Clark Gregg Reflects on Witnessing George Clooney’s Debut Stage Performance in 1986
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Clark Gregg, the esteemed actor known for his roles in various film and television projects, recently shared a nostalgic anecdote about his experience watching George Clooney’s first-ever stage performance back in 1986. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the premiere of Netflix’s “Zero Day” in New York City, Gregg fondly recalled his encounter with Clooney, his co-star in the Broadway production of “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
Gregg reminisced about seeing a young and promising Clooney take the stage in a play in Chicago over three decades ago, describing him as “wonderful.” According to Gregg, Clooney revealed that the 1986 play was the only other theatrical production he had been a part of apart from their current Broadway show.
George Clooney’s theatrical debut occurred in Denis Spedaliere’s play “Vicious,” where he portrayed a character named Sid Vicious, inspired by the Sex Pistols musician. Clooney’s performance as a prostitute and drug dealer in the production at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company left a lasting impression on those who watched him on stage.
Clooney himself has acknowledged that his involvement in “Vicious” marked a significant turning point in his career, instilling in him a newfound confidence and affirmation that he belonged in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with The New Yorker, Clooney described the role as providing comedic relief and a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.
Fast forward to the present day, and Clooney is on the brink of making his highly anticipated Broadway debut in the stage adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” a project based on the 2005 film of the same name that Clooney directed, co-wrote, and starred in. Directed by Tony winner David Cromer, the play delves into the real-life narrative of journalist Edward R. Murrow’s courageous exposé on Senator Joseph McCarthy.
As Clooney prepares to step into the iconic role of Murrow for the Broadway rendition, his co-star Gregg, who brings his own wealth of stage experience to the production, expressed his excitement about returning to the prestigious Broadway stage. Gregg, who previously appeared in the original production of “A Few Good Men” in 1989, highlighted the joy of reuniting with the live theatre environment.
With rehearsals well underway and the show slated to debut at the Winter Garden Theatre on March 12, the cast of “Good Night, and Good Luck” is gearing up for an impactful theatrical presentation. Alongside Clooney and Gregg, the ensemble includes a talented lineup of actors such as Mac Brandt, Will Dagger, Christopher Denham, Glenn Fleshler, and Ilana Glazer.
Despite his illustrious career in film and television, Clooney has candidly shared the challenges of transitioning back to the stage, particularly in terms of memorizing his lines. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Clooney humorously recounted his struggles with recalling dialogue, joking about forgetting even his children’s names amidst the memorization process.
As the entertainment industry buzzes with anticipation for Clooney’s Broadway debut and the upcoming production of “Good Night, and Good Luck,” audiences await the opportunity to witness the magic of live theatre unfold on stage. With a stellar cast, a compelling narrative, and seasoned performers at the helm, the stage is set for a theatrical experience that promises to captivate and inspire theatre enthusiasts worldwide.