At 64, George Clooney is taking a moment of personal reflection after starring in his latest film, Jay Kelly, which explores the inner struggles of a movie star facing questions about his legacy and life choices. Clooney spoke about how the role resonated with his own journey during the film’s premiere at AFI Fest 2025 in Los Angeles.
The film’s storyline follows Clooney’s character, Jay, as he navigates his complex relationships as a father, son, friend, and actor while preparing to accept a lifetime achievement award. The plot intertwines Jay’s present with memories of his past, alongside his steadfast manager, Ron Sukenick, played by Adam Sandler. For Clooney, however, the focus remains firmly on the future.
George Clooney’s Thoughts on Aging and Career
Speaking with reporters on the red carpet, Clooney shared his mindset toward aging, emphasizing a forward-looking attitude rather than resting on past accomplishments. He remarked that he is continuously learning about himself as he grows older and remains eager to take on meaningful roles when they arise.
“I’m constantly trying to figure things out about myself as I get older,”
Clooney said.
“At this point in my career and life, if somebody writes a really good script and a really good part, which there aren’t that many of, then you just jump on board and try not to mess it up.”
He added,
“I’m 64. I’m not really ready to look backwards and sort of rest on [my career],”
and continued,
“I sort of enjoy looking forward and seeing what’s coming next.”
The Importance of Friendship and Support in Hollywood
Clooney pointed out that, unlike his character Jay, he feels fortunate to have a supportive community around him, which helps prevent feelings of isolation common in the entertainment industry.
“[I] have really good friends and people that I like, and people that I’m close to, so I don’t feel as isolated as he is in Hollywood,”
Clooney explained.
Adam Sandler, who portrays Ron Sukenick in the film, discussed the depth of his role during the AFI Fest. Known for his blend of comedic and dramatic performances, Sandler credited his own support system for guiding him through the challenges of his career in Hollywood.
“The most important line, to me, in the movie — I say to George’s character, ‘Jay, you’re Jay Kelly, but I’m Jay Kelly too,’ which I know the people who work with me kind of feel the same,”
Sandler said.
“It’s like what I’m going after, they’re helping me go after. They’re trying to block anything that’s getting in the way of that and give ideas to help me do the best I can do. That’s what my character is to George’s [character].”
Adam Sandler’s Dramatic Turn in Jay Kelly
Balancing humor and serious acting, Adam Sandler brings nuance to his role in Jay Kelly, a shift from his more comedic roots to parts with greater emotional weight. Over recent years, Sandler has earned critical praise for films like The Meyerowitz Stories, Uncut Gems, and Hustle, showcasing his range as an actor.
About his involvement in Jay Kelly, Sandler reflected on the process with director and co-writer Noah Baumbach.
[Director and co-writer] Noah [Baumbach] called me like a year before I got the script. He said he had an idea and he’s going to write it and I’m in it. Then, I got to read the script, get affected by it emotionally and say, ‘Thanks for doing all the work. Now, I got to make sure I don’t let you down.’ It’s a good feeling.
Release Information and What Lies Ahead
Jay Kelly will be available in select theaters starting Friday, November 14, and will be released for streaming on Netflix on Friday, December 5. Clooney’s introspective performance alongside Sandler’s compelling support promises a thoughtful exploration of fame, family, and self-examination that will resonate with audiences as both actors bring emotional depth to their roles.
With Clooney embracing fresh challenges in his career and Sandler continuing to expand his dramatic range, the film represents a significant moment for both artists while inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity and the passage of time.
