George Clooney's Coming Out Party

Every actor has a persona—a carefully cultivated image that is honed through multiple performances. While the story lines may be different, the common thread is a consistency of character that audiences can recognize and identify with.

Robert DeNiro wouldn’t cut it if cast as a meek schoolteacher. John Wayne would never have taken the starring role in “Brokeback Mountain”—and Meryl Streep—who could maybe pull off anything—would likely turn down a script casting her as an illiterate streetwalker.

Of course, this luxury of crafting your image only comes with stature—that curious mix of experience and success that allows artists to pick and choose the roles they believe will enhance that stature.

Until then, ya gotta pay the bills!

That’s why it is so entertaining to see actors in their early roles, where “just getting the part” was all to be hoped for. Clint Eastwood—tough guy extraordinaire---played a lot of cheesy, definitely “not cool” roles before he hit it big.

Such is the case with George Clooney. I haven’t met a woman who didn’t think he was adorable—the very epitome of sexy. His roles today reinforce that image. It was 25 years ago yesterday, though, that George got his big break---on a hot TV sitcom.

The show was “The Facts Of Life”—and a young 24 year-old George Clooney played the part of a handyman. While he might not point to the following clip as a testament to his acting ability, he certainly didn’t embarrass himself—and it’s doubtful even then that any ladies tuned out when he was on screen. Check it out:





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIZ7ACvfwds

The nephew of well-know singer Rosemary Clooney—whose father Nick was a journalist and TV host, George Clooney had the talent and the looks to get noticed early. After “Facts of Life” (in which he appeared in 17 episodes), Clooney also did one-shot appearances on “The Golden Girls” and “Murder,She Wrote”. It was the TV drama “ER” in 1994 that really launched his career, one that has since moved to the big screen with box office smashes like “Oceans Eleven”, The Perfect Storm” and “Michael Clayton”.

He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Syriana” (2005) and Best Director nominations and Best Screenplay nominations for “Good Night And Good Luck”. He was also nominated for Best Actor in “Michael Clayton”

That’s a long way from “Facts of Life”.
But ya gotta start somewhere.

If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com