George Clooney Admits to Drug Use in the ’80s but Says ‘It Was Never a Big Issue for Me at All’

George Clooney Reveals Past Drug Use in the 1980s

In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, renowned actor George Clooney candidly opened up about his experiences with drug use during his early years in Hollywood. The Oscar winner, now 64, admitted to experimenting with drugs such as cocaine (‘blow’) in the 1980s, stating that it was never a significant issue for him. Clooney reflected on a specific instance in 1982 when he tried cocaine, mentioning that back then, there was a perception that it was not as addictive as other drugs like heroin. However, he later realised the harmful effects and the substances the cocaine was mixed with, like mannitol, which had laxative properties.

Clooney also discussed his limited encounters with marijuana, stating that it was not his preferred drug of choice. He recounted an experience from about 15 years ago when he and some friends consumed weed brownies while watching The Wizard of Oz set to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, leading to a surreal and prolonged state of intoxication. The actor humorously described how they sat in silence for hours after the movie ended, underlining that marijuana was not the right fit for him.

While acknowledging his past alcohol consumption habits, Clooney emphasised that he never had a serious drinking problem but would occasionally indulge in alcohol. However, during his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, Clooney decided to go sober, except for an occasional glass of wine on Sundays. Following the 2025 Tony Awards, where he was nominated but did not win, Clooney celebrated by getting thoroughly drunk, reminiscent of his youthful partying days.

The actor confessed to Esquire that he returned home in a heavily inebriated state with his wife, Amal, causing him to reflect on his binge-drinking episode the next day. Describing himself as “high school drunk” and feeling the consequences of his excessive drinking, Clooney shared this anecdote to illustrate the balance between indulgence and restraint in his life. Despite such anecdotes, he remains focused on his career, with his current project being ‘Jay Kelly,’ a film directed by Noah Baumbach, co-starring actors like Adam Sandler and Laura Dern.

‘Jay Kelly’ follows the journey of famous actor Jay Kelly, portrayed by Clooney, and his manager Ron, played by Sandler, as they navigate a transformative adventure throughout Europe. The film delves into the complexities of their choices, relationships, and legacies. Scheduled for a theatrical release on November 14th, ‘Jay Kelly’ will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 5th, offering audiences a glimpse into the nuanced performances of the cast.

Clooney’s willingness to discuss his personal experiences with substances and alcohol sheds light on the complexities of navigating fame and youthful temptations in the entertainment industry. As a seasoned actor with a diverse body of work, his reflections on past behaviours demonstrate a sense of self-awareness and growth, adding depth to his public persona. This openness about his journey with drugs and alcohol serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of celebrity life and the importance of mindful choices in the pursuit of a fulfilling career.