The “Oceans Eleven” star is closing the curtain on a familiar role, revealing why hes done with a beloved genre for good.
Hollywood icon George Clooney has officially stepped away from romantic films. At 63, the Oscar-winning actor shared his perspective on aging in the industry and his career shift during an interview with CBS News Jon Wertheim.
George Clooney attends a press event announcing the complete Broadway cast of “Good Night, And Good Luck” at The Wintergarden Theatre on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
George, who has been a household name for over three decades, is set to make his Broadway debut in April. He will star in an adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
George Clooney is spotted at The Wintergarden Theatre on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
While discussing his evolving career, George made it clear that his days as a romantic lead are behind him. “Look, Im 63 years old. Im not trying to compete with 25-year-old leading men. Thats not my job. Im not doing romantic films anymore,” he stated.
George Clooney attends Clooney Foundation For Justices The Albies at New York Public Library on September 26, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The “Gravity” alums life has changed significantly from his early days in Hollywood. Once known as a bachelor living with a pet pig, he is now married with two children. His wife and kids have temporarily moved from their home in Europe to join him in New York for his Broadway debut.
Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend Clooney Foundation For Justices The Albies at New York Public Library on September 26, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Although he is embracing this new chapter, George reflected on how different his career might have been if he had pursued theater earlier. When asked if he wished he had done Broadway sooner, he responded, “I dont know that I couldve. I wasnt– I didnt do the work required to get there.”
With the opening night of “Good Night, and Good Luck” set for April 3, he is preparing for an intimate experience with audiences.
George Clooney and the cast of “Good Night, and Good Luck” attend the Broadway Debut Press Conference on February 6, 2025, in New York | Source: Getty Images
The proximity to the crowd is something new for him. “They can see you, you– you can see them too,” Jon pointed out. George humorously replied, “Im not looking at them. Im putting my wife in the very, very, very back.”
Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend the “Wolfs” red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges of performing live, the “Ticket to Paradise” actor is excited about this opportunity. When stepping onto the Broadway stage, he admitted, “Anybody who would deny that would just be a liar. I mean, there isnt a single actor alive that wouldnt have loved to have, you know, been on Broadway.”
George Clooney is seen during a press event on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As George embraces new artistic challenges, his evolving appearance has also made headlines. Last month (February), the actor addressed reactions to his unexpected hair color change after stepping out in New York City with a noticeably different look.
A netizens comment about George Clooneys new hair color, posted on March 10, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Daily Mail
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While George is widely recognized for his signature salt-and-pepper locks, his unexpected transformation was a striking departure from his usual look.
The “Batman & Robin” star sported a noticeably warmer, chestnut-brown shade, bringing a richer and more uniform tone to his hair. His deep brown hue, which appeared to have subtle golden undertones, gave off a refined yet unexpected vibrancy.
According to reports, the “Fail Safe” actor debuted this new look while out to lunch with his beloved wife, Amal Clooney, 47, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The duo dined at the French restaurant Rauls, where, as reported by Daily Mail, they were joined by their attorney friend Kevin Johnson.
George and Amal Clooney spotted out in New York City on September 27, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
As soon as photos of the “Wolfs” actors new hair color surfaced online, netizens wasted no time sharing their opinions — and the reactions were anything but unanimous. Many were quick to express their preference for his natural silver strands.
“Surprisingly, He looks younger with the grey hair [sic],” one person remarked, while another bluntly stated, “He looks better with grey hair!”
George Clooney spotted out in New York City on February 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Others echoed the sentiment, with another observer emphasizing their preference for Georges gray locks. Some naysayers didnt mince words about their disapproval, with one person criticizing, “He looks ridiculous.”
Another opined, “Wow, money cant reverse aging, 😐😐😐” implying that even Hollywoods most dashing stars arent immune to the passage of time.
George Clooney during a press event where the stage cast of “Good Night, and Good Luck” was revealed in New York City on February 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was against the change. A few fans appreciated Georges new hair, offering words of encouragement. “He looks great,” one person praised, while another admirer noted how the star looks “handsome” with both grey and his new color.
A fellow fan enthusiastically cheered, “Cool! He is awesome!!!” showing that despite the online debate, Georges undeniable charm remains intact.
George Clooney at the 2024 Albie Awards in New York City on September 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
While opinions on Georges transformation flooded social media, the actor himself recently set the record straight on why he opted for the dramatic change.
In a February 26, 2025, interview with The Irish Times, it was revealed that his decision to swap his signature salt-and-pepper locks for a darker hue wasnt a personal style choice — it was a professional necessity.
The four-time Golden Globe winner used black dye on his hair for his role in the upcoming Broadway adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” the 2005 film he wrote, directed, and starred in. The stage production sees him stepping into the shoes of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, who seeks to take down Senator Joseph McCarthy.
In the movie, George starred as the producer of the CBS newsman (Murrow). Interestingly, playing Murrow was a role the movie star had previously felt he was too young to fully embody.
“I always felt like there was a sadness to Murrow, and that was not something that you could associate with me at 40 years old,” he shared, explaining why he now feels ready to take on the part on stage.
However, while the transformation serves a purpose, George is well aware of the mixed reactions it might spark within his own household.
“My wife is going to hate it because nothing makes you look older than when an older guy dyes his hair,” he admitted, adding with humor, “My kids are going to just laugh at me nonstop.”
His recent hair transformation may be temporary, but his outlook on aging has remained consistent over the years. In a 2015 interview on BBCs “Radio 4 on Four” with Jenni Murray, George openly discussed the realities of growing older in Hollywood and why he has never been one to chase youth.
George Clooney Shows Off New Hair Color During Lunch Date with Wife Amal – Photo
George Clooney Refused to Marry Again after His Short-Lived Marriage: What to Know About His Ex?George Clooney Refused to Marry Again after His Short-Lived Marriage: What to Know About His Ex?
When Jenni asked him whether he worries about aging as much as women in the industry do, George acknowledged the pressures that come with being a public figure. However, he maintained that fighting the natural process is a losing battle.
George Clooney spotted out in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 12, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
“You have to come to terms with getting older and not trying to fight it. You have a couple of options, which is [sic] get older or die, and so you have to get used to the idea that your roles in films and who you are and how youre perceived is gonna change,” he explained.
Despite his latest decision to darken his hair for a role, George has long stood by the belief that men attempting to reverse time often end up aging themselves even further.
George Clooney spotted out in Los Angeles, California on October 22, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
“Im a big believer in the idea that you cant try to look younger, you just have to try to look the best you can at the age you are and not worry about it,” he said, laughing off Jennis questions about whether he has ever been tempted to dye his hair or go under the knife.
George Clooney laughing during a press conference for “The Good German” in Beverly Hills, California in 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond his career and public image, George has also spoken about his perspective on how his life shifted after marrying his wife, whom he has often praised for her intelligence and commitment to humanitarian work.
“Shes someone that I enjoy spending every minute of the day with and Im very proud to be around,” he shared during the same interview. At that time, the couple had not yet welcomed their children, but Georges remarks hinted at the deep adoration he has for his wife — an admiration that has only grown stronger in the years since.
Amal and George Clooney at the premiere of “Our Brand Is Crisis” in Hollywood, California on October 26, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
While his latest hair transformation has sparked online debate, George Clooney remains unbothered by the noise. Whether embracing his natural gray or temporarily adopting a darker shade for his craft, the seasoned actor has proven time and again that confidence — not hair color — is the key to timeless appeal.
