Biography of George Clooney

George Clooney is one of Hollywood’s top American actors whose expertise encompasses that of film director, producer, and screenwriter. Clooney was also the recipient of the American Cinematheque Award in 2006, an award that honors an artist in the entertainment industry who has made “a significant contribution to the art of motion pictures”.

Early Life

George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6, 1961 in Lexington, Kentucky to his parents broadcast journalist Nick Clooney and Nina Clooney. He grew up with his parents and sister Ada. At age fifteen Clooney was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a paralyzing disease that affects one facial hemisphere; fortunately his features were corrected as he grew older.

Clooney attended college in Kentucky but did not show much interest in an intellectual path. One day through the actions of his cousin Miguel Ferrer Clooney landed a role in a film which opened his eyes to his career path. He made the decision to follow his new dream by moving to Hollywood despite his parents disapproval. Clooney made the move and went to live with his aunt, undertaking odd jobs to support himself and his aspirations. Clooney eventually went to reside with a friend and began looking for auditions; some led him to small roles in various television pilots.

He got a break when he landed a role on the sitcom Facts Of Life for a short period. After leaving the show Clooney made appearances in other television series including Roseanne, Baby Talk and Sisters and also appeared in movies such as, The Return of the Killer Tomatoes, Return to Horror High, and Red Surf.

Clooney’s biggest break came when he was given the role of Dr. Douglas Ross for the new television pilot ER in 1994 which quickly climbed to number one. Clooney spent 5 years with the show before moving on to other roles.

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Hollywood

Clooney’s fame quickly grew as ER became more and more popular with American fans. He also learnt quickly that with fame came the paparazzi and high publicity. During his ER period Clooney worked on films such as Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s film From Disk Till Dawn. He received the part of Seth Gecko and started shooting in Mexico. Clooney’s Hollywood success grew to include One Fine Day co-starring with Michelle Pfeiffer, The Peacemaker with Nicole Kidman, Batman & Robin, and Out of Sight with Jennifer Lopez.

Once Clooney left ER he was able to focus more on his Hollywood blockbusters. He went on to star in major films such as The Perfect Storm and O Brother, Where Art Thou? In 2001, he joined the cast of Ocean’s Eleven which became his most commercially successful movie. The film two sequels, Ocean’s Twelve in 2004 and Ocean’s Thirteen in 2007 were also smash hits.

In 2005, his performance in the film Syriana, won him Best Supporting Actor (Academy Awards).

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Clooney the Director

Clooney first directorial film was Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, an adaptation of the autobiography of TV producer Chuck Barris. The film won him critical praise for his directorship.

In 2005 he directed, produced, and starred in the Edward R. Murrow inspired film Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney’s work on the film was recognized at the 2006 Academy Awards where he was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Personal Life

George Clooney was once married to American actress Talia Balsam from 1989 to 1993. He has also had relationships with British model Lisa Slowdown, Sarah Larson, Fatima Bhutto, and Elisabetta Canalis.