Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney recently sat down with Patricia Danaher from our sister publication Irish America magazine for an exclusive interview.
Here are the highlights:
Ireland and his roots
The long-planned trip to Ireland he said he was finally going to take, will be a tour of the country by motorbike. “It’s finally happening,” he told me, grinning broadly. “I ran into Bono in Toronto, he was in town for the documentary about U2, and he’s as much of a bike nut as I am. He started telling me about lots of cool places I should check out, so I’ve committed to going.”
The actor makes frequent and fond references to his Irish roots and his Catholic upbringing. Clooney has Irish roots on both sides of the family, but most of his green blood comes paternally. His father’s great-great-grandfather Nicholas Clooney, came from County Kilkenny.
The name Clooney is an anglicized version of the Gaelic O’Cluanaigh, which translates as a descendant of Clugnach, meaning a rogue or a flatterer. His father’s mother’s maiden name, meanwhile, was Guilfoyle.
“I’ve been in Dublin before, but never with my folks,” said Clooney. “My dad went to Ireland two years ago and found a town called Clooney. When he told them his name, he said everyone insisted on buying him drinks and he got smashed and had a great time!”
On what he wants to do next
“I have a lot of things I want to get done and I don’t really have a lot of time. The best advice my Aunt Rosemary gave me was ‘Don’t wake up at 65 and say what you should have done.’ I think that’s a smart piece of advice. She also told me never to mix wine and vodka and that’s a lesson I forgot to take last night!”
On life and death
Given that he has crossed the half century mark, has he given any thought to plans for after his death?
“I think you should automatically donate your organs because that would turn the balance of organ donation in a huge way. I would donate whatever anybody would take and I’d probably do the cremation bit.
I don’t really like the idea of getting stuck in a box. I have these best friends of mine, I put them all in my will and I said I would give them each some ashes and some money and have them take me on a trip somewhere I’ve never seen before. It wouldn’t be such a bad way to see the world!”
On his love life
“I knew it was coming!” he laughs. “Some of the sneaky questions about this topic are often disguised in serious questions like, ‘this thing in Darfur is so sad with these children,’ and you go, ‘oh yes,’ and then they go, ‘have you ever wanted to have children?’ They think if you sneak it through the serious stuff, I’ve got to answer. I’ve found that answering these questions has never been beneficial to me in any way. It’s beneficial to people selling magazines and newspapers, but not to me. So I always avoid them.”
On Obama
“It’s very easy for people to be critical of President Obama’s first term, but let’s face it, he didn’t exactly inherit the country in the best shape. I’m a lifelong Democrat and I get very impatient when I hear people criticize the President because he didn’t fulfill all their wishes overnight. I’ll die a Democrat. But let’s hope that won’t be any time soon.”
Click here to read the full Irish America interview.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.BrianO | May 22, 2012, 09:36 AM EDT
EK,Did they attack your ancestors with EBT cards, food stamps, and tell them it wasn't illegal to be illegal?**Turzovka, the piece is just a filler, nothing said of any importance. you are right the goal of a good life is what is to be aimed for, sometimes the overflow of troubling news can be depressing but there is goodness too.
EphraimKibbey | May 21, 2012, 03:26 PM EDT
@STEVENSTAR - As a child, around the turn of the century, my grandfather was cautioned by his parents never to tell anyone here in the States that his family was Irish. Signs in windows said "No Irish Need Apply." Nativists attacked the Irish then the way they attack hispanics today. Americans of Irish decent are just rediscovering their cultural identity so long supressed. By the way, you really should get that "CAPS LOCK" key fixed as it makes it seem like you are soooo angry all the time!
peterson | May 21, 2012, 03:12 PM EDT
Clooney is a looney !!
turzovka | May 20, 2012, 11:01 PM EDT
"George Klooney speaks about life and death." Wow, the heavy. George reminds me of almost all timid or clueless celebrities, about as deep as a puddle. If those hurt by Catholic sins will allow it, I would like to say that we all still must realize that death and God are both staggering realities which will impact all of us infitely of greater meaning than anything else we might be occupying our earthly lives with. I mean, who really cares how much entertainment or wealth we realize over our short time living? Is not all that matters being how we serve the God who created, how we care for our family and those dear to us and assisting them in being saved, and how we treated our neighbor especially those most in need? Heaven is the goal, not politics and not making George Klooney to be anything of any importance. It is so sad to watch the world waste its time trying to make these years so filled with entertainment and pride. Sorry, but the truth is very sobering, and the devil is having his way with too many.
