George Clooney Accepted a $3 Salary For An Oscar-Nominated Film
George Clooney is a household name in Hollywood, with a couple of hit roles and movies to his name. Fans fell in love with him during his days as Dr. Doug Ross in the highly popular ER television series.
It’s not just the fans who love him. Clooney, 59, has three Golden Globe Awards and two Oscars under his belt and even topped the Forbes list of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors in 2018. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that the famous superstar accepted a paltry $3 salary for his work in the historical drama film Good Night and Good Luck.
‘Good Night and Good Luck’ is critically acclaimed
Good Night and Good Luck is a film based on the 1950s witch hunts for communists that culminates in a battle between American journalist Edward Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. The film was well-received because it highlighted the heroic role of journalism in bringing down fear-mongering and unjust political powerhouses.
According to The Guardian, Good Night and Good Luck was the perfect “Hollywood Revenge” against the infamous blacklist era of the 1940s during which movie stars and celebrities were targeted and victimized for standing against political institutions.
Clooney who was paid a dollar each for writing, directing and acting in the movie has previously explained that he had vested interests in the movie as he felt the need to raise concerns over the use of fear to stifle political debate.
George Clooney mortgaged his home to make a film
Having had a father who worked as a television journalist, the film’s theme resonated so loudly with the actor that he mortgaged his house to make it. His efforts clearly paid off as the film grossed more than $54 million worldwide. This was a huge profit considering its $7.5 million production cost.
Apart from that, Good Night and Good Luck also earned multiple nominations, including six Academy Award nominations during the 2006 Academy Awards, four Golden Globe nominations at the 2006 Golden Globe Awards and six BAFTA nominations at the 2005 BAFTA Awards.
Clooney himself received several nominations including, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and, Best Picture. His leading co-star, David Strathairn, who played the role of veteran journalist Murrow, earned an Oscar nomination for best actor. Other cast members included Marvel Superstar Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson and Frank Langella.
In 2020, Chicago based Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced plans to recreate ‘Good Night and Good Luck’ and present a world-premiere play production by end of the year.
What is George Clooney’s net worth?
Clooney remains one of Hollywood’s richest actors, and he is not shy about it. The celebrity did confirm to GQ that he rewarded 14 of his close friends a million dollars in cash each, as a show of gratitude. Celebrity Net worth estimates the actor’s wealth at $500,000. Out of this, $200,000 is from his film and TV career, with Ocean’s Eleven topping his acting salary at $20 million.
A shrewd entrepreneur, Clooney amassed a huge part of his wealth from the sale of his liquor brand, Casamigos Tequila, to alcohol conglomerate Diageo. The actor has also appeared in various commercials for Nespresso, Fiat, Martini Vermouth, and Omega.
That said, Insider reports that Clooney received an upfront salary of $3 for Good Night, and Good Luck.
Clooney also owns a couple of properties with his British-Lebanese wife, Amal Clooney. Their real estate portfolio is valued at $100 million and includes a six-bedroom California mansion and a New York City apartment.
Although the couple also owns property worth millions in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, England, the Clooney’s most famous property is a 15 bedroom villa on Lake Como, Italy. Clooney purchased the property in 2002 for a reported $30 million. The multi-millionaire celebrity is also renowned for his philanthropic and humanitarian projects.
