George Clooney has officially bid farewell to romantic films, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Clooney candidly explained his decision, highlighting that at 63, he no longer feels the need to compete with younger actors for the heartthrob roles that once defined his career. "Look, I’m 63 years old. I’m not trying to compete with 25-year-old leading men. That’s not my job. I’m not doing romantic films anymore," he said, signaling a clear pivot in his on-screen pursuits.
Clooney’s final foray into the romantic comedy genre was the 2022 hit Ticket to Paradise, where he reunited with his longtime friend and frequent co-star Julia Roberts. The film, directed by Ol Parker, saw the duo play a bickering divorced couple who reluctantly join forces to stop their daughter from marrying a man she just met in Bali — a setup reminiscent of the classic rom-com charm Clooney and Roberts perfected over the years. The film’s lighthearted tone, paired with the undeniable chemistry between the two, became a fan favorite. However, for Clooney, it seems that was his last hurrah in the genre.
Interestingly, Roberts herself had stepped away from rom-coms for years — not due to a lack of interest, but because she felt the scripts weren’t compelling enough. “People sometimes misconstrue the amount of time that’s gone by that I haven’t done a romantic comedy as my not wanting to do one,” she told The New York Times. “If I had read something that I thought was that Notting Hill level of writing or My Best Friend’s Wedding level of madcap fun, I would do it. They didn’t exist until this movie that I just did that Ol Parker wrote and directed.”
For Clooney, though, the decision appears more final. He’s been steadily transitioning from leading man roles into projects that lean on his versatility and gravitas rather than his charm. His latest film, Wolfs, exemplifies this shift. In the thriller, directed by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home), Clooney stars alongside Brad Pitt, reuniting the duo in a gritty, action-packed story about two "lone wolf" fixers who are hired for the same job, only to realize they’ve been double-crossed. The film taps into their star power but places them in a more intense, mature setting, a far cry from the playful romances of Clooney’s earlier career.
Clooney’s evolution hasn’t been limited to acting. Over the last decade, he’s established himself as a formidable director and producer, focusing on meaningful, socially charged stories. His directorial credits include Good Night, and Good Luck, a film that earned him Oscar nominations for both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, The Ides of March, and Amazon’s The Tender Bar, which starred Ben Affleck in a widely praised performance. These projects showcase Clooney’s commitment to storytelling that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of traditional Hollywood fare, embracing nuanced, reflective narratives.
Beyond the screen, Clooney’s life has undergone significant changes. His marriage to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in 2014, followed by the birth of their twins, Alexander and Ella, in 2017, has reshaped his priorities. He’s spoken in various interviews about how fatherhood has altered his outlook on life and career. Once known as Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, Clooney now seems more content with family life and philanthropic endeavors. He and Amal continue to work through their Clooney Foundation for Justice, tackling global human rights abuses and advocating for refugees.
Still, while Clooney may be retiring from rom-coms, his legacy as a leading man in the genre is untouchable. Films like One Fine Day, Out of Sight, Intolerable Cruelty, Ocean's Eleven, Up in the Air, and The Descendants not only showcased his charisma and effortless charm but also cemented his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. His ability to balance suave sophistication with vulnerability made him a rare breed — a romantic lead with depth and authenticity.
Even as he steps away from that world, Clooney remains a commanding force in Hollywood. Whether he’s behind the camera, in front of it, or championing global causes, his influence isn’t going anywhere. Fans may no longer see him sweep someone off their feet on-screen, but they’ll undoubtedly continue to watch as he crafts compelling stories and leaves a lasting impact on the industry — in whatever form he chooses next.
