A celebrated actor, filmmaker, husband, and father, George Clooney has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades. While his public persona may seem well-known, there are still fascinating aspects to discover about this talented star.
Here are some intriguing facts that offer a deeper appreciation for George Clooney.
#1. A Near-Athlete Turned Actor
Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Clooney had dreams of a career in sports. In an interview, he shared, “I could catch anything. I was a great outfielder in high school. But I couldn’t throw well. I wanted to play pro baseball. I thought that would be it.” His skills on the field might have led him down a different path had he not turned to acting.
#2. A Daily Ritual of Love
Even after years of marriage, George Clooney keeps the romance alive with his wife, Amal. In an interview, he revealed, “Even in lockdown, I’ll write a letter and slip it on her desk, or she’ll write a letter and leave it under the pillow. I’m a big believer in letters.” This touching gesture highlights his commitment to their relationship and the importance he places on personal, heartfelt communication.
#3. A Devoted Pet Parent
For nearly two decades, Clooney shared his life with a pot-bellied pig named Max. He once said, “He was as old a pig as the vets had ever seen. I was really surprised because he’s been a big part of my life.” Max was a beloved companion, and Clooney’s devotion to his pet shows his caring nature.
#4. A Million-Dollar Act of Friendship
Clooney has a generous heart and doesn’t forget those who have supported him. To thank his closest friends who helped him during his career, he invited 14 of them to a dinner party and gave each $1 million. He explained, “I’ve slept on their couches when I was broke. They loaned me money when I was broke. They helped me when I needed help over the years. And I’ve helped them over the years.”
#5. A Record-Breaking Academy Award Nominee
George Clooney made history when he was nominated for an Oscar for producing Argo with Ben Affleck. This nomination marked his sixth different category at the Academy Awards, having already been recognized for his work in writing, directing, and acting. Clooney’s versatility in the film industry is truly unparalleled.
#6. A Journalist Turned Actor
Inspired by his father, who was a broadcast journalist in Cincinnati, Clooney initially pursued journalism. He studied the field at university, driven by a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, he decided to drop out, fearing constant comparisons to his dad. This decision ultimately led him to a different kind of storytelling—through acting and filmmaking.
#7. An Activist for Change
Clooney is known for his activism and commitment to social justice. He attributes this to his father’s influence, saying, “My father’s one mantra was to always challenge anyone in power and always defend anyone without power, and if you do that in life, you win. I’d be embarrassed if my kids in 20 years look back at this moment in time and said ‘you were okay with this and you didn’t stand up and say something?’” Clooney’s efforts have focused on various humanitarian issues, including advocating for human rights and disaster relief.
#8. A Friend to Royalty
George and Amal Clooney are close to the British royal family, having attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Clooney shared, “We live not too far from one another and we have dinners and stuff and we’re friends with them for all the reasons that you’re friends with anybody, just really nice, fun, kind people.” Their friendship with the royals reflects Clooney’s connections and warmth towards people from all walks of life.
