George Clooney gives each of his friends $1 million
By Alexandra Heilbron on November 18, 2020 | 5 Comments
George Clooney, 59, who was recently named one of British GQ magazine’s “Men of the Year,” confirmed to the publication during a lengthy interview that he gave 14 of his closest friends $1 million each.
He’d bequeathed each one that amount in his will, but decided not to wait, saying, “We’re all really close, and I just thought basically if I get hit by a bus, they’re all in the will,” he tells the outlet. “So why the f**k am I waiting to get hit by a bus?”
However, not everyone in his circle believes he made the right choice. George revealed, “I remember talking to one really rich a**hole who I ran into in a hotel in Vegas — certainly a lot richer than I am.” The man had heard of George’s generosity and asked him, “Why would you do that?” George responded, “Why wouldn’t you do that, you schmuck?”
This is far from being George’s first act of generosity. He has worked for years to help people suffering from poverty and is known for giving generous donations to homeless people. He donated $25,000 to writers during the 2007 strike and is on the Board of Trustees for United Way. His humanitarian work includes efforts to stop human rights atrocities in Sudan.
George told the December/January 2021 issue of GQ his family and friends are the most important things to him, saying the 14 friends have all “over a period of 35 years, helped me in one way or another. I’ve slept on their couches when I was broke. They loaned me money when I was broke. They helped me when I needed help over the years. And I’ve helped them over the years. We’re all good friends. And I thought, you know, without them I don’t have any of this.” ~Alexandra Heilbron
Comments & Discussion
Similar Articles
Julia Roberts, George Clooney provide a “Ticket to Paradise”
October 21, 2022 | Leave a Comment
Ticket to Ride is the long-awaited comedy pairing of George Clooney and Julia Roberts and it’s everything fans have waited for. Click to read our review.
What to watch at home this week January 3 to 8, 2022
January 5, 2022 | Leave a Comment
Find out what’s streaming this week as well as what’s new on DVD and Blu-ray, including The Tender Bar directed by George Clooney and starring Ben Affleck.
George Clooney recalls fans filming his motorcycle accident
December 2, 2021 | 1 Comment
George Clooney recalls his 2018 motorcycle accident and how frustrated he felt as bystanders gathered to photograph and film him, instead of helping him.
Great idea George, but why when all your friends don’t need the money? They are all millionaires themselves, are they not? Now giving $1M to 14 regular people who could use the money would’ve been better.
Or he could give $100,000 each to 140 families in need instead and hand his friends a certificate saying, “I helped out needy families in your name etc.” I hope those friends needed the money. But if they are part of his group, it was likely pocket change for them. And the rich get richer.
I do not think it is fair in any way to question George Clooney for how he spends his money. He earned it ! . I just wish that I had managed my money better, but that is my fault, Not George’s !
Good for you Mr. Clooney. What a wonderful world you help to create! Friends and family are so important, and if they were there for you when you needed them, it’s nice that you can be there for them now. Don’t let anyone reprimand you for not doing more, or not giving to others. You do so much already……..it is ALL appreciated.
This gifting happened years ago. Also, George talked about his friends… not of them are rich / well-off, so this money (taxes were also paid on the money so it was a full million) really helped the vast majority of the group in life-changing ways. It was a great gift and very generous. Bravo…