George Clooney is one of the most popular and acclaimed actors in Hollywood. Before becoming a household name on shows like ER and films like Ocean’s Eleven, Clooney attended college in Kentucky and Ohio. Here is a look at George Clooney’s educational background.
George Clooney’s Early Life
George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6, 1961 in Lexington, Kentucky. His mother, Nina Bruce, was a former beauty queen. His father, Nick Clooney, was an anchorman and television host. Due to his father’s career, the family moved frequently during Clooney’s childhood.
In high school, Clooney showed an interest in sports and acting. He tried out for the Cincinnati Reds in 1977 but did not make the team. Around this time, he began pursuing acting.
Northern Kentucky University
After graduating high school, George Clooney attended Northern Kentucky University from 1979 to 1981. He initially majored in broadcast journalism. However, he became interested in acting and changed his major to theater.
While at Northern Kentucky University, Clooney was active in school plays and cut his teeth in local theaters. In 1981, he landed his first major TV role in the sitcom E/R (not to be confused with the later medical drama ER he starred in). The sitcom was short-lived, ending after one season.
University of Cincinnati
After Northern Kentucky University, Clooney transferred to the University of Cincinnati. He continued to study broadcast journalism from 1982 to 1984. During this time, he also took acting classes at the Tony Award-winning Cincinnati Playhouse.
Through the Playhouse, Clooney was able to land small roles and get experience on camera. However, he became frustrated with living in his famous father’s shadow in the Cincinnati area. In 1982, against his father’s wishes, Clooney dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time.
Acting Career Takes Off
Although he never graduated college, dropping out proved to be the right move for Clooney. He spent the mid-1980s appearing in various television shows until his big break came in 1994 with the hit medical drama ER.
From there, Clooney catapulted to movie stardom. His films include the Ocean’s trilogy, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Michael Clayton, Up in the Air, and Gravity. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Syriana in 2006.
While Clooney did not obtain a college degree, attending Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati gave him his introduction to acting on stage and camera. Those experiences paved the way for his phenomenally successful career in Hollywood.
FAQ: Where Did George Clooney Go To College?
Where did George Clooney first go to college?
George Clooney first went to college at Northern Kentucky University from 1979-1981. He majored in broadcast journalism before switching to theater.
What college did George Clooney transfer to?
After Northern Kentucky University, Clooney transferred to the University of Cincinnati from 1982-1984. He continued studying broadcast journalism.
Did George Clooney graduate from college?
No, George Clooney did not graduate from college. He dropped out of the University of Cincinnati in 1982 to pursue acting full time, against his father’s wishes.
What did George Clooney study in college?
Clooney studied broadcast journalism at both Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati. However, he became more interested in theater and acting in college.
Where did George Clooney get his acting start?
Clooney got his start acting in local theater productions while attending Northern Kentucky University. His college experiences helped him land his first major TV role in 1981 and small parts through the Cincinnati Playhouse.