Is George Clooney Still Upset About Losing the Role in ‘Thelma & Louise’ to Brad Pitt?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- George Clooney expressed regret over losing a key role to Brad Pitt.
- The film “Thelma & Louise” was crucial in launching Pitt's career.
- Clooney avoided watching the film for many years due to his frustration.
- He later became famous for his role in “ER”.
- Clooney has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career.
Los Angeles, Dec 3 (NationPress) Renowned Hollywood actor George Clooney expressed his lingering disappointment over losing the character of J.D. in Ridley Scott’s iconic 1991 film “Thelma & Louise” to his good friend Brad Pitt.
Clooney shared with The Sunday Times: “I reached the final audition for the role in ‘Thelma & Louise.’ And, Brad secured it.”
“For years, I avoided watching ‘Thelma & Louise’ because I was frustrated. The role was pivotal in launching his film career. Prior to that, he was appearing in sitcoms and less significant roles, so when it was the opportunity that could’ve propelled my career?”
Within the film, J.D. is portrayed as a charming drifter who ignites a brief romance with Thelma, played by Geena Davis. As Clooney observed, the film solidified Pitt’s status as a major box office draw. Following this, Pitt starred in critically acclaimed films such as “A River Runs Through It,” “Interview with the Vampire,” “Se7en,” and “12 Monkeys,” according to reports from variety.com.
The star of “Jay Kelly” also mentioned that Pitt frequently jokes with him about landing the role in “Thelma and Louise.”
“Oh yes, he still teases me,” Clooney remarked.
“However, when I finally saw it, I thought, well, it had to be that guy.”
Clooney had to wait several years after the debut of “Thelma & Louise” to achieve his own stardom. He became widely recognized for his role as Dr. Doug Ross on “ER” from 1994 to 1999.
In 1997, he was cast as the iconic Caped Crusader in Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin.” A year later, he starred in the film that solidified his leading man status: Steven Soderbergh’s 1998 thriller “Out of Sight.”
Clooney has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
His honors include the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2015, the Honorary Cesar in 2017, the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2018, and the Kennedy Center Honor in 2022.