STEVENSTAR | May 20, 2012, 09:54 AM EDT
@@Realist | May 18, 2012, 05:14 PM EDT The guy is an American, born and bred. When is this site going to put away the attention seeking begging bowl that makes the Irish the laughing stock of the international community. Still, it's better than the cult of victimhood and the emotional charity case/blame it on the Brits routine....time to grow up.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MATE IM IRISH, I LIVE IN IRELAND BELIEVE YOU ME, WEONLY LAUGH AND CRINGE AT THESE AMERICANS LIKE OBAMA AND CLOONEY GOING AROUND PRETENDING TO BE IRISH .. I THINK MOST EUROPEANS ALSO REALISE THIS.. BUT THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO..IF YOU GOTO AMERICA AND MEET THESE SO CALLED 'IRISH AMERICANS ' THEY ARE VERY INTENSE ABOUT THEIR IRISH ROOTS EVERYTHING IS IRISH IRISH IRISH AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN BRAINWASHED ITS ACTUALLY QUIET A SCARY THING FOR AN IRISHMAN TO MEET THESE PEOPLE AND THE VIEWS THEY HAVE .. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY ALL WE CAN REALLY SO IS LAUGH AT THEM .. SO THATS WHAT I DO I JUST LAUGH !!! BELEIEVE ME THESE PEOPLE ARE AS IRISH AS A MC DONALDS STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE BUT THEY JUST DONT GET IT !!
allan07 | May 20, 2012, 05:16 AM EDT
@Realist your so correct this guy is as Amercian as apple pie. Why do the Irish claim thats hes Irish. He probably has German roots, Italian roots, and twenty other backgrounds. The Irish roots talked about here are British roots also as the Republic of Ireland was under British control when his great, great grandfather fled Ireland at the time. I find it so embrassing to even discuss this. The Irish are so insecure that they go around the world claiming everyone with great great grandparents to be Irish. How stupid is that? Does George Clooney have a Irish passport? No. Could he play for Ireland in football even if he was young enough and good enough? No. Has he ever claimed to be Irish? No. Its all made up by a stupid editor with crazy logic. By the same logic Barack Obama is Kenyan as his father was born there. Wayne Rooney must be Irish i guess as hes got a Irish name also. Quick can he play for the Republic of Irelnad at the Euros. Wheres Jack Charlton when you need him? George Clooney is American. End of. He has got nothing to do with Ireland. Our Queen Elizabeth 11 must be German and Scottish. The Irish are so insecure its beyond belief.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 06:39 PM EDT
Ephraim, youve done the tourist thing, big deal! So have many!
EphraimKibbey | May 19, 2012, 04:08 PM EDT
@Bythebay - "Nothing" is such an absolute word. I've walked on the hexagonal steps at the Giant's Causeway and peeked over the Cliffs of Moher at the fog and rain. I've seen "Patrick's" tower. I've watched, amazed at the fast footwork of dancers in a pub in Kerry. I've eaten the best Guiness Stew ever at the oldest pub in Dublin. I've seen the Book of Kells pages that were on display at Trinity COLLEGE. I've gagged down Mede at Bunratty Castle. I've watched my wife and children kiss the blarney stone (I do not bend that way very well anymore.) I've riden in a Jaunting cart behind a very friendly horse. I've explored Belfast and marveled at the street art and her docks. I've watched my wife put us in debt at the Belleek Factory shop. And I met a great many really friendly people. I know, typical tourist stuff but we had a wonderful time in your land. I've read the tales of the ancient heros and the invasions by various peoples. I've read about the great hunger that sent my father's father's father and his family to our shores where he met an Irish American girl from a family that had come over the generation before. I've read about the troubles and hoped for a peaceful resolution. Maybe not much, but hardly "nothing" and you will find that I'm a good listener. As for the other countries, I'll work on those ancestors in time, God willing.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 02:13 PM EDT
Again if anyone is genuinely interested in Ireland other than donkeys and catholicism, Leinster won the Heineken Cup about 15 minutes ago.
Bythebay | May 19, 2012, 12:37 PM EDT
EphraimKibbey, as an American with Irish, Hessen, Welsh, Dutch and English ancestors you truly have a Nationality Identity Crisis. People such as yourself spouting such blather about a country you know nothing about are called eegits.
