Clooney Reflects on Driving Famous Singers as a Young Actor

On October 23, 2025, acclaimed actor George Clooney, 64, spoke exclusively with PEOPLE at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film, Jay Kelly. During the interview, Clooney reminisced about his early days in Hollywood when he worked as a driver for his aunt, renowned singer Rosemary Clooney, who passed away in 2002.

Clooney revealed that he had the opportunity to drive Rosemary Clooney and other famous artists like Tony Bennett around for a year when he was first trying to break into the industry. He said this experience provided him with valuable life lessons about handling success and failure. Clooney even shared a story about getting yelled at by the legendary Frank Sinatra for a press freedom protest Clooney had led, which he now wears as a "badge of pride."

The Oscar-winning actor also emphasized the importance of maintaining long-standing friendships from before his fame, noting that his closest friends have known him for over 40 years and are quick to keep him grounded. Clooney believes these relationships are crucial, as they remind him that he is "full of crap" at times, which he finds helpful.