Current age and birthdate
As of 2026, George Clooney is 64 years old. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. This makes him a Taurus by zodiac sign. In decimal age as of mid-2026, he is approximately 64.4 years old. His next birthday will be on May 6, at which point he will turn 65.
Career milestones at a glance
Below is a concise table summarizing key career milestones, roles, and their significance in his long career.
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1978–1982 | Early television appearances | Child and teen roles that provided early exposure |
| 1994–1999 | ER — Dr. Doug Ross | Breakout TV role establishing him as a leading actor |
| 1996 | From Dusk Till Dawn | Shift toward prominent film work and genre projects |
| 2005 | Good Night, and Good Luck | Directorial debut; critical acclaim and awards attention |
| 2007 | Michael Clayton | Academy Award and Golden Globe wins for Best Actor |
| 2011 | The Descendants | Academy Award nomination and further critical recognition |
| 2016 | Moneyball / Confessions of a Dangerous Mind / Ocean’s films | Demonstrated sustained across TV, film, and producing |
| 2020s | Extractiveive projects and legacy status | Continues to work in select high-profile productions |
Notable roles across TV and film
- Dr. Doug Ross on ER (1994–1999): A defining television role
- Lead in 2005’s Good Night, and Good Luck: Established directing credentials
- Oscar-winning performance in Michael Clayton (2007): A career peak
- Key ensemble work in the Ocean’s series: Prolonged commercial reach
How age has shaped his career phases
Clooney’s career shows distinct phases aligned with age brackets. In his 30s and early 40s, he built recognition through ER and early films. His 40s and 50s marked critical and awards success, with roles in Michael Clayton and The Descendants. In his 50s and 60s, he expanded into directing and producing while remaining active in select acting projects. By his mid-60s, he balances legacy projects with selective high-profile appearances, reflecting sustained industry relevance.
Comparison with peers in the 1960s birth cohort
Among actors born in the same decade, Clooney’s trajectory is distinct for combining star power with consistent critical recognition and a strong directing portfolio. While career arcs vary widely, his longevity and ability to move between front-of-camera and behind-the-camera roles set him apart within his birth cohort.
Production and directing milestones
Clooney’s work behind the camera has been a major part of his professional evolution. His directorial debut with Good Night, and Good Luck opened the door to larger productions, including The Ides of March and subsequent big-budget studio films. This transition from actor to filmmaker illustrates a career built on evolving responsibilities and creative control.
Current status and legacy context
At 64, Clooney remains active in a reduced but high-impact capacity, focusing on selective performances, legacy projects, and production ventures. His career longevity reflects a combination of strategic role selection, behind-the-camera work, and sustained cultural relevance. He is widely regarded as one of his generation’s most accomplished actor–filmmakers.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birthdate | May 6, 1961 | Public biography and reliable media sources |
| Birthplace | Lexington, Kentucky, United States | Public biography and reputable outlets |
| Breakout TV role | ER (1994–1999) | Industry coverage and network records |
| Directorial debut | Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) | Studio records and reviews |
| Major acting award | Academy Award and Golden Globe for Michael Clayton (2007) | Academy and HFPA official records |