Who is George Clooney?
George Clooney is a name synonymous with Hollywood charm, success, and influence. From his breakout role on ER to becoming an Oscar-winning actor, director, and entrepreneur, Clooney has built one of the most impressive careers in the entertainment industry. Beyond Hollywood, he is also a savvy businessman, philanthropist, and humanitarian known for using his wealth and fame to drive social change.
As of 2025, George Clooney’s net worth is estimated at around $500 million. This staggering wealth comes from his film career, directing projects, endorsements, and, most notably, the billion-dollar sale of Casamigos Tequila, a company he co-founded. Clooney isn’t just one of the richest actors in Hollywood—he’s one of the most influential public figures in the world.
George Clooney Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $500 million
- Major Income Sources: Acting, directing, producing, endorsements, business ventures
- Biggest Payday: Sale of Casamigos Tequila (~$1 billion, with Clooney earning ~$230 million after taxes)
- Philanthropy: Donated millions to humanitarian efforts, disaster relief, and global justice initiatives
Unlike many actors whose wealth relies solely on films, Clooney has diversified his earnings into entrepreneurial ventures and political activism, which has made him a financial powerhouse.
George Clooney Personal Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | George Timothy Clooney |
Date of Birth | May 6, 1961 |
Age (2025) | 64 years |
Place of Birth | Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
Weight | ~80 kg (176 lbs) |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Parents | Nick Clooney (journalist) & Nina Bruce (city councilwoman) |
Education | Northern Kentucky University (did not graduate) |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Amal Clooney (human rights lawyer, married 2014) |
Children | Twins – Alexander and Ella (born 2017) |
Residence | Los Angeles, Italy (Lake Como Villa), and UK |
Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Entrepreneur |
Net Worth (2025) | $500 million |
Early Life & Education
George Clooney was born into a family with entertainment and journalism roots. His father, Nick Clooney, was a television host, and his aunt, Rosemary Clooney, was a legendary singer and actress. Growing up in Kentucky, Clooney showed early interest in performing but also had aspirations in sports, particularly baseball.
He briefly attended Northern Kentucky University, studying broadcast journalism, but dropped out to pursue acting. His early years were filled with small roles and struggles, including living out of his car before landing his first breakthrough.
Career Highlights
Early Struggles & Breakthrough
- Started with minor roles in TV shows during the 1980s (The Facts of Life, Roseanne).
- Breakthrough came with his role as Dr. Doug Ross in ER (1994–1999), which made him a household name.
Hollywood Stardom (1990s–2000s)
- Starred in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), showcasing his versatility.
- Replaced Val Kilmer as Batman in Batman & Robin (1997), though the film flopped, Clooney bounced back stronger.
- Achieved critical and commercial success with Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequels.
- Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana (2006).
- Directed acclaimed films such as Good Night, and Good Luck (2005).
Business Ventures
- Casamigos Tequila (2013): Co-founded with Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman.
- Sold to Diageo in 2017 for $1 billion, instantly boosting Clooney’s wealth.
- Continues to invest in startups, real estate, and social causes.
Recent Career (2010s–2020s)
- Appeared in films like Gravity (2013) and The Midnight Sky (2020).
- Continues working as a director and producer while balancing family life.
Lifestyle & Favorites
- Hobbies: Motorcycling, politics, humanitarian work
- Properties Owned:
- Lake Como Villa in Italy (purchased for $7 million in 2002, now worth $100 million+)
- Mansion in Los Angeles
- Home in Berkshire, England
- Cars Owned: Loves motorcycles but scaled back after an accident; owns luxury cars including Tesla and Porsche.
- Fashion Style: Known for classic, sophisticated suits and casual elegance.
- Public Image: Charismatic, socially aware, often seen as Hollywood’s “gentleman.”
Personal Life
Clooney was once considered Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor. He was married briefly to actress Talia Balsam (1989–1993) but remained single for decades.
In 2014, he married Amal Alamuddin (Amal Clooney), an internationally respected human rights lawyer. The couple welcomed twins in 2017 and became one of the world’s most admired power couples.
Philanthropy
George Clooney is as famous for his humanitarian work as he is for his acting. Some of his major philanthropic efforts include:
- Clooney Foundation for Justice: Co-founded with Amal Clooney to advance human rights worldwide.
