George Clooney has opened up about how he handled live audience protests during the Broadway run of his politically charged play Good Night, And Good Luck. The 64-year-old actor and filmmaker, speaking with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, shared that audience members from across the political spectrum have interrupted performances — and he’s taken it in stride.
“From both sides, we’ve had them yell ‘Resist!’ and stand up and scream, and we’ve had others stand up and yell on the other side. That’s OK,” Clooney explained.
Clooney plays renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow in the stage production, a role he also portrayed in the 2005 film adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck, which he directed. Rather than break character during disruptions, Clooney revealed he chose to respond to protestors while staying firmly in the role of Murrow.
“As a reporter, I’ve covered protests. I believe our nation was founded on protest and in the great traditions of the First Amendment and the Constitution, I hope you feel satisfied with your protest and now, you’ll sit down and let everybody else…” he would say to those interrupting the show.
When asked by Cooper if his approach had the intended effect, Clooney replied, “I think it does, kind of. I think people wanted to make their point.”
The actor, known for his activism and strong political stances, acknowledged the complexities of presenting politically loaded content in a deeply polarized climate. “It’s hard to really argue against speaking truth to power, because it cuts both ways. Both of the powers don’t really want to be challenged all that often,” he observed.
Despite the interruptions, Clooney’s calm and in-character responses seem to have de-escalated tensions during the performances. His comments reflect not only his dedication to the role but also his belief in the power of free speech and the importance of maintaining dialogue, even in uncomfortable moments.
Clooney’s nuanced handling of protestors has added yet another layer to the already politically charged atmosphere of Good Night, and Good Luck, reaffirming the play’s core message: the press must hold power to account, no matter the resistance.