George Clooney is drawing a clear line when it comes to on-screen romance, and he says it comes with age, perspective and an honest conversation at home.
The Oscar-winning actor has revealed that he no longer plans to film romantic scenes, especially those involving on-screen kisses, as he approaches 60.
In a recent interview with daily mailClooney explained that the decision was made after a discussion with his wife, Amal Clooney, about getting older and what he still considers appropriate for him as an actor.
“I’ve been trying to follow the path that Paul Newman took: ‘Okay, well, I’m not going to kiss a girl anymore,’” Clooney said.
The actor expanded on that moment, reflecting on how age changes priorities, even for someone who has stayed active and healthy.
“When I turned 60, I had a conversation with my wife. I told her, ‘Look, I can still play basketball with guys. I play with 25-year-old guys. I can still hang, I’m in 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 earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable romantic leads.
Her filmography includes fan-favorite love stories like One fine day, out of sight, In the airand Ticket to paradise.
However, he has been signaling a move away from that image for some time now.
In March, Clooney said 60 minutes who had completely walked away from romantic movies and said, “Look, I’m 63 years old. I’m not trying to compete with 25-year-old leads. That’s not my job. I don’t make romantic movies anymore.”
Looking back on the beginning of his career, Clooney has also spoken candidly about his comfort with intimacy in front of the camera.
In a 2022 interview with The New York TimesHe recalled being corrected by a director during a kissing scene.
“I remember early in my career I had to do a kiss scene with a girl and the director was like, ‘Not like that.’ And I was like, ‘Dude, that’s my move!’ That’s what I do in real life!’”
Now, Clooney seems comfortable turning over a new leaf, choosing roles that better reflect where he is in life and leaving on-screen romance to a new generation.
