George Clooney Reflects on Aging, His Career, and Why He Rarely Watches His Old Films.
As George Clooney approaches his 65th birthday on May 6, the Hollywood icon is taking a thoughtful look at his decades-long career — though not by rewatching his own movies. Honored at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala in New York City on April 27, Clooney spoke candidly about why he avoids revisiting his earlier work and how aging has shifted his perspective.
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A Celebrated Career, but Little Interest in Looking Back
Clooney, who has appeared in nearly 100 films, admitted on the red carpet that watching his younger self on screen can feel jarring. “As you get older, it’s hard to watch movies when you were younger because you’re like, ‘Holy s—, that doesn’t even look like me anymore,’” he told PEOPLE.
One exception is Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), the stop‑motion animated film he recently watched with his eight‑year‑old twins, Alexander and Ella. Because he only provided the voice for the title character, the experience felt easier — and even fun — especially as his children begin to understand what their father does for a living.
Still, Clooney admits he’s not naturally inclined to revisit the past. “I tend to not want to look back,” he said. “But now that I’m gonna be 65 in a week, looking forward’s a lot shorter view. So maybe I’ll look back later.”
It was a sweet date night for Amal Clooney and George Clooney. ❤️ They arrived in style at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala. pic.twitter.com/m8RQPW27K8
— E! News (@enews) April 29, 2026
Honored Among Friends and Collaborators
Clooney attended the gala with his wife, Amal Clooney, and was celebrated by longtime friends and colleagues including Stephen Colbert, Julianna Margulies, John Turturro, and Sam Rockwell.
Turturro, who starred with Clooney in the 2000 classic O Brother, Where Art Thou?, praised him warmly: “He’s a very warm person, very generous. A good person who’s done a lot for others — humanitarian work, speaking out, philanthropy. He’s picked really good projects, and he’s someone who’s really grown throughout his career.”
He also noted that Clooney’s path to stardom wasn’t immediate, which gives him a deep appreciation for the opportunities he eventually earned.
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What’s Next for Clooney?
Even as he reflects on the past, Clooney remains active in the industry. He recently appeared in the 2025 film Jay Kelly, playing a movie star not unlike himself. He has also confirmed that he is working on Ocean’s 14, a continuation of the beloved heist franchise with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. Production is expected to begin in October 2025.
Additionally, Clooney will appear in the upcoming French film Call My Agent (Dix Pour Cent), a spinoff of the acclaimed French TV series. The movie is scheduled for release on May 23.