George Clooney has been spotted in New York City, where he is currently in the midst of rehearsals for the Broadway show Good Night, and Good Luck, which opens on April 3. Clooney, who co-wrote the play alongside producing partner Grant Heslov, is revisiting a familiar storyline—based on their 2005 film of the same name. While he played Fred Friendly in the movie, Clooney takes on the role of iconic broadcaster Edward R. Murrow on stage.
For this portrayal, Clooney has made a striking change to his signature look—dying his usually salt-and-pepper hair a deep shade of brown. It’s been quite a while since fans have seen Clooney without his natural gray, and the change has sparked some mixed reactions. Many recall the actor’s role as Dr. Doug Ross in ER, where his youthful, dark locks were a defining feature. Even though the ER crossover episode with Friends is still fresh in the minds of many, especially given its availability on Netflix, the darker hue on Clooney now feels like a departure from the image many have of the Hollywood star.
Despite the initial surprise of seeing Clooney’s hair a different color, the actor himself has expressed some ambivalence about the decision. He acknowledged to the New York Times last month that dyeing his hair could make him look older, admitting that “nothing makes you look older than when an older guy dyes his hair.” However, he noted that his choice to darken his hair was part of his preparation for the role, even though the process may not have been flawless. Clooney pointed out the challenges in achieving the right shade, especially with darker tones, which sometimes require multiple visits and adjustments—a fact he seems to accept with some humor.
This change, while noticeable, does not seem to detract from Clooney’s performance. In fact, the artificial look of his dyed hair may even enhance his portrayal of Murrow, given the character’s appearance and the show’s time period. Clooney will remain on Broadway until early June, which also makes Good Night, and Good Luck eligible for Tony Awards consideration. Should Clooney win a Tony, he would be just one Grammy short of achieving the prestigious EGOT status.
As for the future of his hair, it remains to be seen whether Clooney will let his natural salt-and-pepper color return after his Broadway run or if he’ll continue to maintain the darker hue. Whatever the decision, the actor’s dedication to his craft remains apparent—whether on screen, stage, or in the hair salon.
