George Clooney is turning 65 next month — and he’s ready to embrace a less frenetic lifestyle to focus on philanthropy.
Speaking to Page Six at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala at Lincoln Centre Monday, he explained that, going forward, he will be “doing more work” on his Clooney Foundation for Justice, which he established with wife Amal Clooney.
He also noted that he will be working with the Los Angeles Roybal School of Film and Television, which aims to create a “more inclusive pipeline” for under-represented students interested in film and TV careers.
He clarified, “I will be doing things that I find more fulfilling because I’m not chasing a career anymore.”
The Ocean’s Eleven actor added that working on personal projects is “helpful in a way, because you get to spend more time working on things that matter to you … and that’s where my focus is.”
However, he is not calling it quits on Hollywood forever, noting, “You know, if you get a good part, you take it!”
George — who was being honoured at the prestigious gala for his significant contributions to the art of cinema — confessed that he finds these events a little cringe-worthy.
“I think anybody with any sort of you know, decent amount of integrity, would feel embarrassed when somebody is standing up and talking your praises,” he told us. “I find that to be a little embarrassing.”
The Oscar winner admitted that going from playing a Facts of Life love interest to Lincoln Centre honoree is slightly surreal.
“The idea that I could do some of the shows I’ve done and then to still have a career is shocking, you know?” he modestly said.
George — who attended the event with his wife — struggled for years in sitcoms and failed pilots before hitting it big in ER and then successfully transitioned to the big screen.
George and Amal tied the knot in Venice in 2014. Three years later, they welcomed twins, Alexander and Ella.
This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission