truly stands as a Hollywood icon.