London, UK — (CNN) — In an emotional press conference held earlier today, Amal Clooney, the renowned international human rights lawyer and wife of award-winning actor and filmmaker George Clooney, tearfully announced heartbreaking news that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and fans worldwide.
“George passed away peacefully this morning,” Amal said through tears, her voice trembling with emotion. “He was surrounded by family, love, and music — the way he would have wanted.”
The 64-year-old icon, best known for his roles in Ocean’s Eleven, Michael Clayton, Up in the Air, and his Oscar-nominated screenplay Good Night, and Good Luck, reportedly died in his family home on Lake Como, Italy. Sources close to the family confirmed that Clooney had been privately battling a rare neurological condition, which he chose to keep out of the public eye.
A Private Battle
According to a family spokesperson, George Clooney had been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a degenerative disease that affects balance, movement, vision, speech, and swallowing. Though he maintained his public appearances with poise and charm, his final months were increasingly spent in seclusion, surrounded by those closest to him.
“George didn’t want pity. He wanted joy,” Amal stated. “He spent his last days writing letters, listening to jazz, and reflecting on a life well lived.”
The couple, married since 2014, were widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most elegant and enduring power couples. Their shared passion for justice, humanitarian work, and privacy made them a unique and respected pair in the entertainment world.
A Storied Career
George Clooney’s career spanned over four decades, beginning with his breakout role as Dr. Doug Ross on ER in the 1990s. He quickly transitioned into film, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in cinema and earning multiple Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
However, Clooney wasn’t just an actor. He was also a gifted director, producer, and screenwriter. His 2005 historical drama Good Night, and Good Luck, which he co-wrote and directed, earned six Oscar nominations and solidified his status as a thoughtful and socially engaged storyteller.
In recent years, Clooney focused more on directing and humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict zones such as Darfur and Syria. Together with Amal, he co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which provides legal support for victims of human rights abuses.
Tributes Pour In
As news of Clooney’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in from around the world. President Barack Obama tweeted, “George Clooney was more than a gifted actor—he was a conscience. A storyteller. A humanitarian. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Amal and the Clooney family.”
Actor Brad Pitt, Clooney’s longtime friend and co-star, wrote: “I’ve lost a brother today. George had the rare gift of making everyone in the room feel seen, valued, and entertained. I will miss his wit, his warmth, and his courage.”
Julia Roberts, who starred opposite Clooney in multiple films, shared an emotional Instagram post: “My heart is broken. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the love. Rest easy, my dear friend.”
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond his films and activism, George Clooney will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to integrity in an industry often accused of valuing fame over substance. He turned down countless blockbuster roles in favor of more meaningful projects. He advocated for journalistic freedom, supported disaster relief efforts, and consistently used his platform to speak out against injustice.
“He lived a life full of purpose,” Amal said. “To the world, he was a star. To us, he was simply George — a loving husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend.”
George Clooney is survived by Amal and their twin children, Ella and Alexander. The family has requested privacy in the coming days and has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
