George Clooney Defends Acting Range Ahead Venice Premiere

George Clooney has strongly responded to critics who claim he only plays himself in movies, dismissing such critiques and emphasizing the range of his roles from broad comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? to serious dramas like Michael Clayton and Syriana. In a Vanity Fair interview, he pointed out the rarity for actors in his age group to undertake such diverse roles and noted the difficulty in 'playing yourself.' Clooney also defended his co-star Adam Sandler in their upcoming Netflix film Jay Kelly, highlighting Sandler's depth as an actor contrary to his comedic reputation. The film, which features an ensemble cast including Laura Dern and premieres at the Venice Film Festival, centers on a famous actor and his manager reflecting on their lives, with Clooney expressing appreciation for the unique acting opportunities it provides at his age. Clooney also addressed the criticism of his acting range by sharing his perspective on aging in the industry and the value of finding meaningful roles later in life. Additionally, Clooney dismissed disparaging remarks made by Hunter Biden regarding his acting abilities, reaffirming his confidence and the thoughtful progression of his career.