George Clooney Declares End to Romantic Comedy Roles
George Clooney has stated that he is finished with romance as a film genre.
In a recent interview on “60 Minutes,” the acclaimed actor disclosed his departure from a particular movie category.
“Listen, I’m 63 years old. I’m not trying to compete with 25-year-old leading men. That’s not my role,” Clooney stated. “I’m no longer making romantic films.”
A Look Back at Rom-Com Roles
Clooney has played leading parts in several romantic comedies throughout his career, including “One Fine Day” (1996), “Intolerable Cruelty” (2003), and “Ticket to Paradise” (2022).
Return to Rom-Coms Driven by World Events
While promoting “Ticket to Paradise” with co-star Julia Roberts, Clooney revealed to CNN the reasons behind his return to the romantic comedy genre, citing global circumstances.
“I received the script, and considering the numerous dark events unfolding globally, I believe films often aim to reflect reality,” he commented in October 2022. “However, there’s usually a delay as it takes a couple of years to produce a movie.”
“It felt like we all needed a respite. I personally needed a break,” Clooney added. “I desired something a bit more lighthearted.”
Theatrical Release of Rom-Coms: A Brave Move
In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter around the same period, Clooney commended Universal Pictures for their “bold move” in releasing a romantic comedy during a period when such productions are scarce.
“These projects are predominantly heading to streaming platforms now, so their decision to create a movie like this was very courageous. We are thankful and optimistic,” he stated.
Clooney’s Broadway Debut in “Good Night, and Good Luck”
Clooney is currently making his debut on Broadway in the stage adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” based on his 2005 film of the same title.
Both the play and the film center on broadcast journalism icon Edward R. Murrow and his journalistic endeavors during Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist campaigns in the 1950s.
Clooney is portraying Murrow in the theatrical production, which is scheduled to officially premiere on April 3.
Reflecting on Broadway Career Timing
When questioned on “60 Minutes” about whether he wished he had ventured into Broadway “earlier in his career,” Clooney admitted, “I’m not sure I could have. I wasn’t — I hadn’t put in the necessary effort to reach this stage.”
He further expressed his enjoyment of being on stage, stating, “Any actor who denies loving it would be untruthful. Every actor would have wanted to perform on Broadway. It’s the thrill of it. It becomes more challenging as you age, but why not take on the challenge?”
Broadway Nerves and Commitment to Truth-Telling
Last month in New York, Clooney confessed to reporters about feeling “apprehensive” about his inaugural Broadway performance.
“The rewarding aspect is having the chance to present a play that addresses a subject deeply meaningful to us… which is the importance of truth-telling,” Clooney concluded.