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George Clooney and his wife Amal took Hollywood to the Seattle premiere of their new movie The Boys in the Boat on Thursday.
“Extra” sat down with George to reflect on the death of his close friend, legendary producer Norman Lear. George co-starred with television icon Lear in the classic sitcom “The Facts of Life” when he was just 24 years old.
George said: “He was 101 years old and the youngest person to walk into any room. I loved him. He was a dear friend and we had dinner together not too long ago. He made dinner magical. He was always curious, always optimistic, all things I envy. He teaches you how to grow old in the best way, and when he’s gone… I will miss you.”
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Clooney also talked about directing “Boys in the Boat,” about the members of the University of Washington rowing team that competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The film is based on the book by Daniel James Brown, George told us: “Dan will sit there and look you in the eye…we were very concerned along the way…we were able to catch and show what he was trying to tell as a story.” That was important, that was the goal. And the first time he saw it, I was nervous, but his wife and he came over and hugged me. ”
This film will be George’s ninth directorial role, but his first time directing a sports film. He said: “I was an athlete, and I still play a lot of sports. I also play basketball and baseball. I love sports movies, so I wanted to make a classic movie like this. And I wanted to make a classic movie like this. I thought it would be fun to talk about it. “
Speaking about making a boat movie, he said: “We trained them for about five months, and the funny thing is, as a coach I’m pretty easygoing, but as a rowing coach with a megaphone, I’m like, ‘Do it again!’ and shout at them. It was really fun. “
Was he on the boat with them? “I was on a yacht next to them…a heated yacht with a glass of champagne and tequila…no rowing for George…Come on, I’m 62!”
“The Boys in the Boat” will be released in theaters on Christmas Day.
