George Clooney, one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars, steps into a role that mirrors that very status in “Jay Kelly.” Playing a celebrated movie star at a crossroads, he sets off on a European trip with his manager Ron (Adam Sandler), to find himself on a deeply personal journey to rediscover what truly matters in life.
In a recent interview with CBS News to discuss the film, which will be available on Netflix on Dec. 5, Clooney shared insights on fame, family, and why his character in “Jay Kelly” surprisingly doesn’t reflect his own life.
George Clooney Says His ‘Jay Kelly’ Role Doesn’t Reflect His Real Life
GettyIn the 2025 film “Jay Kelly,” directed by Noah Baumbach, George Clooney stars as a famous actor who embarks on a European journey to find meaning beyond fame. Speaking with CBS News, Clooney admitted that he quickly said yes to taking on the role.
“Well, I read it, and I was like, Well, if I take time to think of it, they might go get Brad. And I can’t have that. I can’t have that, man! When you read something, you know,” he joked.
Fans might assume Clooney was drawn to the role because it mirrors his own life as one of the world’s most famous people. But, in reality, it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
When asked if he felt that there were similarities between the character of Kelly and himself, Clooney shared, “I really didn’t. He continued, “You know, what I know in life is you can live with failure. I tried this, it didn’t work out. What you can’t live with is regret. Jay Kelly is filled with regret. I mean, if I get hit by a bus tomorrow, I have no regrets. I’ve certainly made mistakes. I’ve certainly done some dumb things. But I took a big bite at the apple, and I really took big swings.”
Clooney Opens up About Fame & Being a Devoted Dad
GettyIn the same interview with CBS News, Clooney wanted to make it clear that his life wasn’t always glitz and glam.
“I didn’t grow up around fame. I mean, my father was a newscaster in Cincinnati, Ohio. My aunt [Rosemary Clooney] was a famous singer, but I’d met her three times. So, when I met someone famous, I was always like, Oh my God! And so, I always try to remind people that, honest to God, this is the job that I do and that, you know, we’re all fairly normal,” he said.
He added, “I think because I was raised not only that you treat everyone equally, but that everyone treats you equally as well.”
Clooney emphasized how different Kelly is from him in every way, including as a father. In real life, Clooney is a devoted dad to 8 year old twins, Ella and Alexander, with his wife, Amal Clooney.
“Fame, [Jay] actually does really well. And I’m kind of the opposite of that in a way,” the actor said, adding, “I feel I’m a better parent, I hope, certainly husband. And fame, if there was one of the two, that would be the one I’m least comfortable with.”
Clooney also noted that he tries to keep his kids’ lives very normal, despite having a world-famous father. That may be why the Clooneys chose to escape Hollywood and move to Italy. “We live on a 750-acre farm, and our kids run around. We wanted them to have something of a normal existence,” he said.
“Jay Kelly” will be released in selected theatres on Nov. 14. It will be released on Netflix on Dec. 5.