Bythebay | May 19, 2012, 12:27 PM EDT
mammaginnity, you're parroting the IRA terrorist progaganda places you firmly in Northern Ireland, UK. The north of our country is Donegal hon.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 11:33 AM EDT
Well said Mama but georgie there has been proven wrong on several occasions. Im finding him more of a figure of fun these days than anything else. Hes great for a laugh.
mamaginnty | May 19, 2012, 11:15 AM EDT
EphraimKibbey, thank you so much for the comment, I live in Ireland, and I love my country never wishing to live anywhere else. Please watch out for one name here, GoergeDillon as he will rip your comment to pieces, just an oddball who thinks he knows it all and doesn't even live here in Ireland.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 07:08 AM EDT
i cant believe you have an article on this man and yet you ignore the achievements of an actual Irish person, katie Taylor. Shame on you IC.
EphraimKibbey | May 18, 2012, 10:42 PM EDT
Embrace It Ireland! You are craddle to the world. Your people have taken the great evils done to them and spread the ideals of liberty, human rights, hard work, devotion to family and love of the land across the globe. We of Irish decent stand taller because of our pride in our ancestors, your ancestors. If we fail to understand you, correct us, but don't condemn us for loving the Ireland that we may get to see once in our lives if we are lucky/wealthy enough but that you get to enjoy everyday.
borefield | May 18, 2012, 07:41 PM EDT
Kevinkehoe, you sound like a cheerleader for the bunch of moaners, complainers or whatever's on These pages, sounds like you are the biggest moaner of all. To voice ones opinion in the great USA is a given right, at least for now.
ciaradexy | May 18, 2012, 07:41 PM EDT
Realist, its not the Irish perpetuating that stereotype, its the Americans. You should learn the difference.
Realist | May 18, 2012, 05:14 PM EDT
The guy is an American, born and bred. When is this site going to put away the attention seeking begging bowl that makes the Irish the laughing stock of the international community. Still, it's better than the cult of victimhood and the emotional charity case/blame it on the Brits routine....time to grow up.
STEVENSTAR | May 18, 2012, 04:38 PM EDT
OH DEAR ANOTHER ONE OF EM WITH A NATIONALITY IDENTITY CRISIS GOING ON !!!EARLIER IN WEEK IT WAS OBAMA NOW CLOONEY JUST HOW MANY MORE OF THEM ARE THEY ? IT REALLY MAKES US REAL IRISH LAUGH EVEN MORE !!
mamaginnty | May 18, 2012, 03:44 PM EDT
Bythebay, why on earth should I invite him to the North of our country, his ancestors on his fathers side are not to far away from me. He can park his motorbike outside my cottage anytime.
maycomb | May 18, 2012, 03:36 PM EDT
KevinKehoe is right, there are a lot of hateful folks at the comment boards of Irish Central.
KevinKehoe | May 18, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT
Don't mind them George, your more than welcome, at least a hundred thousand. Pay no mind to the bunch of old begrudging , jealous and bitter f--ts who comment on this site [this page anyway] What a bunch of losers they moan at everything.
GuinnessGrrl | May 18, 2012, 03:19 PM EDT
Mmmm, he can eat crackers in my bed anytime he wants!
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 03:01 PM EDT
mamaginnty, you can invite him to Northern Ireland. He can motorbike with Sammy Wilson.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 02:09 PM EDT
He's been saying he's plans on visiting Ireland for years, just publicity stunts. He couldn't even be bothered finding out about his "Irish Ancestry", someone else researched that not at his request. He had a dinner at his home for Obama which required $40,000 per person to attend. No thanks, so called Irish like him we can do without.
mamaginnty | May 18, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT
Of Irish descent, oh how those few words hurt some people. He is such a good looking guy, and he does not crave publicity, he is already famous, like so many other's of Irish descent. Hope he enjoy's his visit here and looks back to his roots.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 01:10 PM EDT
EphraimKibbey, American is the spelling.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 12:13 PM EDT
Clooney is American, not Irish. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky.
BrianO | May 18, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
As with most entertainers, I am looking forward to his work on the silver screen and the rest is just fluff.
Murph46 | May 18, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT
Boy I was going to repond,but I don't need to irishpjk read my mind!
EphraimKibbey | May 18, 2012, 11:29 AM EDT
@Eamonn12 - "Of Irish descent" takes up more space and if your not getting paid by the word...
Eamonn12 | May 18, 2012, 10:55 AM EDT
Having a great great grandfather from Ireland makes him exactly 0% Irish.
maycomb | May 18, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT
And I'm sure George will so miss having you as a fan...
irishpjk | May 18, 2012, 10:10 AM EDT
I used to be a Clooney fan and supporter, but lately I keep wondering if the brown spots on his nose came from butt kissing at the white house.