Although acting genes ran through Clooney's blood, with actress/singer Rosemary Clooney as aunt, it took him a string of commercials and bit parts on shows like The Golden Girls before Clooney became one of the most admired actors of our time.

Clooney's first major role came in 1994 when he landed the role as Dr. Ross on the NBC drama ER. Since this groundbreaking role, Clooney has starred in numerous hit films, becoming a Hollywood heartthrob and one of Hollywood's most distinguished leading men.

Except for a short marriage in the late '80s, Clooney has remained a bachelor—and a proud one at that. He has even stated obstinately that he will never get remarried and that he has no desire to have children of his own. His success with women off camera mirrors his work on.

Since Clooney's run on Emmy Award winning ER, he has won many awards, including a 2001 Golden Globe for Best Actor for his work in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and a 2006 Golden Globe for Best Actor for his work in the controversial Syriana, for which he also earned the 2006 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Clooney has also been acknowledged for his work behind the camera with his 2006 Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Director for Good Night, and Good Luck. More recently, Clooney was nominated for a 2008 Best Actor Golden Globe for his lead role as Michael Clayton in the hit film Michael Clayton.