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Clooney's Oscar Pain: The True Cost of Syriana Role
17 Aug
Summary
- George Clooney gained over 30 pounds for his role.
- A fall during filming caused lasting spinal damage.
- He won his first and only acting Oscar for Syriana.
George Clooney's portrayal of Bob Barnes in the 2005 political thriller Syriana was a career-defining performance. To embody the weary CIA officer, Clooney underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining more than 30 pounds and growing a grizzled beard. This commitment to the role led to a severe injury when he was taped to a chair that toppled over during a torture scene.
The fall resulted in a head injury and lasting spinal damage, from which Clooney developed a cerebrospinal fluid leak. He has spoken about experiencing chronic pain for years following the incident. Despite these severe consequences, the role of Bob Barnes earned Clooney his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2006, his only acting win to date.
