George Clooney says he will make his wife sit in the back row for his Broadway debut—his reason makes sense
If you've accomplished something important, you’d want your loved ones at the forefront to celebrate with you. The latter is more special when you have those special people holding your hand or even watching you with pride. When actors have debuts or premieres, they often ensure their loved ones are in the elite seats, close to them. However, actor George Clooney, who is set to make his Broadway debut with an adaptation of the 2005 Oscar-nominated movie, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” has other plans, per CBS News. The 63-year-old noted that his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, would be seated at the back during his performance. His reason has us impressed.
The actor is set to go live with his skills on April 3 on Broadway and it is a one-of-a-kind experience for him. Having been on the screen for legendary roles, such as “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Batman and Robin” and “Ticket to Paradise,” among others, this experience is going to be a different one. Having written the screenplay for the movie and the play, Clooney is thrilled with a rollercoaster of emotions. The play features the story of pioneering journalist Edward R. Murrow, starring Clooney. The actor who played Fred Friendly, Murrow’s producer in the movie, mentioned that a decade ago, at 42, he didn’t feel ready to play a strong character such as Murrow’s.
“Journalism and telling the truth to power has to be waged like war is waged. It doesn't just happen accidentally. You know, it takes people saying, ‘We're gonna do these stories and you're gonna have to come after us.’ And that's the way it is,” he remarked. It gives a glimpse of the pressure he has to ace this tough and profound role. Directed by David Cromer, the play revolves around the themes of intimidation and truth and requires a solid, serious and heavy skill to bring it to life. Acting on screen is one thing and performing live is another. Clooney understood the difference as he began gearing up for the play.
With so much effort in place and the thirst to deliver, for him, every bit of his work is crucial. Then why would he not want his wife at the front, supporting and encouraging him? He has a splendid reason. Clooney’s wife and kids moved from Europe to New York to support the actor as he prepared for the play. However, as the play unveils on April 3, Clooney is determined that Amal will be at the “very, very back” of the rows. His decision was revealed in response to one of the statements during the interview following the mention of his wife’s presence among the audience.
The interviewer said that the audience “can see you, you–you can see them too,” firsthand, in person. Clooney then responded, “I'm not looking at them. I'm putting my wife in the very, very, very back.” Clooney revealed the reason behind the idea—to focus on his role and deliver the best. “I mean, look at this place. This is proper old Broadway. And it's exciting to be here, you know? Let's not kid ourselves. It's nerve-wracking and there are a million reasons why it's dumb to do. Well, it's dumb to do because you're coming out and saying, ‘Well, let's try to get an audience to take this ride with you back to 1954,’” he remarked. It is sure going to be an experience of a lifetime and thousands are anticipating him in the action—right before their eyes, and he's undoubtedly going to deliver a performance to remember.