Let’s talk about George Clooney, one of Hollywood’s most charming figures. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he opened up about the sacrifices he’s making for his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, including the decision to dye his hair black. Now, this might sound like a small detail, but George, who’s turning 63, knows that his wife, the brilliant lawyer Amal Clooney, and their two adorable kids, Alexander and Ella, aren’t exactly thrilled about it. “They’re going to laugh at me,” he joked, adding, “Nothing makes you look older than when an older guy dyes his hair.”

Stepping into the Role of Edward R. Murrow

George is set to portray the legendary CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow in the Broadway production of Good Night, and Good Luck. For those unfamiliar, Murrow was a giant in journalism, known for his fearless reporting during some of the darkest times in American history. To fully embody this iconic figure, George had to make some physical changes, including dyeing his salt-and-pepper hair black. “My kids are going to have a field day with this,” he admitted, referring to his twins, who are now 7 years old. But it’s not just about the hair—George also had to recreate Murrow’s infamous smoking habit, a nod to the newsman’s three-pack-a-day routine.

The Challenges of Playing a Smoker

Edward R. Murrow’s life was marked not only by his groundbreaking journalism but also by his well-known smoking habit, which tragically contributed to his early death from lung cancer at the age of 57. To authentically portray Murrow, George shared that he’s had to incorporate smoking into his routine, though he’s opted for herbal cigarettes during performances. “I step outside so the kids don’t see me,” he explained, revealing his dedication to the role while also prioritizing his family’s health. George, who has seen the devastating effects of smoking firsthand—losing eight uncles and aunts to lung cancer—approaches this aspect of the character with a mix of reverence and caution.

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Interestingly, George’s father never smoked and is still going strong at 91. It’s a testament to the importance of making healthy choices, even when portraying a character with less-than-ideal habits.

From Screen to Stage: A Familiar Story

The Broadway version of Good Night, and Good Luck isn’t entirely new territory for George. He previously played TV producer Fred Friendly in the 2005 film adaptation of the same story. This familiarity with the material makes his transition to the stage both exciting and challenging. “It’s like revisiting an old friend,” George said, reflecting on the process of bringing this iconic story to life in a new format.

When he’s not rehearsing or preparing for the show, George spends his time with his family, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He shared a hilarious story about his son Alexander, who idolizes Batman but has no idea that his dad once donned the cape and cowl in the 1997 film Batman & Robin. “If he ever found out, I’d lose all respect,” George joked, adding that it’s probably better for Alexander to keep his hero worship pure.

Bonding with the Family

One of George’s favorite ways to connect with his kids is through bowling, a pastime he hadn’t touched in 30 years until recently. “I thought I could still knock ‘em down like I used to,” he said, laughing at the realization that aging brings unexpected challenges. Despite this, he cherishes these moments with his family, finding joy in the shared experiences.

George Clooney Says His Kids Are Going to Laugh at Him for Dyeing His Hair After Landing New Role — Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Though George welcomed Alexander and Ella later in life, he says they’ve kept him feeling young and vibrant. “We’re driving to school, and I make them listen to heavy metal because I just love it when they sing along,” he shared with a smile. His daughter, Ella, has developed a taste for emotional ballads, favoring tracks like Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and Harry Nilsson’s “Without You.” But despite their love for melancholy music, George insists his kids are happy and well-adjusted, a source of immense pride for him.

New York City: A Family Adventure

George also opened up about relocating his family to New York City for his Broadway run. “They absolutely adore it here,” he said, noting that Amal, who attended NYU, is no stranger to the city. During an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, George expressed how much his family is enjoying their time in NYC. “How can you not love it? It’s New York City!” he exclaimed, capturing the magic of the city that never sleeps.