George Clooney Says His Twins Alexander and Ella, 8, Are ‘Slowly Figuring Out’ He’s an Actor (Exclusive)

George Clooney recently discussed his twin children’s growing understanding of his career during the 51st Chaplin Award Gala, where he was honoured for his significant contributions to film. The renowned actor took a moment to reflect on his parenting journey and how his eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, are beginning to grasp what he does for a living.

Clooney, who has achieved much in his career, expressed that it can be challenging to revisit his earlier films. He noted that, as he ages, watching his younger self can evoke a mix of nostalgia and surprise. “It’s a weird thing. As you get older, it’s hard to watch movies when you were younger because you’re like, holy s–t, that doesn’t even look like me anymore,” he remarked. However, he finds some comfort in sharing certain films with his children, particularly the animated feature “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” which features his voice but does not centre on his likeness.

“It’s kind of fun because the kids are slowly figuring out what I do for a living, you know?” said Clooney, revealing that this is a new but enjoyable experience for him as a father. He highlighted that while looking back can often be difficult, the perspective shifts as one ages. With his 65th birthday approaching, he acknowledged that his future seems shorter, hinting at a willingness to embrace his past when the time feels right.

Accompanying his reflections on his career was a glimpse into family life, as Clooney confessed there’s some confusion regarding Mother’s Day due to living abroad. “In Europe, Mother’s Day is like a month earlier, so you get messed up. You got like two Mother’s Days,” he explained. He admitted that managing celebrations can be challenging, yet he makes it work, celebrating both dates for the sake of his family.

The actor also opened up about how his priorities have shifted since marrying Amal Clooney and welcoming their children. He recalled how celebrating his own birthday was less complicated before his family expanded, but he now finds joy in sharing those moments with his kids. “It’s a fun time. We’ll have a really good time with the kids,” Clooney said enthusiastically, looking forward to celebrating his birthday, which falls just before Mother’s Day.

Commenting on Halloween, Clooney has previously shared that his children actively participate in the festivities, showing distinct personalities. His son, who dressed as Batman last Halloween, hadn’t seen the 1997 film “Batman & Robin” in which Clooney starred. Clooney recounted, “I always say to him, ‘You know I was Batman.’ He’s always like, ‘No.’ It was only a few weeks later that he watched it for the first time.”

In contrast, Clooney noted that his daughter Ella has a preference for darker themes, opting to dress as a witch rather than a traditional princess. “She doesn’t like all the princess stuff. She likes to be the evil witch,” he explained, showcasing the differences in personality and interests between his children.

Clooney’s reflections highlight the nuances of parenthood, particularly in balancing a distinguished career with family life. As he continues to navigate this journey, it is evident that his children are not just learning about their father’s past, but also shaping their own identities and choices through their imaginative play.

With his successful career in Hollywood and his role as a dedicated father, Clooney embodies the challenges and joys that many parents face today. As he embraces this new chapter, he continues to focus on creating lasting memories with Alexander and Ella, while also acknowledging his own past in the entertainment industry.