George Clooney Recalls Driving Tony Bennett and Getting Yelled At by Frank Sinatra

Los Angeles: Hollywood icon George Clooney recently reflected on his early days in the industry, reminiscing about his time driving legendary performers — including Tony Bennett — and even getting scolded by Frank Sinatra.

The 64-year-old actor walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film, Jay Kelly, where he took a nostalgic look back at his beginnings in Hollywood, People magazine reported.

When asked if he had any fond memories involving his late aunt, celebrated singer Rosemary Clooney (who passed away in 2002), Clooney shared that one of his first jobs was serving as her driver while trying to find his footing in Hollywood.

“I remember being on the road when I was my Aunt Rosemary’s driver when she was singing,” Clooney recalled. “I hadn’t known her much when I was young because I lived in Kentucky. She was the Hollywood aunt. So I came out to make a living and I was her driver. I got to drive her, Tony Bennett, and all these really wonderful singers around for a year.”

Reflecting on those experiences, the Ocean’s Eleven star said they taught him valuable lessons about humility and resilience. “I got a really good life lesson in success and failure, and handling it,” he said. “I always remember that I felt very lucky to get that lesson early on.”

Clooney also fondly recounted an unforgettable moment when he found himself on the receiving end of Frank Sinatra’s frustration. “I remember he was mad at me once because I led this boycott about some press freedoms, and he called me because people thought he was sick and there were helicopters flying over his house,” Clooney said. “He told me, ‘It’s not working what you’re doing.’ But he was great.”

With a laugh, Clooney added, “I got yelled at by Frank Sinatra,” calling it a badge of honor.

The Oscar-winning actor also spoke about the importance of long-lasting friendships, emphasizing how staying close to the people who knew him before fame has helped keep him grounded throughout his decades-long career.

With inputs from IANS