George Clooney'S Late Fame Wisdom: Lessons From Aunt Rosemary

George Clooney's Take on Fame

George Clooney, the charming 64-year-old actor, recently shared some surprising insights about achieving fame later in life, thanks to the wisdom of his late aunt, the legendary singer and actress Rosemary Clooney. During a Q&A session at the New York Film Festival on September 30, following a screening of Jay Kelly, Clooney opened up about how his aunt's experiences in the limelight influenced his perspective on fame.

Lessons from Aunt Rosemary

The Hollywood heartthrob recounted how Rosemary Clooney became a household name at just 19, gracing the cover of Time magazine and dazzling audiences in White Christmas. However, her career faced a sudden shift when rock and roll took over the music scene, sidelining many female artists of her time. "She was on the road singing and came back and they were like, 'What happened to you?' And she's like, 'I'm done,' at 24 years old," George shared, reflecting on her abrupt career pause.

"The lesson was to pay attention to how little this has to do with you – which you learn when you're older, because when you're young, you think you're really smart," George said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the role of luck and timing in showbiz success.

Finding Fame in His 30s

George Clooney, who found fame in his mid-30s, expressed gratitude for his career's timing. "We've all met people who got famous young. It's a difficult thing to do," he noted. Comparing his life to his character in Jay Kelly, he shared how cutting tobacco for $3 an hour gave him a different perspective on life and fame.

His portrayal of a young, pampered movie star in Jay Kelly draws on experiences he never had, offering a glimpse into the challenges of early fame. "I think if things had worked out when I was 21 years old and suddenly was starring in films... I would have been shooting crack into my forehead," he joked, underscoring the challenges of navigating fame without life's grounding experiences.

Upcoming Film: Jay Kelly

In the upcoming film Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, George stars alongside Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup. The movie, set to hit select theaters on November 14 and Netflix on December 5, follows the journey of a famous movie actor and his manager as they reflect on their life choices and legacies.

Clooney’s reflections on fame, grounded in personal history and family wisdom, offer a refreshing take on the often tumultuous path to stardom. His insights remind us that sometimes, the best lessons come from those who walked the road before us.