George Clooney says goodbye to on-screen romance, rules out kissing roles in future films

George Clooney

George Clooney, one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading men, has made it clear that his days of on-screen romance are behind him. The actor recently shared that he no longer intends to portray romantic roles that involve kissing or courting younger co-stars, signalling a shift in how he views his place in cinema today.

The actor, in an interview with Daily Mail, said, "I’ve been trying to go the route Paul Newman did — 'Okay, well, I’m not kissing a girl anymore. When I turned 60, I had a conversation with my wife. I said, 'Look, I can still play basketball with the boys. I play with 25-year-old guys. I can still hang, I’m in shape. But in 25 years, I’m 85 years old. It doesn’t matter how many granola bars you eat, that’s a real number,' he added.

George Clooney explained that he has reached a stage in life where playing traditional romantic leads no longer feels appropriate or believable. Acknowledging both his age and evolving audience sensibilities, the actor said he prefers to take on characters that better reflect where he stands personally and professionally.

Over the decades, George Clooney has been known for his charm and romantic screen presence, starring in films that blended drama, romance, and wit. However, he believes that continuing to play such roles could feel forced and out of sync with reality. Rather than trying to compete with younger actors or maintain a certain image, Clooney said he wants to remain honest in his choices.

Recalling a memory from earlier in his career during a 2022 interview with the New York Times, the actor shared that he once faced criticism from a director who disapproved of his on-screen kissing technique.

He said, "I remember early on in my career, I had to do a kissing scene with this girl and the director goes, 'Not like that'. And I was like, 'Dude, that’s my move! That’s what I do in real life!'"

Clooney, who is married to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, has often spoken about how his personal life has changed his outlook on fame, work, and priorities. With a career spanning acting, directing, and producing, he continues to remain active in the industry, albeit with a more selective approach.