George Clooney, a well-known figure in Hollywood, shared insights about his career that might surprise some, describing a “lack of success” that actually helped define his choices. Although widely recognized for his achievements, Clooney’s journey began with television fame as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, before transitioning into a respected film career. This reflection sheds light on how his experiences have shaped the variety of roles he has pursued over the years. His story offers a unique perspective on what constitutes success in the entertainment industry and how it influences an actor’s freedom.
The Development of Clooney’s Film Career and Key Roles
After establishing himself on television, Clooney became a major movie star in the early 2000s, most notably with the Ocean’s Eleven franchise. Beyond those hits, he earned critical acclaim through films such as Michael Clayton, The Descendants, and Syriana—the last of which won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Clooney’s new film, Jay Kelly, set for release in select theaters on November 14 and distributed by Netflix, continues to showcase his versatility by telling the story of a fading movie star on a transformative journey alongside his long-time manager, played by Adam Sandler.
Life Influences in “Jay Kelly” and Clooney’s Real-Life Parallels
The character of Jay Kelly contains elements that mirror aspects of Clooney’s own life. During a recent interview with CBS’s Seth Doane, it was noted that details like Kelly’s Kentucky background and being asked to run for president are drawn from Clooney’s experiences. The actor also addressed the common perception that he primarily plays versions of himself, a criticism he both challenges and acknowledges in the context of his varied career choices.
How Moderate Commercial Success Allowed Artistic Freedom
Clooney explained that his career success has been significant but not of the blockbuster, multi-billion-dollar franchise variety. He said,
“Well, I don’t know, I’ve never actually been a CIA agent or a thief. There’s a part of my career that’s been a fascinating part of it, which is I have had a tremendous amount of success, but not over-the-top success, not the, you know, multi-billion dollar franchises. You know, the Ocean’s films were big, but a lot of my successes were doubles, you know, Michael Clayton, it cost $12 million and we brought in like $90 [million]. But it’s a great film […] So, if you do those a few times, Up in the Air the same thing, The Descendants the same thing, because it hasn’t been massively successful, you don’t get pigeonholed into, well, you can only do comedy or you can only do drama. And because of that I’ve been allowed to O Brother [Where Art Thou?] and Syriana. That’s a great sense of fun for me, that I’m not stuck in it, so in some ways, my lack of success—” George Clooney, Actor
When Doane remarked on how difficult it might be for audiences to process Clooney’s description of a lack of success, Clooney responded,
“Well you know, but you’ll understand it if you compare it to other actors’ careers. I don’t feel like my career hasn’t worked out, I feel like I’m doing fine. But a big part of it as an actor is that I get to do stuff that a lot of actors don’t get to do because they got famous doing an action film so they’re an action star. […] I’m the beneficiary of hitting doubles instead of, you know, hitting them out of the park.” George Clooney, Actor
This moderate level of commercial success, Clooney suggests, granted him the ability to experiment with a wide range of genres and characters instead of being limited to a specific role or audience expectation.
Clooney’s Position Among Hollywood’s High-Grossing Stars
Despite his extensive body of work, Clooney ranks 76th on the list of highest-grossing actors, according to data from The Numbers. This contrasts with actors like Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert Downey Jr., who occupy the top spots due to roles in major franchises, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These top stars also frequently headline prestigious awards contenders such as Marriage Story and Oppenheimer. Clooney’s career path, while less commercially dominant, emphasizes a diverse portfolio across comedy, drama, and action, with titles like Gravity, The American, and Fantastic Mr. Fox showcasing his range.
The Different Measures of Success and Future Prospects
Clooney’s comments underscore the various ways success is defined in Hollywood. While he may not consistently generate blockbuster hits, his star power remains considerable. Studios may not always select him as their primary box office draw, but his ability to engage with varied and challenging projects remains intact. Jay Kelly, created with Clooney in mind, continues this trend of exploring characters that resonate on a deeper level but may have less commercial impact and more artistic ambition. Although the film’s potential for major awards recognition remains uncertain, Clooney’s career clearly endures as both financially viable and creatively fulfilling, promising continued opportunities for distinctive work.
