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‘ER’ Cast Reunites to Support George Clooney’s Broadway Debut
In a nostalgic throwback for fans of the hit medical drama, George Clooney experienced an “ER” cast reunion at the Broadway premiere of his play, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The celebrated actor, 63, was joined by former co-stars on Thursday, April 3, marking a special occasion both for his theatrical debut and for admirers of the iconic television series. This gathering of television royalty highlighted Clooney’s transition to the Broadway stage and provided a heartwarming moment for those who cherish the legacy of “ER.”
A Cook County General Gathering on Broadway
The impromptu gathering of Cook County General Hospital alumni included Clooney (Dr. Doug Ross), Julianna Margulies (Nurse Carol Hathaway), Anthony Edwards (Dr. Mark Greene), and Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter). The quartet of former colleagues marked a significant moment for fans and cast members alike.
According to reports, the four actors were seen conversing and reminiscing at the New York Public Library during the afterparty, which followed Clooney’s official Broadway debut. This reunion occurred almost exactly 16 years after the final episode of “ER” aired on April 2, 2009, adding a layer of sentimentality to the event.
Broadway Ventures for ‘ER’ Stars
While the evening celebrated Clooney’s theatrical endeavor, he wasn’t the only “ER” alum to grace the Broadway stage recently.
Margulies, 58, made her own Broadway appearance in the romantic play “Left on Tenth” the previous year. Leveraging her recent experience in the Theater District, she offered Clooney some pre-show encouragement as he embarked on his Broadway journey.
Margulies Offers Broadway Wisdom
“I emailed him and said, ‘I’m so proud of you. You don’t have to do this,’” Margulies recounted to People magazine in October, highlighting the challenging nature of Broadway. “It’s daunting, you know, performing on Broadway. And in today’s world, where everyone is a critic, you must tune out the noise and concentrate on your performance.”
She further expressed her admiration, adding, “And so, I’m genuinely proud of him for choosing a difficult path. It’s demanding work, and I’m truly impressed by his commitment.”
Clooney Reflects on ‘ER’ and Broadway Roles
Clooney himself drew comparisons between his experiences on “ER” and his current role in “Good Night, and Good Luck” during a February appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
“It’s peculiar,” the acclaimed actor, a two-time Oscar recipient, noted. “When I was on ‘ER,’ we would film up to 12 pages of medical jargon daily, and it was effortlessly recalled. I was younger, in my 30s then.”
He elaborated on the challenges of memorization now, saying, “Now, my memory isn’t what it used to be. Honestly, these are iconic speeches written by Murrow, and when I start to recite them, I sometimes freeze, thinking, ‘Uhhh… I’ve forgotten my lines.’ It’s pure panic-inducing.”
‘Good Night, and Good Luck’: From Screen to Stage
The stage production of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” featuring the “Gravity” star, is adapted directly from the acclaimed 2005 Oscar-nominated film of the same title in which he starred. It recounts the true story of CBS News journalist Edward R. Murrow and his courageous exposé of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare era of the 1950s.
Clooney, who played producer Fred W. Friendly in the original movie, now takes on the role of Murrow for the stage adaptation. While this project signifies the actor’s Broadway debut and his first theatrical role in nearly four decades, initial reviews have been mixed.
Critical Reception and Audience Impression
Johnny Oleksinski, theater critic for The Post, reviewed the play’s opening night at the Winter Garden Theatre, stating, “’Good Night, and Good Luck,’ the play, presents a substantial narrative with an elaborate set and a major star.”
He further commented on the overall impact, “Surprisingly, the lasting impression of this historical drama, as audiences exit onto Broadway, feels somewhat minor and ephemeral. Perhaps, ‘Good Night, and What’s For Dinner?’” implying the play may not leave a deep lasting impression.
Amal Clooney’s Absence
In other news related to the premiere, the absence of Clooney’s wife, Amal Clooney, 47, his partner of nearly 11 years, at the event also generated attention.
Clooney later clarified to reporters that Amal remained at home caring for their 7-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, providing a reason for her absence from his significant career milestone.