- Humanitarian Aid: Donated millions to support Syrian refugees, natural disaster victims, and global relief efforts.
- Political Activism: Advocated for peace in Darfur and testified before the U.N. and U.S. Congress.
- COVID-19 Relief: Contributed to pandemic-related charities in 2020.
Controversies
Though generally admired, Clooney has faced some controversies:
- Political Stances: His outspoken activism has sparked debates in conservative circles.
- Film Choices: Batman & Robin (1997) remains a career low point, though Clooney openly jokes about it.
- Privacy Battles: Struggles with paparazzi intrusion, especially regarding his family.
Despite these, Clooney’s reputation has remained strong.
George Clooney Net Worth Compared to Other Actors (2025)
Rank | Actor | Net Worth | Notable Work |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tom Cruise | $600M | Mission Impossible |
2 | George Clooney | $500M | Ocean’s Eleven, Syriana |
3 | Keanu Reeves | $380M | The Matrix, John Wick |
4 | Dwayne Johnson | $800M | Fast & Furious, Jumanji |
5 | Leonardo DiCaprio | $300M | Titanic, Inception |
50 Unknown Facts About George Clooney
- His father was a journalist and TV host.
- His aunt, Rosemary Clooney, was a famous singer.
- Grew up in Kentucky.
- Suffered from Bell’s palsy as a teenager.
- Wanted to be a professional baseball player.
- Tried out for the Cincinnati Reds in 1977 but didn’t make the team.
- Dropped out of college to pursue acting.
- Lived out of his car in Los Angeles during early struggles.
- Breakthrough role was on ER.
- Considered one of the “Sexiest Men Alive” by People magazine twice.
- Owns a villa in Lake Como, Italy.
- Was roommates with actor Richard Kind.
- Once worked as a shoe salesman.
- His Casamigos Tequila sale made him one of the richest actors overnight.
- Passionate about motorcycles.
- Survived a major motorcycle accident in 2018.
- Starred in Ocean’s Eleven franchise with Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
- Has directed multiple critically acclaimed films.
- Won two Academy Awards (one for acting, one for producing).
- Married Amal Clooney in Venice, Italy.
- Has twins – a boy and a girl.
- Has a close friendship with Brad Pitt.
- Advocated for Darfur crisis awareness.
- Testified before Congress about human rights.
- Owns a large collection of luxury watches.
- Was once offered $35 million for a day’s work in a commercial, which he turned down.
- Known for his practical jokes on film sets.
- Big fan of basketball.
- Cofounded the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
- Produces films through Smokehouse Pictures.
- Lived in Augusta, Kentucky during his youth.
- Maintains friendships with many co-stars.
- Has a strong interest in politics.
- Actively supports Democrats in the U.S.
- Prefers spending time at Lake Como villa for privacy.
- Passionate about wine and Italian cuisine.
- Hosts fundraisers for social causes.
- Involved in environmental conservation efforts.
- Maintains a net worth largely due to investments, not just acting.
- Refuses roles that don’t inspire him creatively.
- Known for his wit and humor in interviews.
- Has directed over 8 feature films.
- Once considered running for political office.
- Became a UN Messenger of Peace in 2008.
- Friends describe him as loyal and humble.
- Turned down a role in The Notebook.
- Still earns royalties from ER.
- Doesn’t like social media.
- His twins are bilingual in English and Italian.
- Sees philanthropy as a lifelong mission.
FAQs about George Clooney Net Worth
Q1: What is George Clooney’s net worth in 2025?
Around $500 million.
Q2: How did George Clooney become so rich?
Through acting, directing, producing, endorsements, and selling Casamigos Tequila for nearly $1 billion.
Q3: Is George Clooney richer than Brad Pitt?
Yes, Clooney’s wealth is estimated to be higher due to his tequila business.
Q4: Does George Clooney still act in movies?
Yes, though he focuses more on directing and producing now.
Q5: What businesses does George Clooney own?
He co-founded Casamigos Tequila and Smokehouse Pictures.
Q6: Is George Clooney involved in charity?
Yes, he co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice and supports global humanitarian efforts.