George Clooney, age 64, recently expressed his views on aging following his ranking as the No. 4 hottest actor over 50 in AARP’s Movies for Grownups list. Speaking with the publication on August 28, the Ocean’s Eleven star emphasized that growing older should be seen as a privilege, encouraging people to live fully without taking time for granted.
Lessons Learned from a Four-Decade Career
With over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Clooney shared a valuable piece of advice: bet on yourself. He explained that opportunities must be seized when they arise, as luck often accompanies those who proactively create chances. Clooney told AARP,
“When there’s opportunities, you gotta go,”
and added,
“In my life, I have been the recipient of a lot of luck. But I also believe you create opportunity for luck. You create enough opportunity and, every once in a while, you’ll hit one.”
Recognizing Accomplished Actors Beyond Physical Appeal
The list featuring Clooney also included prominent names such as Idris Elba, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and many others, all continuing to excel professionally past fifty. Alison Maxwell, senior executive editor of AARP.org, explained that the ranking goes deeper than surface attractiveness. It honors actors who embody reinvention and challenge outdated views on aging.
Maxwell said,
“the list goes beyond celebrating physical appeal”
and also
“highlights actors who exemplify a spirit of reinvention and challenge outdated stereotypes about aging.”
She further added,
“Movies for Grownups has always championed stories and storytellers that resonate with an older and sophisticated audience, and these individuals embody the vitality, depth and authenticity that define that mission.”
For over 20 years, AARP’s Movies for Grownups program has worked to highlight films and television that connect with viewers aged 50 and above.
Health and Balance Practices Among Top Actors
Idris Elba, ranked No. 1 on the list and age 52, shared insight into how he maintains his well-being in the demanding entertainment world. He mentioned a combination of squats, therapy, ginger shots, and breath work as daily rituals that help him stay grounded and healthy.
Elba explained,
“Whenever you feel like you’re getting wound up, find a quiet corner, chill, take 10 deep breaths — literally count to 10 on the inhale and exhale,”
continuing,
“By the time you finish the ninth one, you’re already thinking about something else. Your body is resetting — it’s really magical. The power of the brain and body is phenomenal.”
The Ongoing Careers and Personal Balance of Actors Over 50
All actors featured on the list, including Clooney, continue to actively pursue their careers while managing to find harmony between personal and professional life. Their success underscores the ability to remain relevant and vital in an industry often focused on youth.
This perspective on aging shared by Clooney and his peers offers a refreshing challenge to traditional expectations and serves as inspiration for audiences and fellow actors alike.
