George Clooney has opened up about a pivotal moment early in his career, recounting the advice he received from legendary actor Paul Newman. Discussing the impact during an interview, Clooney underscored how George Clooney advice from Newman influenced his relationship with fame and privacy.
Discussing Fame, Privacy, and the Pressures of Celebrity
In his latest role, Clooney stars in “Jay Kelly,” a film directed by Noah Baumbach, where he plays a renowned movie actor embarking on a European journey with his manager, portrayed by Adam Sandler. The story explores themes of reckoning with one’s past and personal life, adding resonance to Clooney’s recent reflections on his personal challenges with celebrity status.
During a conversation with the New York Times, Clooney was asked whether he manages to keep a balance between his high public profile and his private life, or if fame limits his daily freedom. Adam Sandler, who co-stars in the film, confidently expressed his preference for staying connected to the world: “I like jumping out there. Even when they say,
“Do you want a car to take you to the premiere?”
Sandler revealed that he often prefers to drive himself to events, stating,
“Sometimes it gets too overwhelming, but that’s my instinct.”
—Adam Sandler, Actor.
Contrasting Sandler’s optimism, Clooney admitted the struggle he faces:
“I’m not as good at getting out as you are. I have a tendency to go, ‘If I go out, that’s going to be an extra hour of talking to people.’”
—George Clooney, Actor. This challenge was not unfamiliar to Clooney and had previously been the subject of a meaningful conversation with Paul Newman, the film legend known for classics such as
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
A Chance Encounter with Paul Newman Provides Guidance
Clooney looked back fondly on his first meeting with Newman, which happened at Warner Bros., where Clooney was filming “ER” and Newman was working on “Message in a Bottle.” Clooney approached Newman, who was sitting outside smoking, by greeting him casually. At first, Newman did not recognize Clooney, but soon realized his industry prominence as others passed by and greeted the actor:
“He had no idea who I was, but everybody who came by on golf carts was like, ‘Hey, George.’ ‘George!’ So bit by bit, he figured out I was successful in the industry in some way.”
—George Clooney, Actor.
This brief encounter ultimately became profound when Newman offered a direct piece of insight:
“Then he goes, ‘George, don’t let them keep you at home.’ He meant very specifically that tendency to isolate because you’re trying to hold onto some privacy.”
—George Clooney, Actor. These words resonated deeply with Clooney, who admitted,
“My tendency at that moment was to stay in, and hearing Newman say that, it made sense immediately.”
—George Clooney, Actor.
The Enduring Impact of Newman’s Advice on Clooney
Paul Newman’s words sparked a change in Clooney’s approach to navigating the pressures of constant public attention. The simple encouragement to resist hiding away helped Clooney find a healthier balance between fame and personal space, reflecting the often unspoken toll celebrity life can take. Jay Kelly, now in cinemas, continues to draw attention as audiences witness Clooney portray a character wrestling with parallel themes of public life and private introspection.
