George Clooney Reveals Why He’s Stepped Away from Romantic Roles

The Ocean’s Eleven star is stepping away from a role fans have long loved, sharing why he’s officially saying goodbye to romantic films.

Hollywood legend George Clooney, now 63, has confirmed he’s moved on from romance-centric roles. In a candid conversation with CBS News’ Jon Wertheim, the Oscar winner reflected on aging in the spotlight and how it’s reshaping his career path.

George Clooney attends a press event announcing the complete Broadway cast of “Good Night, And Good Luck” at The Wintergarden Theatre on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

George, a household name for over 30 years, is now preparing for his Broadway debut this April in an adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck.

While discussing his shift toward theater, he didn’t hesitate to clarify where he stands on leading romantic roles. “I’m 63. I’m not in the running with 25-year-old leading men—that’s not my job anymore. I’m not doing romantic movies,” he said frankly.

George Clooney is spotted at The Wintergarden Theatre on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

The Gravity star’s lifestyle has changed dramatically since his early bachelor days—once famously living with a pet pig. Today, he’s a family man with a wife and two kids, who’ve temporarily relocated from Europe to support him during his Broadway run in New York.

Reflecting on his transition to theater, George admitted he had doubts about whether he could’ve taken that path earlier. Asked if he wished he had done Broadway sooner, he responded, “I don’t know that I could have. I wasn’t doing the kind of work needed to be there.”

George Clooney attends Clooney Foundation For Justice’s The Albies at New York Public Library on September 26, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

With Good Night, and Good Luck set to premiere on April 3, Clooney is preparing for the intimacy of the stage. When Wertheim pointed out that the audience would be right there, George joked, “I’m not looking at them. I’m putting my wife in the very, very, very back.”

Despite the nerves, he’s excited. “Anyone who says they wouldn’t want to be on Broadway is lying,” he said. “Every actor dreams of this.”

Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend Clooney Foundation For Justice’s The Albies at New York Public Library on September 26, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In recent weeks, Clooney’s appearance has also sparked conversation after he debuted a new hair color while out in New York. Famous for his signature salt-and-pepper look, George surprised fans with a deep chestnut-brown hue—richer, warmer, and noticeably different.

The change made headlines after he and his wife Amal, 47, were spotted dining at French eatery Raoul’s on March 9, 2025, joined by friend and attorney Kevin Johnson.

Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend the “Wolfs” red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images

Photos of George’s new look quickly went viral, with fans voicing mixed opinions. Some preferred the classic silver: “Surprisingly, he looks younger with gray hair,” one person said. Another added, “He looks better with gray!”

Others were more critical, commenting, “He looks ridiculous,” and “Money can’t stop aging 😐😐😐.” Yet, plenty supported the change, praising his versatility: “He looks great,” one wrote. Another added, “Handsome either way.”

George Clooney is seen during a press event on February 6, 2025, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Still, Clooney later clarified the reason behind the switch. In a February 26, 2025 interview with The Irish Times, he revealed it was for his upcoming Broadway role—not a style change. Playing journalist Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck, required a different look.

In the original 2005 film—which he wrote, directed, and starred in—Clooney portrayed Murrow’s producer. He admitted he once felt too young to play Murrow himself: “There’s a certain sadness to Murrow that I just didn’t have at 40.”

George and Amal Clooney spotted out in New York City on September 27, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Now, he feels ready—but even he admits his dyed hair might not go over well at home. “My wife’s going to hate it. Nothing makes you look older than an older guy dyeing his hair,” he joked. “My kids are just going to laugh nonstop.”

Though the change may be temporary, Clooney has long held firm views on aging. In a 2015 BBC Radio 4 interview, he dismissed the idea of fighting the natural process.

George Clooney spotted out in New York City on February 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

“You have to accept aging,” he said. “Your roles and how people see you will change. You either get older or you don’t—it’s that simple.”

While he colored his hair for a role, Clooney has never been interested in trying to look younger for the sake of it. “Trying to look younger usually makes you look older,” he laughed.

George Clooney during a press event where the stage cast of “Good Night, and Good Luck” was revealed in New York City on February 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Beyond his career, Clooney has often spoken about how his life changed after marrying Amal, praising her intelligence and humanitarian work. “She’s someone I love spending time with, and I’m proud to be by her side,” he once shared.

Though fans may still debate his hair, one thing is certain: George Clooney’s timeless appeal has never been about surface-level charm. Whether silver, brown, or somewhere in between, he’s showing the world that grace, humor, and confidence never go out of style.