Fresh Air Best Of: George Clooney / Costume Designer Paul Tazewell
Dec 6, 2025
George Clooney, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like Syriana, discusses his new film, Jay Kelly, reflecting on fame, work-life balance, and candid friendships. Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell, an Oscar-winning costume designer, shares his design insights for Wicked, exploring how costumes shape character narratives. Tazewell also recounts his early influences in sewing and the significance of Elphaba's black outfits. This engaging conversation dives into creativity, personal stories, and the impact of design in storytelling.
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Work-Family Tradeoffs Aren't Unique To Fame
- George Clooney frames Jay Kelly as a universal story about work-family balance rather than just celebrity life.
- He emphasizes that everyone makes tradeoffs and rarely gets the balance perfect.
Friends Stepped In After A Drunk-Driving Scare
- George Clooney shared a moment when friends confronted him about driving after drinking.
- Their blunt intervention stopped him from repeating the risky behavior.
A Memorable Million-Dollar Thank-You Dinner
- George Clooney described giving $1 million to each of 12 close friends in cash at a dinner.
- He framed it as thanking those who supported his career with a playful mapped reveal.
