George Clooney is stepping onto Broadway with a fresh new look just weeks before his highly anticipated debut. The 63-year-old actor was spotted at Raoul’s, a popular French restaurant located in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, flaunting dark brown hair—a significant departure from his signature salt-and-pepper style.
This hair transformation occurred on March 9, 2025, as Clooney prepares to take on the role of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow in the play Good Night, and Good Luck. Opening night is set for April 3, with preview performances starting on March 12. This marks Clooney's first lead role on stage, stepping onto Broadway two decades after he directed and starred as Fred Friendly, Murrow's producer, in the 2005 film adaptation.
Despite his excitement, he expressed some humorous reservations about the new hair color. "My wife is going to hate it because nothing makes you look older than when an older guy dyes his hair," he remarked, adding, "My kids are going to just laugh at me nonstop," as reported by the New York Times.
While Clooney has always embraced his gray hair, this drastic change brings to light his commitment to the character. Interestingly, he is also planning to change his smoking habits for the role. Despite Murrow’s notorious chain-smoking—up to 60 cigarettes a day—Clooney noted his intention to switch to herbal cigarettes, saying, "I had to get just the right inhale... so I go outside so the kids don’t see and smoke a little bit. But I'm done with the real thing once I take the stage next month.
Clooney’s transition to Broadway has not been without its anxieties. He admitted to feeling some jitters about his upcoming performance. Discussing the intense preparation, he noted, “Are you kidding? I’m doing 11 monologues. When you get older, your recall isn’t the same...” His concerns mimic those of many actors making their stage debuts, balancing anticipation and nerves.
His Broadway rendition of Good Night, and Good Luck is directed by David Cromer, and is touted to reflect on the golden age of journalism. Audiences can expect to see the themes of truth and media integrity brought to life as the play portrays Murrow’s famous confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy.
The project is close to Clooney’s heart, and he has been pushing to breathe new life back onto the stage for years. He shared, “I haven’t done a play in 40 years—literally 40 years... I was like, I’m too old and I haven’t ever done a Broadway play ... I don’t think I can do it, but if you’re nervous about it, you might as well do it.”
Fellow actors and audiences are undoubtedly eager to witness Clooney’s portrayal of Murrow, especially as the themes of the play resonate strongly with today’s media environment. His commitment to authentically embrace the character, even down to altering his hair and smoking habits, showcases not only his dedication but also his belief in the importance of delivering the narrative with authenticity.
This Broadway allocation promises to be more than just another performance—Clooney believes the play holds significant relevance, emphasizing the need for stories steeped in truth today: “It feels like it’s less about the press and more about truth. Facts matter,” he explained.
For those interested, tickets for the show are already available, with orchestra pricing starting at $159. Fans can find more information and purchase tickets on the show’s official website.
Meanwhile, Clooney’s appearance at Raoul’s, alongside his wife Amal—who looked stylish herself in flared trousers and oversized sunglasses—reveals the personal side of this Hollywood couple. The pair, who were joined by their attorney friend Kevin Johnson, seemed relaxed and happy, even as they prepare for the whirlwind attached to the upcoming play.
George Clooney’s leap to Broadway ends months of continuous preparations and changes, hinting at not only new creative pursuits but the potential for renewed life on the stage as he navigates this fresh chapter as Edward R. Murrow. Can we expect his illustrious acting career to shift gears as he embraces this endeavor? With the play’s debut imminent, the performances are surely going to draw significant attention, not just for Clooney’s name but for the bold narratives he chooses to present