George Clooney
Actor, director, producer, entrepreneur
Born
May 6, 1961
Birthplace
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$500 million (2026 est.)
Known For
ER; Ocean's Eleven trilogy; Syriana; directing Good Night, and Good Luck
George Clooney Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | George Timothy Clooney |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1961 |
| Age | 65 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, director, producer |
| Years Active | 1978-present |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Married Amal Alamuddin Clooney (2014-present) |
| Children | 2 (Ella, Alexander) |
| Net Worth | ~$500 million |
| Known For | ER, Ocean's Eleven, Syriana, Michael Clayton, founding Casamigos Tequila |
Early Life & Background
Clooney was born to journalist and TV host Nick Clooney and pageant queen Nina Warren. Raised in Kentucky and Ohio, he attended Northern Kentucky University before dropping out to pursue acting, working odd jobs and even trying out for the Cincinnati Reds before moving to Los Angeles.
Education
Although he did not complete college, Clooney studied broadcast journalism and theater at Northern Kentucky University. His on-the-job education came from sitcom guest spots and TV pilots throughout the 1980s until his role as Dr. Doug Ross on NBC's ER (1994-1999) made him a household name.
Career Journey
Rise to Fame
Success on ER allowed Clooney to headline films such as From Dusk till Dawn, Out of Sight, and Three Kings. Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven trilogy solidified his status as a suave leading man and producer.
Established Career
He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana (2005) and earned directing nominations for Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney founded Smokehouse Pictures with Grant Heslov, producing Argo, The Ides of March, Suburbicon, Catch-22, and Amazon's The Tender Bar. In 2017 he sold Casamigos Tequila-launched with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman-to Diageo for up to $1 billion, boosting his net worth.
Recent Work
Clooney continues to balance acting and directing. Recent projects include Netflix's The Midnight Sky (2020), Apple TV+'s The Boys in the Boat adaptation (2023), and Amazon's coming-of-age drama The Tender Bar. In 2026 he reunites with Brad Pitt in Jon Watts' thriller Wolfs and directs the political satire Fair Play for Paramount.
Complete Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Out of Sight | Jack Foley | First Soderbergh collaboration |
| 2001 | Ocean's Eleven | Danny Ocean | Launched trilogy |
| 2005 | Syriana | Bob Barnes | Won Academy Award |
| 2007 | Michael Clayton | Michael Clayton | Oscar nomination |
| 2011 | The Descendants | Matt King | Golden Globe win |
| 2013 | Gravity | Matt Kowalski | Alfonso Cuaron space drama |
| 2020 | The Midnight Sky | Augustine Lofthouse / Director | Netflix release |
| 2026 | Wolfs | Co-lead | In production |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Syriana | Won |
| 2006 | Academy Awards | Best Director & Screenplay | Good Night, and Good Luck | Nominated |
| 2008 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Michael Clayton | Nominated |
| 2012 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | The Descendants | Won |
| 2013 | Academy Awards | Best Picture (Producer) | Argo | Won |
| 2015 | Cecil B. DeMille Award | Lifetime Achievement | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$500 million (2026)
Clooney's wealth derives from acting salaries, producing deals, Smokehouse Pictures partnership, real estate in Italy (Lake Como) and Los Angeles, and the Casamigos Tequila sale. He invests in sustainable energy startups and philanthropic campaigns.
Personal Life
He married international human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014; the couple welcomed twins in 2017 and split time between Lake Como, Los Angeles, and London. Clooney is an avid motorcyclist-though he reduced rides after a 2018 accident-and an amateur writer who enjoys pranks with longtime friends.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Clooney co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, supporting human rights litigation and education for Syrian refugees through the "TrialWatch" and "Daraa Schools" initiatives. He frequently advocates for Darfur, disaster relief, and democratic reforms, raising millions via telethons and docuseries.
Social Media Presence
Clooney does not maintain public social media accounts. Updates appear through the Clooney Foundation, Smokehouse Pictures, and verified press releases.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Clooney's aunt was singer Rosemary Clooney; he traveled as her roadie in his teens.
- He once bunked with actor Richard Kind while auditioning in Los Angeles.
- Clooney designed portions of the tequila bottle for Casamigos, creating the handwriting on each label.
- He routinely edits his own screenplays late at night, claiming insomnia fuels his creativity.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
In 2026, Clooney is filming Wolfs for Apple Original Films, producing a new documentary on election security, and expanding the Clooney Foundation's refugee education program to Latin America. He is slated to host a UN fundraiser alongside Amal Clooney addressing war-crimes accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is George Clooney?
George Clooney is an American actor, director, and producer known for ER, Ocean's Eleven, Syriana, and humanitarian work through the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
What is George Clooney most famous for?
He is famous for his charismatic performances in films like Ocean's Eleven and for winning Oscars for Syriana and producing Argo.
Is George Clooney active on social media?
No. Clooney avoids social platforms; official announcements come via publicists and charitable organizations.