George Clooney Forced to Skip Venice Film Festival Duties – Details

Where did George Clooney go? The actor quietly pulled out of several major promotional events without explanation, and now, a representative has finally revealed why.

George Clooney touched down in Venice on August 26, 2025, alongside wife Amal Clooney, ready to support his latest film, but just two days later, the 64-year-old star had quietly withdrawn from all official Venice Film Festival events, making his absence impossible to ignore.

He was expected to promote the Netflix film "Jay Kelly," directed by Noah Baumbach, alongside co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern. But Clooney was a no-show at the film's press junket and skipped a high-profile dinner with the cast.

Clooney Seen Leaving as Events Roll On

At around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, George was reportedly seen boarding a water taxi as he left the Hotel Excelsior to rest, missing nearly every major press obligation scheduled for the day.

His absence continued into Thursday, August 28, when he also failed to attend the film's official press conference, prompting questions about his sudden withdrawal.

Festival organizers eventually confirmed that the actor was ill and recovering, with the possibility that he could still appear on the red carpet later. The film director also stated at the time, "Even movie stars get sick."

Rep Reveals Reason for Abrupt Exit

Later, a spokesperson for the actor released an official statement, "George has been diagnosed with a sinus infection and is under doctor's orders to cut back all activities today, the representative said, according to Fox News Digital.

Before his sudden disappearance from the Venice Film Festival, George was seen in an entirely different setting.

As previously reported, the couple was spotted on a serene family outing on Italy's Lake Como, joined by close friends, including George's co-star Adam.

The group made their way to the nearby Villa d'Este, a luxury hotel and restaurant on the lake. A now-deleted Instagram post from The Spotlight offered a glimpse into the couple's private family life, seldom seen despite their high-profile status.

What turned heads wasn't the opulence, but the presence of the couple's rarely seen eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, who have remained almost entirely out of the spotlight since birth.

George has spoken candidly in the past about how fatherhood came as a complete surprise — to him and his 47-year-old wife.

"We didn't plan on it. We never talked about it until after we were married, which is funny," George previously said. "There was an assumption that we didn't want them. And then, after the wedding, Amal and I were talking and we just felt we'd gotten very lucky, both of us, and we should share whatever good luck we've got."

The couple learned they were expecting during a doctor's visit in London, and the surprise only deepened. The movie star recalled how the doctor pointed to one baby on the monitor, then quickly pointed to a second. "I was like, 'What?'" George said.

The twins were born a month early, on June 6, at St. Mary's Hospital in London. Alexander arrived first, weighing five and a half pounds. Ella followed just under two minutes later at four and a half pounds.

George, then 56, described the moment as surreal: parenthood didn't feel real, he said, until it suddenly was.

In the years since, the Clooneys have shifted into a quieter, more private rhythm, trading premieres for playtime, and red carpets for lake views.

Scroll down to see the photos that trace this remarkable journey — from jet-set glam to lakeside family life.

From a Dashing Heartthrob to a Silver Fox

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Amal Clooney's Ageless Beauty

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The Happiest Parents

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Rare Photos of Ella & Alexander Clooney

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