George Clooney Claps Back at Critics: “Try Playing Yourself—It’s Hard”

Ahead of the Venice premiere of Jay Kelly, Clooney defends his acting range, shrugs off criticism, and reflects on his late-blooming success.

George Clooney isn’t here for the criticism—and he’s making that loud and clear.

In a candid interview with Vanity Fair ahead of the release of Noah Baumbach’s upcoming film Jay Kelly, the two-time Oscar winner addressed long-standing claims that he only plays versions of himself in movies. But for Clooney, the accusation doesn’t sting—it barely registers.

“Do people say that I only play myself? I don’t give a sh–,” Clooney stated bluntly. “There aren’t many guys my age who get to do big comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and also dig into serious stuff like Michael Clayton or Syriana. So if people think that’s just me being me, I really don’t care.”

Clooney plays a 60-something movie star grappling with fame and identity in Jay Kelly, echoing some real-life themes from his own career. “Have you ever tried playing yourself?” he said, referencing the role. “It’s hard to do.”

Reflecting on the trajectory of his career, Clooney pointed out that his fame didn’t arrive overnight. “I didn’t become hugely successful until I was 33, when ER came along,” he said. “Before that, I was just grinding for 12 years. That kind of slow burn gave me perspective. I understand how fleeting this business is—and how little of it is really about you.”

Directed by Baumbach and co-written with Emily Mortimer, Jay Kelly is set to premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival later this month. It features an all-star ensemble cast including Laura Dern, Adam Sandler, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Patrick Wilson, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, and Jim Broadbent, among many others.

The film will debut in theaters on November 14 before landing on Netflix on December 5.

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