Fresh Air George Clooney
23 snips
Dec 4, 2025 George Clooney, Academy Award–winning actor and director, opens up about his latest film, *Jay Kelly*, where he plays an aging movie star grappling with family life versus fame. Clooney shares his journey with fame, reflecting on the candid lessons from his aunt, Rosemary Clooney, on success. He discusses the importance of genuine friendships and avoiding a circle of yes-men. Additionally, he talks about adapting *Good Night, and Good Luck* for Broadway, emphasizing its timely message about truth and the press, and reflects on his public engagement, including his op-ed on Biden.
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Work-Family Tradeoffs Are Universal
- George Clooney frames Jay Kelly as a universal work-family balance story, not just a tale about fame.
- He argues most people wrestle with tradeoffs between work and family and rarely get it perfect.
Rosemary Clooney's Rise And Fall
- Clooney recounts learning about his aunt Rosemary Clooney's rise, fall, addiction, and late-career resurgence.
- Her experience taught him how little success depends solely on personal merit or permanence.
Keep Your Circle Small And Practical
- Clooney advises keeping a lean team and handling much of your business yourself to avoid an enabling entourage.
- He credits staying scrappy with preserving autonomy as his career matured.