George Clooney Recalls When Frank Sinatra Yelled at Him: A Hollywood Tale

George Clooney shares a memorable story about Frank Sinatra's rare outburst, offering a glimpse into his early days in showbiz and the legendary Rat Pack era.

A Star's Early Days Behind the Wheel

Imagine being a young George Clooney, not yet the Hollywood heavyweight we know today, but simply the driver for your glamorous aunt, Rosemary Clooney — a legendary singer in her own right. That’s exactly where Clooney's story begins, unveiling a fascinating slice of his journey before hitting stardom.

"I was my Aunt Rosemary’s driver when she was singing," Clooney reminisced. "I hadn’t known her much when I was young because I lived in Kentucky. She was the Hollywood aunt. So I came out to make a living and I was her driver."

Driving wasn't just about chauffeuring the glamorous crowd. For Clooney, it was an eye-opening crash course in the highs and lows of fame. “I got to drive [her] and Tony Bennett, and all of these really wonderful singers around for a year. I got a really good life lesson in success and failure, and handling it.”

This early chapter of his life connected Clooney to a glittering world of music legends and larger-than-life personalities — a world where Frank Sinatra reigned supreme.

When Frankie Got Mad: The Sinatra Yell

If you think Frank Sinatra was all velvet-voiced charm and smooth charisma, think again. Clooney recalls the time Sinatra actually yelled at him, a moment both humorous and revealing about the icon’s fiery side.

The clash happened over a boycott Clooney led concerning press freedoms. “I remember he was mad at me once because I led a boycott about [...] some press freedoms, and he called me because people thought he was sick and there were helicopters flying over his [home],” Clooney explained.

“And he called me going, ‘It’s not working what you’re doing!’” Clooney laughed, remembering the legendary voice that once bellowed at him.

“He was great,” Clooney added with a fond chuckle. “I got yelled at by Frank Sinatra!”

It’s a delightful anecdote that showcases the human side behind the legend — Sinatra, protective of his privacy and unafraid to express it, and Clooney, young and learning the ropes in Hollywood’s complex social web.

George Clooney attending a Los Angeles premiere, reflecting on his Hollywood experiences.

Clooney’s Continued Hollywood Legacy and Upcoming Projects

From those early days driving his aunt to becoming a Hollywood icon himself, Clooney’s journey mirrors the evolution of showbiz through decades.

Fans of the slick heist thriller Ocean’s 11 will be thrilled to hear that Ocean’s 14 is likely to begin shooting in 2026. Clooney revealed that Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are expected to join the sequel, reprising their roles as the charismatic crew of con artists.

The original Ocean’s 11 (2001) was a modern remake of the 1960 Rat Pack classic starring Sinatra himself. Clooney’s connection to Sinatra runs deeper than anecdotes—he has become part of a legacy that began with Frank and his crew.

A New Comedy Spotlight: Jay Kelly

Clooney’s latest film, Jay Kelly, offers fans a fresh side of the actor, blending humor with his signature charm. The film, also starring Adam Sandler, premiered in Los Angeles and is set for a November 14 cinema release.

The comedy has already received warm praise, with critic Matthew Turner describing it as “easily one of the Hollywood heavyweight’s most enjoyable performances to date.”

Wrapping It Up: Hollywood Legends and Lessons

From chauffeuring legends like Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett to getting a rare dressing-down from Frank Sinatra himself, George Clooney's tales remind us that the road to stardom is often paved with unexpected encounters and life lessons.

Whether it’s the roar of Sinatra’s voice or the quiet moments behind the wheel, these experiences helped shape the actor we admire today.

FAQ

• How did George Clooney start his career?
  Clooney began by working as a driver for his aunt, singer Rosemary Clooney, which exposed him to the entertainment world early on.
• What was the reason behind Frank Sinatra yelling at Clooney?
  Sinatra was upset because Clooney led a boycott regarding press freedoms, which caused unwanted media attention around Sinatra’s home.
• Is there an upcoming Ocean’s movie with Clooney?
  Yes, Ocean’s 14 is likely to start filming in 2026, featuring Clooney alongside Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
• What is George Clooney's latest film?
  His latest film is Jay Kelly, a comedy also starring Adam Sandler, released in cinemas on November 14.
• How was Jay Kelly received by critics?
  It received positive reviews, with some calling Clooney’s performance one of his most enjoyable to date.

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