George Clooney has withdrawn from several commitments at the Venice Film Festival after falling ill on the first day of the event. The 64-year-old actor, who stars in Noah Baumbach's competition film Jay Kelly, abruptly ended a press junket on Wednesday and missed a private dinner.
According to insiders, Clooney began feeling unwell in the afternoon and was advised to return to his accommodation to rest ahead of a packed schedule. He was photographed leaving the Hotel Excelsior by boat around 4pm, ahead of Thursday's official press conference and the world premiere of the film.
The specific nature of his condition has not been disclosed, but sources have stressed that there is no cause for concern. His absence meant he missed a dinner attended by Baumbach, co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, and senior Netflix executives. Earlier, Clooney had been seen arriving at the Lido with Dern, appearing in good spirits in a navy suit.
The health scare comes months after the actor said he would no longer appear in romantic comedies, telling CBS News' 60 Minutes that he is "not trying to compete with 25-year-old leading men." He is currently appearing in the Broadway production Good Night, And Good Luck, playing journalist Edward R Murrow.
During the interview, Clooney also discussed press freedom and his call for Joe Biden to step aside in the US presidential race. He described a lack of courage in his party during that period, adding that he felt compelled to "tell the truth." The Mirror has approached Clooney's representatives for comment.
