George Clooney recently gave an interview where he addressed criticism that he only plays roles that are different versions of himself in his movies. The 64-year-old is currently gearing up for the release of Jay Kelly, a comedy drama helmed by Noah Baumbach.
In the film, Clooney stars as the eponymous protagonist, a famous actor who goes on a journey alongside his manager, Ron — played by Adam Sandler — where he reflects on his legacy and career path. In recent years, the Academy Award winner has faced a barrage of criticism from various people, most notably President Donald Trump.
George Clooney reacts to criticism about his role
In a recent interview, George Clooney was asked about the topic of his acting range in movies, as he has often received criticism for the roles he picks. The Syriana star responded by stating that he did not care about it.
“Do people say that I only play myself? I don’t give a sh–,” Clooney told Vanity Fair. He noted that there weren’t many people in his age range who could do both comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and thrillers like Michael Clayton or Syriana. “So if that means I’m playing myself all the time, I don’t give a sh–,” he added.
“Have you ever tried playing yourself?” Clooney asked, noting that it was “hard to do.” The Ocean’s trilogy actor stated that he has been the “beneficiary” of his career not being “massively successful” in various directions. He elaborated, “I didn’t really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old.”
He further noted, “I’d been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly.”
Jay Kelly is set to be released in theaters across the United States on November 14, 2025. The movie will then premiere on Netflix on December 5, 2025. Besides Clooney and Adam Sandler, the film also stars Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and Riley Keough, among others.