George Clooney made headlines in July when he urged President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race, attributing his appeal to concerns over Biden’s mental acuity. As an outspoken supporter of the Democratic Party, Clooney felt compelled to speak up, emphasizing his upbringing and commitment to truthfulness, even when it provokes discomfort.
Reflecting on past controversies, such as the backlash he faced after criticizing the Iraq War, Clooney stated, “Telling the truth to power or taking chances like that—we’ve seen it over our history. We’ve been here and survived these things and we will survive it.”
Clooney continues his tradition of confronting powerful entities as he prepares for his Broadway debut. This upcoming spring, Clooney will take the stage to portray famed journalist Edward R. Murrow in the theatrical adaptation of his 2005 film “Good Night, and Good Luck,” beginning performances on March 12. Murrow is celebrated for his opposition to Senator Joe McCarthy’s 1950s anti-communist fear-mongering.
“This play is a testament to our potential as a society when we hold ourselves accountable,” Clooney remarked. “Unlike Murrow’s era, today’s challenge is acknowledging that truth should not be negotiable.”
Clooney will reprise his role as Murrow, a departure from the film in which he played CBS executive Fred Friendly. Investors reportedly backed the play on the condition that Clooney remains as Murrow. The stage adaptation will incorporate McCarthy’s real footage, blending historical and current imagery on multiple vintage monitors to simulate a newsroom environment.
The decision to adapt the film for Broadway aligns with initial reviews, which suggested it was reminiscent of a play. Initial plans for a live TV rendition were shelved following the notorious 2004 Super Bowl halftime incident involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.
Director David Cromer described the play as intensely literary, full of intellectual debate and probing analysis of truthfulness and journalistic integrity.
The theme is fitting given current pressures on journalists, something Clooney recognizes amid increasing scrutiny from the U.S. administration. Clooney collaborator Grant Heslov clarifies that despite the political undertones, the decision to bring the play to life was not entirely politically motivated.
Edward R. Murrow played a significant role in Clooney’s formative years, thanks to his father, Nick Clooney, who worked as a journalist and news anchor in various U.S. cities and imparted a strong sense of journalistic ethics.
“I’m the son of a journalist, someone who fought for truth,” Clooney affirms, underscoring his deep-seated belief in journalistic integrity.
On Broadway, Clooney joins a star-studded lineup including Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. He echoes previous financial sacrifices, recalling when he financed “Good Night, and Good Luck” at a personal cost, maintaining his stance against being the highest-paid actor for this project.
Tickets for his performances at the Winter Garden Theater are rapidly selling out, though Clooney attributes this interest to Murrow’s compelling narrative rather than his own celebrity.
“The words of Edward Murrow are a balm in chaotic times,” he commented, highlighting the eagerness of audiences to engage with such discussions.
Despite not having performed in a full-length play since his early career, Clooney is excited to take on this challenge. Although apprehensive, he’s emboldened by his understanding of Murrow’s story. Clooney concludes, “This opportunity felt right. I may not do it perfectly, but I am confident in what the role demands.”
