Hollywood veteran George Clooney was forced to step away from the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival this week, after being diagnosed with a sinus infection.
The 64-year-old actor missed a string of high-profile events for his upcoming Netflix release Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, his team confirmed on Thursday.
“George has been diagnosed with a sinus infection and is under doctor’s orders to cut back all activities today,” Clooney’s representative told Fox News Digital.
The Academy Award winner was expected to appear at a press junket for Jay Kelly alongside co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, but was noticeably absent. He also skipped a star-studded dinner scheduled later that evening.
According to local reports, Clooney was spotted discreetly leaving the Hotel Excelsior by water taxi around 4 p.m. Wednesday to rest, avoiding nearly all scheduled press obligations. His absence continued into Thursday, when he also missed the film’s official press conference.
During the event, the moderator acknowledged his absence to assembled journalists:
“As you may know, George Clooney is not going to be here because he has a bad sinus infection. We really hope, and I think he should be on the red carpet tonight. But he is very sorry he cannot be with us.”
Director Noah Baumbach added some levity to the moment, joking: “Even movie stars get sick.”
Despite the setback, Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, made a stylish entrance upon their arrival in Venice earlier in the week. The couple, who have become synonymous with Hollywood glamour, were seen stepping off a boat in coordinated Italian Riviera–inspired outfits. Amal dazzled in a halter-neck yellow dress cinched with a gold belt, accessorized with statement earrings and a white mini-purse. Clooney kept things classic with a black polo, beige trousers, and brown suede loafers, his signature sunglasses completing the look.
The actor has recently drawn attention for his changing hair color, having temporarily dyed his signature silver locks for his Broadway role in Good Night, and Good Luck. Speaking on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Clooney admitted he hadn’t touched up the dye in two months. “It’s bad. It’s still dark on top, but it’s gray at the bottom,” he said with a laugh, confessing he often wore a hat to cover the grow-out.
Clooney and Amal married in Venice in 2014 after a whirlwind engagement, making the city especially meaningful for the couple. They welcomed twins Alexander and Ella in 2017.
With Jay Kelly set to premiere, fans are hoping Clooney recovers quickly to join the cast on the red carpet.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
