George Clooney, known for his extensive Hollywood experiences, recounted an unusual moment involving Frank Sinatra during an interview with People. Clooney detailed how the legendary singer once shouted at him, a story that sheds light on an unexpected clash.
The incident happened early in Clooney’s career, shortly after he relocated to Hollywood. Clooney explained that Sinatra’s anger was connected to Clooney’s involvement in a boycott concerning press freedoms, which caused disturbances near Sinatra’s home.
“I remember he was mad at me once because I led this boycott about… some press freedoms,”
Clooney stated.
“He called me because people thought he was sick and there were helicopters flying over his [home], and he called me going, ‘It’s not working what you’re doing!’”
Despite the heated exchange, Clooney looked back on the experience with respect, quipping,
“I got yelled at by Frank Sinatra!”
Early Hollywood Days Driving for Rosemary Clooney
Before becoming a leading Hollywood star, George Clooney’s first job in Los Angeles was as a driver, a role that connected him to prominent figures of the entertainment world. He worked as a chauffeur for his aunt, Rosemary Clooney, a celebrated singer and actress.
“I was my Aunt Rosemary’s driver when she was singing,”
he shared.
“I hadn’t known her much when I was young because I lived in Kentucky. She was the Hollywood aunt. I came out to make a living and I was her driver.”
This position offered him a front-row seat to the music industry’s inner circle, including trips with other renowned artists like Tony Bennett.
Looking back, Clooney emphasized the valuable life lessons gained from these early experiences.
“I got a really good life lesson in success, and failure, and handling it,”
he said.
“… I felt very lucky that I got that lesson early in time.”
Rosemary Clooney’s Impact and Legacy
Rosemary Clooney, George’s aunt and the sister of his father Nick Clooney, had a distinguished career as both a singer and actress. She released 49 albums throughout her lifetime, featuring popular tracks such as Beautiful Brown Eyes, Come On-a My House, and Half as Much. Her contributions earned her eight Grammy nominations and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2002.
In addition to her music career, Rosemary appeared in films like White Christmas and Radioland Murders. She passed away in 2002 after battling lung cancer, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy.
Lessons on Fame from Rosemary Clooney
George Clooney credited his aunt not only for introducing him to the entertainment world but also for teaching him vital perspectives on fame and success. He explained that he learned to keep a grounded view of stardom from observing her career.
“[I learned] to pay attention to how little this has to do with you,”
Clooney remarked.
“… It is about circumstance, and a beautiful script and director, and extraordinary actors, and those kind of things.”
