Shailene Woodley had a delightful surprise during her recent performance in the Broadway play “Cult of Love” at the Helen Hayes Theater in New York City – she spotted her former co-star, George Clooney, in the audience. Woodley, known for her role in the 2011 film “The Descendants” alongside Clooney, shared this anecdote during a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
When asked by Fallon if she preferred to be informed about special guests in the audience, Woodley initially expressed reservations. However, as the play progressed, she discovered a sheet where guests could sign in for backstage visits. To her surprise, she recognised some familiar names, including that of George Clooney. Despite the initial panic, Woodley realised that knowing about special guests could enhance her performance as she could direct her energy towards them.
As an actor, Woodley acknowledged the thrill of tailoring her performance to cater to specific audience members. She found that being aware of notable personalities in the crowd motivated her to deliver a more compelling performance. Woodley shared that several of her former colleagues, including Zoe Kravitz, Iain Armitage, Betty Gilpin, and George Clooney, attended her play “Cult of Love,” which commenced its run on December 12 after previews from November 20.
Woodley fondly recounted how she identified Clooney’s presence in the audience through his distinctive laugh, a trait she recognises from their time working together in “The Descendants.” Their on-screen chemistry in the film was praised for its authenticity, with Woodley noting how their professional relationship evolved into a personal bond. Despite the excitement of having Clooney in attendance, Woodley expressed admiration for his character and professionalism.
Their shared experience portraying a father-daughter duo in “The Descendants” cultivated a lasting connection between Woodley and Clooney, allowing them to celebrate each other’s successes in the entertainment industry. Woodley’s run in “Cult of Love,” a play revolving around adult siblings reuniting for the holidays, comes to an end on February 2, coinciding with Clooney’s upcoming Broadway debut in “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
Clooney is gearing up to star in the stage adaptation of the 2005 film that delves into CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow’s courageous stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy. This new production marks Clooney’s first foray into Broadway, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. Woodley’s experience with Clooney’s surprise visit underscores the camaraderie and respect shared among industry peers, showcasing a supportive and nurturing environment within the entertainment community.