George Clooney has openly dismissed criticisms regarding his acting, particularly the claim that he frequently plays versions of himself. Speaking in an August 4 interview with Vanity Fair, Clooney made it clear that he does not concern himself with such opinions, emphasizing his ability to take on various roles throughout his career. This statement comes amid ongoing public debate about his versatility as an actor.
A Veteran Actor Embracing Diverse Roles
The 64-year-old star reminded audiences of the breadth of his work, citing films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? alongside more serious projects such as Michael Clayton and Syriana. Addressing the criticism directly, Clooney said,
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Do people say that I only play myself? I don’t give a s–t. There aren’t that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like O Brother [Where Art Thou?] and then do Michael Clayton or Syriana. So if that means I’m playing myself all the time, I don’t give a s–t.
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He further highlighted the difficulty of portraying oneself, referencing a line from his new Netflix coming-of-age comedy, Jay Kelly:
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Have you ever tried playing yourself? It’s hard to do.
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The Long Road to Fame and Success
With over four decades in the entertainment industry, Clooney shared insights about his journey and the nature of fame. He explained that despite his eventual success, it did not come early in his career.
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I’ve been the beneficiary of having my career not be massively successful in lots of different directions,
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he said, adding,
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I didn’t really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old.
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His rise to widespread recognition followed his role as Doug Ross on the NBC drama ER, which debuted in 1994. Reflecting on this period, he remarked,
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I’d been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly.
”
Controversial Responses from Critics and Public Figures
Clooney has also faced sharp criticism from prominent figures, including Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. After Clooney’s New York Times opinion piece in July urged the Democratic Party to consider a new presidential nominee, Hunter Biden reacted strongly during an interview with Channel 5, stating,
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F–k him and everybody around him. I don’t have to be f–king nice.
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He continued by echoing filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s disparaging views on Clooney’s acting, saying,
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F–king George Clooney is not a f–king actor. He is f–king like…I don’t know what he is. He’s a brand.
”
Quentin Tarantino’s Critique and Clooney’s Rebuttal
Director Quentin Tarantino previously questioned Clooney’s draw with modern audiences, remarking to Deadline in July 2023,
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It’s been a long while since I think George Clooney has drawn anybody to an audience. When was the last time that he had a hit in this millennial?
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Clooney responded without hesitation in a GQ interview, expressing irritation:
“
Quentin said some s–t about me recently, so I’m a little irritated by him. He did some interview where he was naming movie stars, and he was talking about [Brad Pitt], and somebody else, and then this guy goes, ‘Well, what about George?’ He goes, ‘He’s not a movie star.’
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He added,
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And then he literally said something like, ‘Name me a movie since the millennium.’ And I was like, ‘Since the millennium? That’s kind of my whole f–king career.’
”
Clooney’s Enduring Appeal and Career Legacy
Despite the criticisms, George Clooney’s extensive filmography and impact remain significant in Hollywood. His ability to navigate both comedic and serious roles, along with decades of experience, underscores his presence in the industry. As conversations about his acting persist, Clooney continues to confront detractors head-on, underscoring that playing himself or otherwise, he remains indifferent to the doubters and focuses on his craft.
