George Clooney and Noah Wyle sparked excitement with a touching reunion at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday, celebrating over three decades since the iconic launch of ER. This George Clooney ER reunion, set against the backdrop of a prestigious Hollywood ceremony, reminded fans of their indelible connection, as Wyle warmly honored Clooney with the Best Actor award for his work in Noah Baumbach’s film Jay Kelly.
Longtime ER Colleagues Reunite on Stage
Noah Wyle and George Clooney, who first captivated audiences as Dr. John Carter and Dr. Doug Ross on ER, shared the stage for a rare public appearance, brought together by the AARP’s annual awards. Wyle took on the role of presenter, offering generous praise to his former co-star for Clooney’s performance in Jay Kelly, Baumbach’s latest film that delves into the complexities of a movie star’s fractured relationship with his daughter.
During the event, Wyle gave a heartfelt speech about working closely with Clooney for more than 30 years.
“We all keep aces up our sleeves, rehearsed mannerisms and behaviors that favor us, make us look cool or beautiful or mysterious. And when you work closely with someone and know them for over 30 years, you get to know their tricks and their shtick pretty well,”
said Wyle, Actor.
He reflected on the evolution he witnessed within Clooney’s career, commenting,
“But true artists reinvent themselves continually, and they have the courage to abandon the tried-and-true gimmick for the vulnerable discomfort of honest expression,”
said Wyle, Actor.
Praise for Clooney’s Artistic Growth
Wyle emphasized the risks that real artists like Clooney take in search of authenticity.
“They embark on journeys to reach the higher levels of self-awareness, to arrive at the most organic interpretations. Sometimes these journeys are met with success, sometimes they are not, but they are never taken without risk, and they are what separates the artist from the celebrity,”
said Wyle, Actor.
He further commended Clooney’s lead role in Jay Kelly, describing it as another impressive example of personal and artistic reinvention.
“With his performance in Jay Kelly, George has completed another successful journey of artistic reinvention, and creating yet another unforgettable character,”
said Wyle, Actor.
Wyle outlined Baumbach’s 14th film, noting Clooney’s powerful portrayal of a movie star attempting to mend a long-strained relationship with his daughter.
“Through the chaos that ensues, George pulls off quite a feat of magic. He makes us care and root for a guy who leaves damage in his wake,”
said Wyle, Actor.
Clooney’s Humorous and Grateful Acceptance
Upon receiving the Best Actor award, George Clooney’s response reflected his characteristic charm and good humor.
“Well, thank you to the AARP. I have to say, ‘Movies for Grownups’ just means, you know, old people,”
said Clooney, Actor. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead in a film by Noah Baumbach and for the chance to work once again with Laura Dern, recalling their shared history that dates back decades.
“I got to be in a film with a really wonderful filmmaker. Noah, the script is beautiful. I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to play the part,”
said Clooney, Actor.
Clooney reminisced about his 42-year acting journey, highlighting his first appearance with Laura Dern in the cult horror project Grizzly 2: Revenge.
“It’s so embarrassing, because it comes out, I’m getting like s— reviews 40 years later, but we have been family ever since then,”
said Clooney, Actor.
Reflections on Enduring ER Bonds
Noah Wyle spoke fondly in a press interview about the lasting relationships formed on the set of ER, which launched both actors into stardom.
“Those bonds that were forged during that show are so lovely and intimate that I feel like we don’t have to be totally present in each other’s lives to be able to have a context for each other’s lives,”
said Wyle, Actor.
Though Wyle played Dr. John Carter for most of ER’s run, with only a brief hiatus between seasons 13 and 14, Clooney left after five seasons but made a memorable return as a guest star in season 6 alongside Julianna Margulies as Nurse Carol Hathaway. Their chemistry and unexpected reunions have often fueled nostalgia among fans and cast members alike.
Wyle expressed deep admiration for Clooney’s role in his life beyond the screen.
“He’s been a real touchstone figure in my life and one who seems to pop up with great regularity at the right moments,”
said Wyle, Actor.
“So I’m honored to be here to share this one tonight,”
said Wyle, Actor.
Significance of the Reunion and Looking Ahead
This George Clooney ER reunion at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards not only delighted longtime fans but also underscored the transformative journeys of both men, in acting and in friendship. Their shared reflections highlight not just their impressive resumes with roles like Dr. Doug Ross and Dr. John Carter, but also the profound and lasting impact of their collaboration on ER, as recognized by peers at celebrated events like the AARP ceremony. With their careers continuing to evolve at organizations such as Netflix and NBCUniversal, and with continued acclaim for projects like Jay Kelly, the influence of this duo on adult audiences and younger viewers alike shows no sign of fading.
