Anna Kendrick Reveals How George Clooney’s “Insecurity” Eased Her Nerves on Set

Working with Hollywood royalty was daunting for Kendrick until Clooney’s unexpected approach made her feel at ease – even if it was all an act.

Acting can be a tough gig. With the constant set hustle, challenging material, and the occasional difficult co-star or director, it’s hard enough to get into character. For Anna Kendrick, that pressure was heightened when she shared the screen with Hollywood icon George Clooney. The two starred together in Jason Reitman’s 2009 dramedy Up in the Air, earning Oscar nominations for their roles. But in a recent interview on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, Kendrick revealed that, at first, the thought of acting opposite Clooney was intimidating.

“Oh, absolutely terrifying. I mean, completely terrifying,” Kendrick admitted. She explained how Clooney, known as “capital G, George” to many, made a point of easing her nerves right from the start. Their first scene together was her very first shot in the film, a moment she remembers vividly. While they stood on a people mover, waiting for the camera to roll, Clooney surprised her by saying, “God, do you get nervous? On the first day, I get so nervous. Do you get insecure? I get really insecure.”

Kendrick, feeling instantly connected, responded, “Yes, I do, George, I do. I totally get nervous. I totally get insecure.”

Over time, however, Kendrick realized that Clooney’s own “insecurities” were part of his seasoned charm. “He was doing this whole thing, like, ‘I worry. Did they even hire the right guy?’” she recounted. “It wasn’t until years later that I thought, no, he does not get nervous. He does not get insecure.”

Kendrick understood that Clooney was creating a comforting atmosphere for her, allowing her to embrace her anxieties without judgment. “It was such a gift for him to say that,” she said, “because it really set me at ease. And it was a complete fiction.”

Ultimately, Clooney’s willingness to “share” his fears gave Kendrick the confidence to step fully into her role. What started as a terrifying experience became a valuable lesson in generosity and ease on set, taught by one of Hollywood’s greats.