George Clooney draws a clear line when it comes to on-screen romance, and he says it comes with age, perspective and honest conversation at home.
The Oscar winner revealed he no longer plans to film romantic scenes, particularly those involving on-screen kissing, as he approaches his 60s.
In a recent interview with the Daily MailClooney explained that the decision followed a discussion with his wife, Amal Clooney, about aging and what still seemed appropriate for him as an actor.
“I tried to follow the path that Paul Newman took: ‘Okay, well, I’m not kissing girls anymore,'” Clooney said.
The actor expanded on this moment by reflecting on how age changes priorities, even for someone who has remained active and healthy.
“When I turned 60, I had a conversation with my wife. I told her, ‘Look, I can still play basketball with the boys. I play with 25-year-old guys. I can still hang in there, I’m in good shape. But in 25 years, I’ll be 85. It doesn’t matter how many granola bars you eat, that’s a real number.'”
For decades, Clooney has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable romantic leads.
Her filmography includes fan-favorite love stories such as One beautiful day, Out of sight, In the airAnd Ticket to paradise.
However, he has been signaling a change from this image for some time.
In March, Clooney said 60 minutes that he had completely moved away from romantic films, saying, “Look, I’m 63 years old. I’m not trying to compete with 25-year-old leading men. That’s not my job. I don’t make romantic films anymore.”
Looking back on his early career, Clooney also spoke candidly about his comfort with intimacy on camera.
In a 2022 interview with The New York Timeshe remembers being corrected by a director during a kissing scene.
“I remember early in my career I had to do a kiss scene with this girl and the director said, ‘Not like that.’ And I was like, “Man, that’s my choice!” This is what I do in real life!’
Now, Clooney seems comfortable moving on, choosing roles that better reflect his situation in life, and leaving the on-screen romance to a new generation.
